After a candid review of a Gurugram cafe’s “tasteless chai,” the Singapore High Commissioner is invited to experience real Indian tea from homes and street stalls.
December 15, 2024: Simon Wong, Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, stirred a lively discussion on social media after he candidly criticised a cup of “tasteless chai” he had at a Gurugram cafe. Sharing his experience on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Wong highlighted that he paid ₹169, inclusive of tax, for the disappointing tea, posting two pictures: one of a kulhad (earthen cup) and another of the cafe’s interior.
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“The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. Rs 169 with tax,” Mr. Wong lamented in his post, which quickly gained traction.
Chaayos Founder Responds
Mr. Wong’s review, which has garnered over 253,000 views, didn’t go unnoticed. Nitin Saluja, founder of the popular chai cafe chain Chaayos, responded with a gracious invitation. “Hon’ble Mr. Wong, I am Nitin, founder of Chaayos! In the name of deep India-SG friendship, I invite you for a cup of chai at a Chaayos near you! And as we enjoy our chai, I will share our commitment to get every chai right, including our no-questions-asked chai replacement policy!” Saluja wrote.
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Social Media Reactions: Warm Invitations and Wit
Mr. Wong’s post sparked an outpouring of reactions from netizens, many of whom invited him to try homemade tea or sip chai from local roadside stalls.
- “Sir, you should try a normal tea stall,” suggested one user.
- “Overpriced is always tasteless. Go where the locals gather,” wrote another.
- “For ₹169, you could have treated 16 people to authentic chai at a street vendor,” quipped a commenter.
The High Commissioner was touched by the generosity of his virtual hosts, responding warmly: “The true beauty of India lies in her people. I am overwhelmed by the torrent of invitations to have a cup of the best homemade chai. I humbly thank you all.”
A Lesson in Chai Culture
Amid the humor and sarcasm, several users reflected on India’s iconic chai culture, emphasizing the charm of simple roadside vendors. One user noted, “Sometimes the best chai comes from the most unexpected places.” Another humorously added, “It’s not real chai until it feels like you’re risking your life.”
Conclusion
Mr. Wong’s chai experience highlights the emotional connection Indians share with their beloved tea. From cozy homes to bustling street corners, chai in India isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural treasure.
Tags:
#SingaporeEnvoy #ChaiCulture #TastelessChai #GurugramCafe #Chaayos #IndianStreetTea #ViralPost #SimonWong #HomemadeChai #TeaLovers
