We Sell Approximately 4.5 Lakh Kulhad Teas Daily

Indore-based Chai Sutta Bar (CSB) claims to be the largest kulhad tea seller, globally.

- Anand Nayak

Although the claim could be open to challenge, what cannot be contested is the fact that brand has changed the way Indians consume their favourite beverage—tea. Founded in 2016, by Anand Nayak and Anubhav Dubey, the chai chain became popular because of not just the variety of flavors it serves but also because of how tea is served— in clay cups commonly known as Kulhads.

In just seven years since it was started, CSB has expanded its footprint to encompass more than 550 outlets across over 320 cities in India.

Nayak shared that CSB, which today is aiming to become a global brand, started with a seed investment of `3 lakh with borrowed items from friends and second-hand furniture.

What’s the story behind the brand’s inception?

The concept of Chai Sutta Bar originated from my aspiration to oer clean and delicious tea in a market where such options were rare. Driven by the determination to achieve something significant and establish my enterprise, I embarked on a quest to end the perfect business idea. This journey commenced while I was managing my menswear business.

With the support of my friend Anubhav Dubey, who was then preparing for the UPSC exam, we identified a gap in the market, prompting me to explore the tea industry and inviting him to join me in the new business venture. I initiated the business with an initial investment of `3 lakh and opened the first outlet, adjacent to a girl’s hostel in Indore, with borrowed items from friends and second-hand furniture.

Why the name ‘Chai Sutta Bar’?