I make chai or coffee for me every day, but on Sunday, I indulge myself whenever I am away from home for work in Mumbai. Ordering chai became like a sort of Sunday ritual for me and Chaayos was my go-to spot. I like a good cup of chai because it is warm, cozy, and comforting. Chaayos’ masala chai, customized exactly how I like it, was a staple in my weekly routine. But then, I came across Chai Point.
It was a Sunday like any other, and I was in Mumbai for the weekend. I had never ordered from Chai Point before, but my friend recommended it. So, I decided to give it a shot. What started as an experimental change to my Sunday routine quickly evolved into something more. This was where the comparison between Chaayos and Chai Point really began for me, and it made me re-evaluate my preferences.
Ordering from both Chaayos and Chai Point is relatively easy. Chaayos, with its multiple ordering channels, makes it super convenient. Whether you want to sit at one of their outlets, order online through their app, or use Swiggy or Zomato, it’s always an effortless process. Chai Point is pretty similar in this regard. They have a mobile app and even let you place orders through their website. Both brands are quick, and the delivery times are usually spot-on.
Customization:
Customization was the first big differentiator for me. At Chaayos, I could tailor my chai to my exact preferences like adjust the sugar, change the milk levels, or make the chai stronger by tweaking the patti’s ratio. It made me feel like I was getting a truly personalized experience. With Chai Point, however, there wasn’t much room for customization. But they offered add-ons, like extra ginger or elaichi, which worked for my chai-craving moods.
Packaging:
Packaging was where the two brands also differed slightly. Chaayos’ flask-style packaging felt practical, and their wide tea cups made sipping a lot more enjoyable. They always included stirrers and sugar sachets, which I appreciated. Chai Point’s packaging was nice too but a bit more compact and narrow. Their flask design felt more modern but was just slightly less convenient for pouring the tea.
Taste:
And then came the most important part: the taste. Chaayos’ chai had a distinctive masala flavor. It was dark, full-bodied, and carried that comforting taste of cardamom and cloves. It was always creamy but never too much, striking the right balance between the richness of milk and the spice blend. I liked that it came with just the right amount of sweetness since I had already customized it that way.
But when I sipped Chai Point’s version, it surprised me. It was different but not in a bad way. The flavor of ginger was much stronger in their masala chai, giving it a kick that I didn’t expect. It was a lot creamier and milkier than Chaayos, which made it feel indulgent. It wasn’t as heavily spiced, but that burst of ginger and elaichi created a unique flavor. Plus, since it didn’t come with added sugar, I could control how sweet I wanted it.
Price & Delivery:
The experience was neck and neck—both delivered on time, with the chai arriving hot and fresh. But, price-wise, there was a small difference. Chaayos, with its 400 ml kettle, was slightly cheaper when I applied a discount code. Chai Point’s 500 ml flask was more expensive, and I couldn’t use any coupons. However, the price difference wasn’t too big to affect my overall choice.
My Verdict:
After trying Chai Point a few more times, I realized both brands had their unique charm. Chaayos still held a special place in my Sunday mornings because of its customization options. I could make my chai exactly how I liked it. But Chai Point had a more straightforward, ready-to-enjoy masala chai, with the strong ginger punch giving it a unique flavor.
I still order from Chaayos most Sundays, but now I find myself alternating with Chai Point depending on my mood. If I want that intense masala chai that’s fully customized, Chaayos is still my go-to. But when I crave something creamy and ginger-heavy, Chai Point never disappoints.
In the end, my chai loyalties aren’t bound to just one brand anymore. While I started as a Chaayos loyalist, Chai Point has found its way into my routine. It’s less about which one is better and more about what kind of chai experience I’m in the mood for. Both brands offer great chai, and I’ve come to appreciate them for different reasons. Sundays are still chai-filled, but now with a bit more variety!
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This may sound rude to some, but both these companies make me crave for the traditional tea from small shops. These companies took away that great taste and made everything so commercial. A 10 rupees tea glass now costs more than Rs 50 and some times even 150-200 in airport etc. And still that doesn’t taste any better. These companies take away everything we tend to love from small shops and generate revenue for themselves and for the corporates.
I understand your point but these things are just for convenience and nothing else. Of course, I prefer tea at my home, but I don’t see any harm in trying something new. It’s definitely subjective. I haven’t ordered from these two brands after I wrote this.
This is the same case with a lot of food and beverage isn’t it? Brands like Chai Point started something special. Trying to give Chai the respect it needed. You should listen to Amuleeks podcast on how and why they started chai point. It’s really interesting. I’m proud that we have people in India who care to take our traditional tea that is only attributed to street chai or small vendors to the mass premium market. For people who want to stick to the chai tapris chai. They’re everywhere. You can’t compare the two experiences.