Romance of the Chai Shack

The original chai shop: A shack kind of structure with benches or ropey beds (khatiya) generously scattered under trees, where you can lounge with steaming cups of chai, samosas and other fried snacks. Often next to an expressway or anywhere (yep anywhere), you sip your chai and vaguely stare at nothing in particular, enjoying the ambiance as the traffic whizzes by or people stroll around you. An extreme rustic version of our rest areas. (I am not speaking about the modern or elitist tea places.)

Most rustic elements in the States have a delicate beauty. A restaurant in the mountains of Utah had glass windows facing the pasture where wild bison roamed. Fancy salad was served as you gazed out. Nothing like the harsh details of our shacky chai shops back home.

But then, why do I still remember the flavor of the chai? Chai, which no tea house over here is capable of brewing. The Leaves have been boiled since early morning in an iron kettle, giving the tea a strong bitter taste. Instant cure for headaches. The milk is generous, there is no option to mix your own cream, and the tea is served in small clay containers. Cups of chai, friends, and we were sure that the college days would last forever.

You are hooked on the chai when you remember the exact flavor and then the memories come pouring in. As I smile into my tea-cup, my daughter says, "sorry mom, no offense, but who would hang out in such a dump?" A twinge of sadness.... how can she possibly know the value of those cups of chai...

P.S. The picture is of an actual tea shack ("Kalor Dokan") taken by a journalist friend, Soumik Mukherjee. A popular spot to hang out.

Have been humming since morning "should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind......."