10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Cutting Chai That Will Make You Crave A Cup Right Now!
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Cutting Chai, Mumbai’s beloved beverage that’s so much more than just a cup of tea! This iconic drink has been fueling the city’s hustle and bustle for decades, and it’s time to spill the tea on what makes it so special. From its quirky name to its unbeatable flavor, we’ve got 10 mind-blowing facts about Cutting Chai that will make you crave a cup (or two!) right now. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore the secrets behind Mumbai’s most iconic drink. Warning: intense chai cravings are about to hit you like a train!
- Cutting Chai got its name because it’s literally “cut” in half! A regular cup of chai is split into two portions, perfect for sharing with a friend or enjoying a quick chai break without overindulging.
2. Cutting Chai was born in Mumbai as a way for working class folks to enjoy chai at an affordable price. By cutting the chai in half, the cost was also cut, making it accessible to all.
3. The special Cutting Chai glasses are an iconic part of the experience. The small, transparent glasses let you appreciate the color and texture of the chai while you sip.
4. Cutting Chai is known for its strong, flavorful kick. The tea is brewed longer with extra spices like ginger and cardamom to give you a potent pick-me-up in just a few gulps!
5. You’ll find Cutting Chai being served up by “chaiwalas” or tea vendors on nearly every street corner in Mumbai. These chaiwalas can sell hundreds of cups a day!
6. Cutting Chai is almost always enjoyed with a snack like bun maska (buttery buns), vada pav (fried potato patties in bread), or samosas. The combination is unbeatable.
7. The “cutting” in Cutting Chai doesn’t just refer to the half-size. Some say it describes the strong, sharp taste that cuts through your taste buds!
8. While a cup of chai from a fancy cafe might cost over a dollar, a Cutting Chai goes for just a few cents from a street-side chaiwala. Talk about a bargain!
9. Cutting Chai is more than just a drink in Mumbai – it’s a way of life. Locals will often have multiple Cutting Chais throughout the day while on the go.
10. The city of Mumbai consumes around 2 million cups of Cutting Chai every single day! No wonder it’s considered the lifeblood of the city.
So there you have it, folks! Cutting Chai is not just a drink; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and taste buds of Mumbaikars for generations. From its humble beginnings as an affordable pick-me-up for the working class to its status as a beloved staple of Mumbai’s street food scene, Cutting Chai has come a long way. Its unique preparation, iconic glasses, and perfect pairing with delicious snacks have made it an integral part of the city’s fabric.
The next time you find yourself in Mumbai, make sure to take a moment to savor a cup of Cutting Chai from a local chaiwala. Who knows, you might just find yourself falling in love with this little glass of magic! And if you can’t make it to Mumbai anytime soon, why not try making your own Cutting Chai at home? Just remember to brew it strong, cut it in half, and enjoy it with a bun maska or samosa for the ultimate experience. Here’s to Cutting Chai, the drink that keeps Mumbai running one sip at a time!
Further Reading and Citations:
- “Cutting Chai Recipe”, Sharmis Passions. Available at: https://www.sharmispassions.com/cutting-chai-recipe/
- “Mumbai Cutting Chai Recipe”, Tasty. Available at: https://tasty.co/recipe/mumbai-cutting-chai
- “Cutting Chai Recipe – Mumbai Cutting Tea”, Hebbar’s Kitchen. Available at: https://hebbarskitchen.com/cutting-chai-recipe-mumbai-cutting-tea/
- “Cutting Chai Recipe”, Veg Recipes of India. Available at: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/cutting-chai-recipe/
- “Mumbai Cutting Chai Recipe”, Flavors of Mumbai. Available at: http://www.flavorsofmumbai.com/mumbai-cutting-chai-recipe/
- “Masala Chai and Mumbai’s Cutting Chai Culture”, Mud/Wtr. Available at: https://uk.mudwtr.com/blogs/news/masala-chai-and-mumbai-s-cutting-chai-culture
- “Cutting Chai: Why Mumbai Loves A Half Cup of Tea”, NDTV Food. Available at: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/cutting-chai-why-mumbai-loves-a-half-cup-of-tea-1745884