Our Bureau
Gurugram
Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, recently ignited a social media storm by expressing his disappointment over a “tasteless” cup of chai he had at a café in Gurgaon, which costed Rs. 169. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wong shared images of the drink served in a traditional kulhad, stating, “The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon”.
Wong’s candid remark quickly drew attention and social media views, prompting a flurry of responses from netizens. Many users empathized with Wong’s experience while humorously suggesting he try roadside tea stalls for a more authentic and affordable chai experience. One user quipped that for Rs. 169, he could have treated multiple friends to roadside chai, which is often richer in flavor.
In response to Wong’s post, Nitin Saluja, founder of the popular chai chain Chaayos, invited the diplomat to visit one of their outlets. Saluja acknowledged and stated, “Looks like we messed up with your chai today!” He extended an olive branch by inviting Wong for a better experience at Chaayos, emphasizing their commitment to quality with a no-questions-asked replacement policy.
Wong clarified that his tweet was not aimed at criticizing Chaayos specifically; he was merely sharing his experience after searching for the best chai nearby while scouting factory land in Gurgaon. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming number of invitations from Indians eager to share their homemade chai with him. “The true beauty of India lies in her people,” he remarked.
This incident reflects not only the cultural significance of chai in India but also the warmth and hospitality inherent in Indian society. Social media users took the opportunity to share their own chai experiences and recommendations, reinforcing the notion that sometimes the best flavors come from unexpected places.
