Chai in India isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a moment shared. Chai Sutta Bar (CSB) took this everyday emotion and brewed a brand that speaks to India’s youth, traditions, and love for local flavor.
Founded in 2016 by Anubhav Dubey and Anand Nayak in Indore, Chai Sutta Bar started with just ₹3 lakhs and a powerful dream—to give India’s beloved chai a new identity. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing café-style chai chains, with over 200 outlets across India.
The Humble Beginning: Brewing Dreams in Indore
Anubhav and Anand saw a unique gap in the market—while tea was everywhere, there was no modern, standardized brand that made it aspirational. Without a background in retail or food service, they opened a small chai kiosk in Indore.
Their concept stood out by offering innovative flavors like Chocolate Chai and Kesar Chai while staying true to traditional brewing methods. Most notably, they served tea in eco-friendly kulhads (clay cups), blending sustainability with nostalgia and supporting local potters.
Blending Tradition with Modern Innovation
The heart of Chai Sutta Bar’s success lies in its unique positioning. It mixes local chai culture with youthful energy, delivering not just beverages but a lifestyle experience.
Core innovations include:
-
Unique chai flavors (Rose, Elaichi, Chocolate, Adrak)
-
Rustic, artistic outlet designs with graffiti and mood lighting
-
Quirky, relatable taglines like “Tea is the new swag”
-
Consistent quality across franchises
They created a vibe where people could hang out, connect, and enjoy the familiar taste of chai with a twist.
Rapid Growth and Nationwide Expansion
What started in Indore soon went viral. By combining affordable pricing with creative branding, Chai Sutta Bar expanded to over 200 cities.
Key growth drivers:
-
Franchising model with consistent training
-
Strong social media presence
-
Word-of-mouth marketing
Today, CSB serves over 3 lakh kulhads of chai daily, proving how deep their roots have spread into India’s urban and semi-urban culture.
The Chai Sutta Bar Culture
CSB outlets have become more than just tea shops—they’re spaces for community, connection, and conversation. Students, freelancers, and professionals alike flock to CSB outlets not just for tea, but for the ambiance and inclusive vibe.
This community-centered approach built a loyal fanbase, and many cities see CSB as the new-age hangout spot with a desi twist.
Entrepreneurial Lessons from CSB’s Journey
The rise of Chai Sutta Bar offers valuable lessons for new-age entrepreneurs:
-
Find a Gap and Fill It – Chai had scale, but not structure. CSB changed that.
-
Stay Authentic – Retain traditional elements while updating the experience.
-
Create a Brand, Not Just a Product – CSB is as much about feel as flavor.
-
Go Viral Smartly – Their social content and taglines made them a youth favorite.
-
Consistency is Key – Taste, ambiance, and service are reliably uniform.
Wrapping Up
From a ₹3 lakh startup in Indore to a nationwide chain, Chai Sutta Bar’s story is one of passion, innovation, and the power of staying rooted while thinking big.
Founders Anubhav Dubey and Anand Nayak didn’t just sell tea—they brewed a movement. Their brand stands as a testament to how tradition, when paired with smart execution and storytelling, can fuel a nationwide phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Chai Sutta Bar, and how did it start?
Chai Sutta Bar is a modern Indian tea café chain founded in 2016 in Indore. It offers flavored teas in traditional kulhads and a youthful café environment.
Q2: What makes Chai Sutta Bar different from local tea stalls?
CSB blends authentic chai with a café-style ambiance, serves unique flavors, and uses eco-friendly kulhads to support sustainability and local artisans.
Q3: Who are the founders of Chai Sutta Bar?
Anubhav Dubey and Anand Nayak, two young entrepreneurs from Madhya Pradesh.
Q4: Where is Chai Sutta Bar available?
It operates in over 200 Indian cities, with continued expansion through franchising.
Q5: What are the most popular chai flavors at CSB?
Top-selling flavors include Chocolate Chai, Masala Chai, Rose Chai, and Adrak Chai.