As the world debates whether the United States of Obama should strike Syria or not, another war is gaining momentum in the streets of Mysore. It is the tea, or chai wars as we shall call it, between the makers of the same.
No longer is the tea stall the sole property of Annavru fans. The days when Shankar Nag, Vishnuvardhan and Dr Rajkumar used to look over the steaming tea brewing over the kerosene stoves are coming to an end. So is the background music of Akashvani radio, a quintessential at these places. College beedi has made way to Light, Flake and King.
The Mallu and the Sethu are vying with each other to be crowned the Emperor. In Mysore's markets, be it KT street or KR market, the tension is steaming and your slurp can be heard breaking it.
Not every Mallu ends up in Gulf, or has a passport. In Mysore, he has adopted the trouser and adapted to its people. Without the constant need to adjust his mundu, his productivity has doubled. He brings with him the secrets of a perfect brew. His black coffee and black tea are perfect for a cold evening or a lazy morning. The tea leaves, to my knowledge, are not reused. He sticks to his business mantra of not giving credit, and is coconut hair oil soaked brain is crafty to find new customers.
Now to the Sethus (Bhaiyyas). Migrated from Bihar and UP, they bring with them the bitter tea experience. Their hardships have taught them the importance of conservation and recycling. Mysore City Corporation water and Nandini milk are mixed, and the tea leaves reused, which gives you a bitter taste. This is just perfect for smokers, and they flock to his shop. Plus, the man gives credit, on tea and cigarettes. He strategically places his business on busy streets, near colleges, banks and anything which has people crouching over computers. Cigarette butts, to cesspools of spit and sometimes Rajasthani folk songs playing in the background characterize this adda. Case in point: the shop in front of ICICI bank on Kalidasa road.
It is said that a Mallu tea shop is located on moon, and it'll be said that a Sethu's tea was sipped before takeoff. As for the people of Mysore, we are thankful to both of them for their contributions. They have contributed to the passing of college goers, where notes and worldly knowledge are exchanged. They have helped the office staff to let off steam by puffing up and sipping in tea, and letting go of the anger on the boss, the chick who refused the offer, and the aunty who decided to screw someone else.
As for who's the best, the verdict is for Mysorean's to decide.
No longer is the tea stall the sole property of Annavru fans. The days when Shankar Nag, Vishnuvardhan and Dr Rajkumar used to look over the steaming tea brewing over the kerosene stoves are coming to an end. So is the background music of Akashvani radio, a quintessential at these places. College beedi has made way to Light, Flake and King.
The Mallu and the Sethu are vying with each other to be crowned the Emperor. In Mysore's markets, be it KT street or KR market, the tension is steaming and your slurp can be heard breaking it.
Not every Mallu ends up in Gulf, or has a passport. In Mysore, he has adopted the trouser and adapted to its people. Without the constant need to adjust his mundu, his productivity has doubled. He brings with him the secrets of a perfect brew. His black coffee and black tea are perfect for a cold evening or a lazy morning. The tea leaves, to my knowledge, are not reused. He sticks to his business mantra of not giving credit, and is coconut hair oil soaked brain is crafty to find new customers.
Now to the Sethus (Bhaiyyas). Migrated from Bihar and UP, they bring with them the bitter tea experience. Their hardships have taught them the importance of conservation and recycling. Mysore City Corporation water and Nandini milk are mixed, and the tea leaves reused, which gives you a bitter taste. This is just perfect for smokers, and they flock to his shop. Plus, the man gives credit, on tea and cigarettes. He strategically places his business on busy streets, near colleges, banks and anything which has people crouching over computers. Cigarette butts, to cesspools of spit and sometimes Rajasthani folk songs playing in the background characterize this adda. Case in point: the shop in front of ICICI bank on Kalidasa road.
It is said that a Mallu tea shop is located on moon, and it'll be said that a Sethu's tea was sipped before takeoff. As for the people of Mysore, we are thankful to both of them for their contributions. They have contributed to the passing of college goers, where notes and worldly knowledge are exchanged. They have helped the office staff to let off steam by puffing up and sipping in tea, and letting go of the anger on the boss, the chick who refused the offer, and the aunty who decided to screw someone else.
As for who's the best, the verdict is for Mysorean's to decide.
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