Chai (Tea) is a part of the Indian Culture since ages. Our mornings are incomplete without a hot cup of chai and a newspaper. It is a hot aromatic beverage which is consumed in almost all the households in our country. Furthermore, it is an important element of Indian hospitality. Quite often, guests were invited at home for chai and are offered chai and snacks in many households. Chai along with some tasty, crispy snacks almost completes the old traditional emotion of Atithee Devo Bhav.
Employees excuse themselves from work for a sip of chai and some munching. The break of a few minutes is rejuvenating. People, who are into a physical activity, get energy through a cutting chai and some biscuits. Ladies organize chai parties for fun. Chai, accompanied by some namkeen and gossips is entertaining without any doubt. A chai date, which is combination of perfect ambience and food, can help to start a new relationship or mend your old relationships. Chai with bun maska is a must for the youngsters who meet up for chit chatting at street corners or senior citizens at Irani Cafes. A lot can happen over a cup of tea and plate of crispy snacks. This combination is not only a custom, it is an emotion. There is a lot of warmth and energy in it.
Formal meetings where important business deals are closed follow the afternoon tea culture. Afternoon tea culture was started by British where tea is served accompanied by some tea time snacks. It is served somewhere between Lunch time and evening time. Chai is a mixture of various authentic spices like elaichi, ginger, cardamom, cloves etc. When this spicy and flavored beverage is had along with some namkeen, nuts, wafers etc, it gives lingering taste. There are so many events or occasions which are incomplete without our chai. However, my chai is incomplete without Pitaara snacks like Punjabi Tadka, Anytime Murmura, Masala Chips, Bikaneri Bhujia and many more. My chai and Pitaara snacks is definitely a tasteful combination.
Punjabi Tadka: Zesty flavors are the speciality of Punjabi Tadka. One cannot miss the texture and crunch of this snack. The taste is really different and your guests will definitely love to have it along with customary chai. This snack can also be paired with milk shake, lassi and fresh fruit juices.
Masala Chips: They can add to the excitement of the chai break. The spicy element of this snack will tempt you to have more and more. Munching on some chips along with chai will no doubt reduce the work related stress.
Bikaneri Bhujia: This is a super crispy, crunchy, spicy namkeen. This snack adds taste to the traditional foods like poha, upma etc. The combination is loved by young and old alike. Bikaneri Bhujia along with hot sweet chai, creates a delicious contrast which completely satisfies your taste buds.
Anytime Murmura: While having fun with friends, this snack cannot be missed out. It is a hit because of its simplicity. Just like a simple chai can create wonders to your mood, Anytime Murmura too elevates your mood. It consists of light weight puffed rice which is healthy too. One can make it chatpata by adding raw mango, coriander leaves and green chillies. Chai and Anytime Murmura is definitely a workable combination.