It seems unthinkable that the likes of Madhapur and Gachibowli would have any interest in long-standing Irani chai addas; but Madhapur houses some gems that offer you some of the Old City’s taste, like Grand Original on 100 Feet Road in Ayyappa Society.
A frequently-used shortcut to zip through Madhapur’s rush hour traffic, the strategic road-side location of the tea house is well thought out. As you walk past, the air is filled with the aromas of Persian spices and samosa fillings; you can’t help but make a stop.
Ram, an employee, explains the two and half year old establishment attracts a lot of regular customers push their commute a little earlier just to make some time for their daily cuppa. With an opening of 4:30am and a closing time of 12:30 at night, the place stays constantly busy, attracting the IT crowd, college students and general wanderers.
The Irani Dum Tea is prepared in a series of traditional ragi vessels which are coated in silver. The process requires careful monitoring of timing and ingredients. Grand Original takes care to use organic milk and mineral water along with the Irani chai ingredients, ensuring a 35 to 40 minutes boil for total infusion. Upon tasting the tea, you can tell it’s not as sweet as the usual Irani chai, and that’s probably to cater to the more sugar-conscious demographic of the area. To accompany your cup of chai is a variety of snacks such as samosas and the traditional Osmania biscuits.
Grand Original has also recently started offering natu kodi samosas. The samosas, also available with aloo fillings, are fried and meticulously drained of oil while still maintaining crisp and appeal. To quell the post-chai thirst, the counter nests a large copper pot filled with water. It’s an age-old Ayurvedic belief that drinking water out of copper vessels is beneficial for your health; for reasons ranging from digestion ease to mental fitness.
While a sit-down area is available for customers, the central idea of a cutting chai spot is retained here; enjoy and move on. Regular customers have a light and cheerful banter with the employees while others seem to have the understanding of a mutual love for what’s on the plate.
With six branches in Hyderabad — Ayyappa Society, Sainagar, Madhapur, Gachibowli, Punjagutta and Manikonda — Grand Original is making Irani Dum Tea accessible to the city without making them make a pan-city trip.
Grand Original Tea & Snacks
Where 100 ft Road, Hitech City
Cost for tea ₹12
Cost for samosas (natu kodi) ₹5.50 for 4pcs, (aloo) ₹12
Timings Everyday, 4:30am - 12:30am
