In India, chai is more than a beverage—it’s an emotion, a ritual, and a cultural glue. Yet, until recently, there was no organized brand dedicated solely to chai. That gap was spotted by Nitin Saluja and Raghav Verma, two IIT graduates who turned their love for tea into a thriving business. Their brand, Chaayos, has become synonymous with customized chai experiences, blending tradition with innovation.

Join the Conversation – Live on YouTube

The Founders’ Journey

• Nitin Saluja, an IIT Bombay graduate, had already co‑founded a robotics education startup before Chaayos. While working in Houston, he realized what he missed most was a good cup of freshly brewed chai with adrak or elaichi—just the way it’s made at home. That craving sparked the idea of Chaayos.
• Raghav Verma, an IIT Delhi graduate, brought his expertise in technology and operations to the venture. Together, they envisioned a brand that would elevate chai from a household staple to a café culture phenomenon.

The Birth of Chaayos

Founded in 2012, Chaayos positioned itself as a chai café chain offering over 80 varieties of tea. The idea was simple yet powerful: let customers personalize their chai. Whether it’s kadak, masala, adrak, or tulsi, Chaayos allowed tea lovers to craft their perfect cup.

This customization became the brand’s USP, setting it apart from coffee‑dominated café chains.

Advertisement

Growth and Expansion

• Chaayos quickly expanded across major Indian cities, with outlets designed to feel warm, cozy, and distinctly Indian.
• The brand embraced technology, introducing features like facial recognition for seamless ordering.
• Its menu grew beyond chai to include snacks and fusion items, but chai remained the hero.

By focusing on customer experience and personalization, Chaayos built a loyal base of tea lovers who saw the brand as an extension of their daily lives.

Cultural Impact

Chaayos didn’t just sell tea—it redefined how India consumes it.

• It gave chai the same café culture status that coffee enjoyed.
• It celebrated Indian traditions while modernizing the experience.
• It created a space where young professionals, students, and families could gather over a cup of tea that felt personal.

The Vision Ahead

Nitin and Raghav’s vision was never just about selling tea. It was about creating a community around chai, blending nostalgia with modern convenience. Their journey shows how a simple craving can spark a revolution, turning everyday rituals into scalable businesses.

Conclusion

Chaayos is more than a café chain—it’s a cultural movement. By giving chai the respect and innovation it deserved, Nitin Saluja and Raghav Verma built a brand that resonates deeply with India’s identity.

From adrak chai to tulsi brews, Chaayos has proven that sometimes, the most powerful ideas come from everyday cravings.