India is often celebrated as the land of chai, particularly by those outside the country. Many foreigners and diplomats are drawn to the allure of this beloved beverage and almost always make it a point to savour authentic Indian chai at least once during their visit. And now a tweet from Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong slamming one of his Chai experience in Gurugram from a famous chai brand has gone viral. The tweet stirred up a ‘Chai Storm’ on social media on Saturday after the envoy expressed disappointment over a ‘tasteless’ chai he had at a famous brand outlet in Gurugram. He says that the Chai cost him Rs 169 with tax.
“The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. Rs 169 with tax,” the Singapore envoy wrote on ‘X,’ sharing images of the ‘kulhad’—an earthen cup—in which he had eagerly tasted the chai.
The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. Rs 169 with tax.🤦♂️🤦♂️HC Wong. pic.twitter.com/PMVwnvUS2y
---Advertisement---— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 14, 2024
As the tweet gained traction, Nitin Saluja, the founder of Chaayos, promptly responded by inviting the diplomat to visit the nearest outlet to try their special chai. Saluja wrote:, “Hon’ble Mr Wong, google is right. we are the best chai near you! however, looks like we messed up with your chai today! the weather calls for multiple chais a day, so i certainly look forward to having a chai together, so that you can conclude the same about our chai 💚
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He further said, “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 post sparked a wave of reactions online, leading to an outpouring of chai invitations from people across India, eager to offer him a taste of authentic homemade chai. The diplomat, visibly overwhelmed by the warm responses, expressed his gratitude and reacted warmly.
“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. 🙏🙏”.
In addition to the warm gestures, some netizens pointed out that Wong’s observations about the brand were accurate. They highlighted that, despite serving low-quality chai, the company was still charging exorbitant prices for it.
I have a similar experience. You mess up every time, with every customer. Decided never to enter your outlet. @SGinIndia is absolutely right about your product.
— Rajiv Mongia (@mongiarajiv) December 16, 2024
@Salujanitin, to be very honest and genuine. Tea at chayos is not only of average taste, it is ridiculously overpriced too in Indian context. Me a delhite, found ‘cutting tea’ in many of south mumbai’s small tea shop is best among many outstation tea shop I had tried,outside home
— Amrendra Kr Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@ateet_sri) December 14, 2024
