Vizag’s Tea Culture Gets a Modern Twist
Tea culture in Visakhapatnam is brewing up a fresh trend, with cafés and tea outlets across the city introducing a wide range of speciality beverages that are attracting tea lovers of all age groups. From the familiar kadak chai to trendy bubble tea and aromatic Kashmiri kahwa, residents are increasingly exploring new flavours and unique styles of preparation.
On the occasion of International Tea Day, café owners said demand for premium tea varieties has risen significantly, particularly among youngsters and working professionals looking for refreshing alternatives to regular beverages. Branded cafés in the city are serving green tea varieties priced between ₹100 and ₹180, while herbal and flavoured teas range from ₹150 to ₹250.
Tea menus are now expanding far beyond the traditional cup. Popular options include Kashmiri kahwa, lemon tea, herbal tea, and iced teas infused with flavours such as mint, peach, and lemon. Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, available at shopping hubs like CMR Central, has become especially popular among the younger crowd.
International flavours are also making their way into the city’s café culture. Japanese-style matcha tea, saffron-infused kahwa prepared with dry fruits, milk foam teas, and cheese teas, topped with creamy foam and decorative patterns, are drawing curious customers eager to try something different.
Despite the growing popularity of modern tea trends, traditional kadak chai continues to hold its charm, especially in busy areas such as Dwaraka Nagar, where roadside tea stalls remain crowded throughout the day.
Sustainability is also becoming part of the city’s evolving tea culture. Some outlets have started serving tea in edible biscuit cups as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and paper cups, a move that has been well received by customers.
Adding to the excitement is the growing popularity of ‘Dum Tea’, which is emerging as a new attraction in the city. Inspired by the traditional dum-style cooking technique used in biryani preparation, the tea is made by sealing tea decoction, milk, and aromatic spices in a vessel with dough and simmering it over a low flame. Tea sellers say the slow-brewing process enhances both the flavour and aroma of the beverage.
To complete the experience, the tea is poured into charcoal-heated clay cups, creating a rich frothy texture before being served piping hot.
Tea outlets serving Dum Tea have recently come up near the Zoo Park on Beach Road and in MVP Colony, where they are drawing large crowds of tea enthusiasts eager to sample the latest addition to the city’s vibrant tea scene.