Drink

NYC's Kolkata Chai Co. Wants to Reclaim Chai's Narrative

Joseph Hernandez

Stop calling it “chai tea,” implore brothers Ayan and Ani Sanyal, proprietors of Kolkata Chai Co., a tea shop in New York City’s East Village. They echo the sentiments of many exasperated Indians who know that the word “chai” means tea; there’s no need to be redundant. Especially about something key to Indian culture.

“Venturing out in the afternoon for chai is a family affair in India,”...