From Dawn to Dusk, It’s Always Chai O’Clock
Chai in India is more than just a drink—it is an emotion, a tradition, and for many, an addiction that defines daily life. From the first sip that wakes up groggy mornings to late-night gatherings with friends, chai has become the heartbeat of this nation. Indians consume over a billion cups every single day, proving that tea is not a choice but a necessity. For countless people, a day without chai is unimaginable. Some even joke that their blood is half tea, and looking at the queues at famous tea spots, it doesn’t seem like an exaggeration.
Among the different forms of chai, there is something magical about the Irani-style cup—thick, creamy, and strong with just the right sweetness. It isn’t served in fancy mugs but in simple cups carrying decades of tradition. The charm lies not only in the taste but also in the slow-brewing process that makes every sip memorable. In Hyderabad, the love for this style of chai has taken on cult status. Certain cafés have become landmarks not because of décor or branding but because of the irresistible flavor. The aroma alone is enough to pull in people from every walk of life—students, professionals, travelers, and even celebrities.
One such place that has grown into legend is Café Nilofer, founded by Mr. Babu Rao decades ago. What began as a modest Irani café has become an inseparable part of Hyderabad’s cultural identity. No matter the time, the place buzzes with chai lovers who swear no other cup matches its richness. Its legacy is not in advertisements but in word of mouth, with generations carrying forward the ritual of stopping by for a steaming cup. The queues outside, even at odd hours, prove this is not just a beverage but an experience people crave.
What makes it more fascinating is how people describe their relationship with chai. Some say it calms their nerves, others call it a stress-buster, and many admit they cannot think or work without it. For Hyderabadis especially, this bond has grown into an obsession. The café’s tea is part of every hangout and every memory. Even recent recognition and awards only confirmed what the loyal crowd already knew—this brew has a charm of its own. While the world talks about coffee culture, Hyderabad proves chai is timeless when it comes to comfort and community.
At the heart of this obsession lies a simple truth: chai is not just a drink but an identity. It belongs to everyone—from the office worker taking a break to the student spending hours with friends, from the old man who made it part of his routine to the traveler discovering it for the first time. Chai carries nostalgia, warmth, and belonging in every sip. And in Hyderabad, Café Nilofer’s iconic brew stands as the ultimate symbol of that identity, proving that while fashions may change, the love for a perfect cup of chai will forever remain.
