Chai Pyali

If you go to Kandivali West and look for Shop 4 in the Gabriel D'souza Chawl, that’s where we are. It’s a very small space, typical of the chawls around here. Chai Pyali is really just a place where people stop for a minute during their busy day. We have the kettle going almost constantly from dawn until late at night. There isn't much room to sit, so most people just stand around outside on the walkway, talking and holding their tea. It’s noisy, crowded, and there’s always a bit of steam in the air. We don't use any fancy machines to brew our tea. It’s just the old-fashioned way on a small burner. The neighborhood is very close-knit, so we know everyone’s name and how they like their tea—some want more ginger, some want less sugar. We don't have a website or a marketing plan. We just have a counter and some glass jars for biscuits. Sometimes the weather makes it hard, like when it’s pouring rain and everyone tries to crowd under the small roof. But that’s just part of life here. We aren't trying to be a big cafe chain. We are just a local spot where you can get a hot drink and a bit of conversation. It’s a lot of standing on our feet, but we like seeing the familiar faces every day. It is simple, but it works for us.