Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently gave Jaipur residents a glimpse of her off-duty side when she stopped at a tea cafe in the pink city. In a social media reel, the minister can be seen taking a quick tea break at the Locals cafe in Jawahar Nagar, Jaipur.
Taking part in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in Jaipur on her Instagram, the moment is shared with a glimpse of her conversation with the Locals cafe owner, Hemant Kumar Khattar. The short tea break may have lasted only a few minutes, but it offered a refreshingly everyday moment involving one of the country's most recognisable political figures. Dressed in a traditional saree, Sitharaman can be seen at the tea shop, offering the beverage and interacting with people around her.
The moment comes against the backdrop of a busy week for Sitharaman in Jaipur. She was in the city for the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting, which was held from August 12 to 13.
A Simple Tea Break In The Pink City
For Jaipur, where taking a chai break is as much a part of everyday life as exploring its bazaars and historic landmarks, the minister's casual tea break felt particularly relatable. The city now has a thriving café and tea culture, with everything from traditional chai stalls to modern rooftop tea houses attracting people from across the globe.
Famous Tea Shops In Jaipur To Add To Your List
If Sitharaman's tea break Instagram reel has you thinking about exploring Jaipur's chai culture, here’s the list of well-known chai stops worth adding to your food itinerary.
Gulab Ji Chai Wala: This one is perhaps one of Jaipur's most recognisable tea shops. Located on MI Road, near Ganpati Plaza, the tea shop has been serving its signature chai since 1946. Its masala chai is often paired with bun maska, samosa or kachori bun, making it a popular stop for a quick breakfast or evening snack.
Tapri Central: This tea cafe offers a more contemporary take on the traditional chai experience. Located in C-Scheme, the tea house offers a relaxed café setting with an extensive tea menu. Its offerings include masala chai, ginger tea, cardamom tea, saffron-cardamom tea, and herbal blends.
Sahu Tea Stall: One of the most popular and familiar names among Jaipur's chai lovers and tourists. This tea stall is known for its small setting in the old city and comforting tea. It is the kind of place where locals can stop for a cup alongside snacks such as samosa and mathri.
For those looking beyond traditional chai, there are multiple options, from quaint cafes to a high-end tea shop you can try. These tea cafes offer varieties from around the world in a more contemporary setting, making it suitable for those who enjoy experimenting with different tea styles.
Even if Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took only a brief break to enjoy tea, the clip vividly conveys how deeply tea drinking is entrenched in Jaipur's traditions. Tea is an integral part of life at the very heart of Indian families, who take pleasure in sipping tea in the course of their daily lives.