Singapore High Commissioner to India Simon Wong said that he was “really disappointed” with the “tasteless” cup of chai he received at a café in Gurgaon. Wong posted his experience on social media platform X, saying he paid Rs. 169 (inclusive of tax) for the drink served in a kulhad or earthen cup.
The impossible happened. Just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. Rs. 169 with tax,” Wong wrote, along with pictures of the kulhad and the café interior. Though he did not name the café, the post quickly attracted attention. With over 253,000 views and many reactions, it remains to be seen how Wong’s quest ends.
The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. Rs 169 with tax.🤦♂️🤦♂️HC Wong. pic.twitter.com/PMVwnvUS2y
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 14, 2024
To the post of Wong, Nitin Saluja, the founder of chai chain Chaayos, invited Wong publically to one of their outlets. “Hon’ble Mr Wong, in the name of deep India-SG friendship, I invite you for a cup of chai at a Chaayos near you. As we enjoy our chai, I’ll share our commitment to getting every chai right, including our no-questions-asked replacement policy!
Hon’ble Mr Wong, I am Nitin, founder of Chaayos! In the name of deep India SG friendship, I invite you for a cup of Chai at a Chaayos near you! And as we enjoy our chai, i will share our commitment to get every chai right, including our no questions asked chai replacement policy!
— Nitin Saluja (@Salujanitin) December 14, 2024
Wong’s frank review quickly sent shockwaves down social media users. A large majority of people sympathized with Wong by saying he needs to experience India’s road side tea stalls for genuine and budget-friendly chai. A person said, “Sir you should try normal tea stall.”. Overpriced cafés can’t capture the real essence of Indian chai. Another said, “For Rs. 169, you could have treated 16 others to chai from a roadside vendor – without taxes and with far more flavour!
Some users also commented on the pricing policy of the café, one of them saying, “Agreed, sir. The ₹169 is not just for the chai; it’s for the table, ambience, and free Wi-Fi. But if you want real Bhartiya chai, I’d like to invite you to my home.” Responding to the magnanimity of the social media users, Wong said, “The true beauty of India lies in her people. I am overwhelmed by the torrent of invitations to have a cup of the best homemade chai. I humbly thank you all.”
