Chaiwala

A chaiwala is a person who prepares and sells chai, the popular India-based spiced tea. Typically found in street stalls, local cafes, and markets, chaiwalas serve a flavorful beverage made by boiling tea leaves with milk, sugar, and various spices like cardamom and ginger. They often have a distinct skill in quickly making large quantities of tea, providing a daily staple for many communities. The term reflects their role as accessible, everyday vendors who bring traditional Indian tea to a wide audience, blending cultural significance with accessible street-side service.