Due to its culture, natural spices and craft works, India has been the attraction of many countries since ancient times. We are ruled by Moguls, British, Netherlands and several other dynasties. So in our own culture and cuisine we see the influence of the diverse cultures of other countries.
Irani Chai can be considered as soul drink of Hyderabad.It was first introduced in the city of Hyderabad by Persians and soon developed. Charminar's surroundings have fantastic taste of Irani chai with special flavor. Slowly brewed spices produce tea decoration and a good taste.
There is an interesting story behind Irani chai's roots in Hyderabad.it is said that Persian immigrants came to Mumbai's port in the last century and prior to that in search of better life and to trade .From Mumbai they migrated to Pune and then to Hyderabad .Along with then came the idea of Irani Chai.
According to history , Persians immigrated 1300 years ago to India in order to avoid religious persecution from the Arab invaders of Persia. During Mughal and British rule a slow trickle of Zoroastrians and later Iranian Shia Muslims went on to India. India remains the largest diaspora, as it is known to Parsis, as well as the Iranian Zoroastrian community outside Iran.
It was the Iranians who migrated from the Iranian provinces of Yazd and Kerman to India in the last 150 years or so who were instrumental in founding the chai cafes. The young men would assemble in the evenings, remembering their left behind homeland, family and friends, warm tea cups would keep the meetings going.It's unclear exactly when, but at some point at such a rendezvous somebody agreed to charge a small sum in return for the drink and soon the Iranians sold chai.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Iranian cafes had appeared on almost every famous street corner in Bombay, Pune and Hyderabad, being both a sign of Iranian cultural integration and defining character.
Irani Chai peculiarity
The difference between the Irani chai and the rest of the tea style produced in India varies in the preparing process. The tea leaves and spices are boiled in separate containers along with water and milk is also boiled in separate containers.And when serving the customers they pour in the milk first then the liquid solution made from tea leaves. This method is seen in many places that still maintain the Iranian contact.Generally Irani Chai is served side by side with Fruitcake cookies, Jeera biscuits or Khara biscuits to enjoy your loved ones evening snack.
Hyderabad might be popular for its Biryani but Irani chai is not far behind as popularity goes.
You can sip this tea anywhere in the city-a roadside cafe to a five-star hotel-and the taste remains the same. Brewers don't just serve the drink called Irani Chai, but keep a slice of the history of the city alive.
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