Dharti Pan & Tea Center

We set up our little spot at number 12 in the Shantikunj Shopping Center, which is in Sector-22D of Palanpur. Being near the Palanpur Jakat Naka means we see a lot of people coming and going at all hours of the day. The tea kettle is almost always whistling, and the smell of fresh ginger is usually hanging in the air. We open up quite early because that’s when the workers and commuters need their first cup of the day. It’s not a big place, just enough room for the counter and a few jars of supplies. The pan leaves are kept fresh and cold, and I spend a lot of my time folding them just right for the regulars who stop by after their meals. The shopping center gets quite busy in the evenings, but the mornings are my favorite time when things are just starting to wake up. We have a small radio that plays in the background, though you can barely hear it over the sound of the stoves. There are no fancy chairs here, just a place to stand and have a quick drink before moving on. We try to keep things clean, but with so much foot traffic, there is always something to sweep up. It’s a humble business, but it keeps us busy from dawn until the sun goes down.