In Kolkata, tea isn’t just a drink—it’s an emotion, a pause in the day, and a reason to sit and chat for hours. From tiny roadside stalls serving cha in earthen bhaars to elegant tearooms where Darjeeling leaves unfurl in porcelain pots, the city’s chai culture is steeped in both tradition and stories. Whether you want to sip on nostalgia or try a creative twist, these tea spots are where the City of Joy pours its heart.
Balwant Singh’s Eating House – The Doodh Cola Legend
📍 Location: Bhowanipore
🚇 Nearest Metro: Netaji Bhavan (Blue Line)
💳 Card Friendly: Limited, but Mony works perfectly
💰 Price Range: ₹20–₹60 for tea & snacks
🍛 Must-Try Sip: Doodh Cola (yes, milk + cola!) alongside chai
📸 Photo Tip: A steaming bhaar of tea against the backdrop of bustling streets
Kumartuli Tea Stalls – Chai with an Artist’s View
📍 Location: Kumartuli
🚇 Nearest Metro: Shobhabazar Sutanuti (Blue Line)
💳 Card Friendly: Mostly UPI; Mony accepted
💰 Price Range: ₹10–₹20 per bhaar
🍛 Must-Try Sip: Cutting chai with samosas from the next stall
📸 Photo Tip: Frame your tea with half-finished clay idols in the background
Flurys – Colonial Charm in a Cup
📍 Location: Park Street
🚇 Nearest Metro: Park Street (Blue Line)
💳 Card Friendly: Yes, plus Mony for quick bills
💰 Price Range: ₹200–₹500 for tea & snacks
🍛 Must-Try Sip: Darjeeling first flush with a slice of rum ball
📸 Photo Tip: The vintage pink façade from the outside, tea served on white china inside
Good Companions Tea Room – A Hidden Gem
📍 Location: Lindsay Street
🚇 Nearest Metro: Esplanade (Blue Line)
💳 Card Friendly: Yes, Mony accepted
💰 Price Range: ₹150–₹400 for tea & light bites
🍛 Must-Try Sip: Masala chai with cheese toast
📸 Photo Tip: Warm lighting and cozy interiors for an inviting shot
Chai Break – Contemporary Sips for the Modern Adda
📍 Location: Multiple outlets
🚇 Nearest Metro: Varies by location
💳 Card Friendly: Yes, all accept Mony
💰 Price Range: ₹100–₹250 for specialty teas
🍛 Must-Try Sip: Tandoori chai with chocolate brownie
📸 Photo Tip: Capture the smoky pour of tandoori chai in action
In Kolkata, a cup of chai can last minutes or hours—because the real magic happens in the adda it inspires. Keep Mony handy, and you can sip your way from bhaar to bone china without missing a beat.