Gujaratis Don’t Break Ice, They Share Chai/Chaa. Because life in Gujarat doesn’t pause, it perks up with chai.

If there’s one thing Gujaratis take more seriously than their morning bargains at the mandi, it’s their chai. Be it 6 AM or 11 PM, a true-blue Gujarati never says no to “ek kadak cup.” From tapri gossip to big dhandho decisions, chai is the unsaid co-founder in every Gujarati venture.

And of course, no Gujarati chai story is complete without mentioning Jethalal. His classic, “Chai piyo, biscuit khao!” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a reminder of how chai brings people together, no matter what’s brewing in life’s drama.

Chai Bina Chain Kahan Re!

So, what better day to celebrate this obsession than International Tea Day 2025? With the theme “Tea for Better Lives,” it’s more than just a beverage; it’s Gujarat’s way of life. In a state where a billionaire and a rickshaw driver can share the same cutting without frills or filters, chai becomes more than just a beverage, it becomes a living symbol of inclusivity, unity, and unapologetic joy.

No menus, no judgments, just a simple “Chaa piso?” and suddenly, you’re no longer strangers. This is what real-life inclusivity tastes like.

The Obsession is Real – Chaa to Gujarat is What Oxygen is to Humans

You’ll rarely find a Gujarati who doesn’t start their day with chai and end it with another. 3 to 5 cups a day is normal, and during winter or work stress? Double it.

Got guests over? Chai.
New business idea? Chai.
Heartbreak? Chai.
Woke up late? No problem, “Chaa piyne toh energy aavi jase!”

Pehla Chai, Pachhi Duniyadari.
We don’t just drink tea; we live tea.

Tea = Talks = Dhandho

In Gujarat, chai pe dhandho is not just a phrase, it’s a legit business model.

Some of the most iconic ventures, from textile empires to tech startups, have taken root around tea stalls. Contracts have been sealed over tapri ni chai, investments discussed while stirring sugar, and partnerships brewed over elaichi-infused sips.

From the factory lane in Surat to the co-working hubs in Ahmedabad, Ek Cup Chai – Shortcut to Every Gujju’s Dil. Chai unites the visionary and the vendor alike.

Charcha Over Chai – National Affairs to NeighborhoodGupshup

Gujaratis are born debaters. Put two together with a cup of tea, and you’ll hear conversations ranging from:

• “Modi kai kare che?”

• “Gold prices upar jashe ke nahi?”

• “IPL ma aa team jeetshe.”

The best part? Nobody cares if the conversation ends with a conclusion or not. What matters is the vibe, and the vibe is always brewed hot.

Chai Stops That Made It to Every Gujarati’s Heart (and Routine)

1. Tea Post (Urban Gujarat)
If you want your chai to be hygienic, homely, and still desi at heart, Tea Post hits the sweet spot. Found in business districts and near colleges, it offers a clean, quick, and comforting experience. Their elaichi chai is a crowd-puller.

2. MBA Chaiwala (Multiple Cities)
Started by a college dropout, this brand brewed its way into the hearts of the youth with a mix of hustle, hope, and strong chai. Today, it’s not just a tea stall—it’s a startup success story served in kulhads.

3. Rajwadi Chai (Growing Chain)
Draped in traditional flavours with a royal name to match, Rajwadi Chai serves kulhad wali chai that’s all about richness, in both taste and vibe. Great branding, desi warmth, and always a crowd.

4. Khetla Appa Tea Stall (Ahmedabad & More)
If there’s one place that truly defines “chai thi chale che Gujarat,” it’s Khetla Appa. Their thick, masala-heavy chai comes with unfiltered conversations and a guaranteed second round. A staple for locals who like their tea loud and proud.

Station-side Chaiwalas (All Over Gujarat)
From Ahmedabad Junction to Rajkot to Surat, chai near railway stations is an emotion. Served in tiny glasses with unmatched urgency, it’s the kind of tea that jolts you awake and makes waiting for a train feel like a mini break.

Tea for Better Lives: This Year’s Theme is Already a Gujarati Reality

The 2025 International Tea Day theme, “Tea for Better Lives,” fits Gujarat like a glove.

Here, tea uplifts moods, empowers conversations, and gives purpose to pauses. Whether it’s calming a stressed worker or energizing an entrepreneur, chai is often the unspoken support system we all lean on. It improves mental well-being, builds social connection, and sometimes even saves the day (just ask anyone who’s been stuck in traffic with a roadside chaiwalanearby).

Final Sip

In Gujarat, tea is not a drink. It’s a daily celebration of togetherness. A cup of tea simply delivers warmth, wit, and a reason to stay a little longer and talk deeper. It doesn’t discriminate; It doesn’t demand. So, on this International Tea Day, whether you’re sipping from a kulhad, a cutting glass, or a fancy ceramic cup, remember: Life is what happens between one chai and the next.

Now go ahead and order that extra cup, boss!
Because CHAA toh CHAAh che! And to sip in more such charchas, hold your chais and keep reading Gujpreneur!