Time to Tea off

Abid Hasan combs the city to see which desi chaiu00a0spots are worth that precious sip

Pune may have emerged as a hot food destination with its ever-expanding exotic cuisines,u00a0 but at heart, it continues to be Hindustani. The city still can't resist its asal puneri chai. Some of the oldest traditional chai shops are located in the bylanes of the city, and these joints hold a special place in the hearts of many Punekars, be it college-goers or old-timers. That's because the distinct ambience here sets the mood for relaxation, discussion and nostalgia like nowhere else. Here's getting you the whiff.

JABLESHWAR BHUVAN
Good things come in small packages, and JB shows it quite well. It was Govardhan Thakur who set up Jableshwar Bhuvan back in 1966. The furniture is limited -- only three tables and chairs to go with them.u00a0 Nevertheless,u00a0 the tiny shop is crowed with connoisseurs at any time of the day. It also attracts the audiences of Mangla multiplex, and the employees ofu00a0 the Pune Municipal Corporation. Bite into Parle-G and relax.
Price: Rs 5 to 8
At:u00a0 Jableshwar Bhuvan, near Mangla Multiplex.
Call:u00a0 9850739053
Time: 6 am to 8 pm

TULSI
The name says it all. The person behind this shop is H D Joshi, who has kept its spirit alive since the last 25 years. Tulsi is the most famous tea shop in the city, with its Masala Chai taking the cake. Almost every tea lover in Pune has been to this place once. We learnt that the ingredients that make their concoction special areu00a0 elaichi, laung and dalchini. They also serve au00a0 special tea which only uses milk,u00a0 sugar and tea leaves.
Price:u00a0 Rs 5 to 10
At:u00a0 Tulsi,u00a0 Deccan Gymkhana
Call: 9373320782 Time: 9 am to 9 pm

GOOD LUCK CAFE
The place opened its doors in 1935, and is among one of the oldest Irani cafEs in the city. It has an array of tables and chairs, divided in the two sections. Their specialty is the Irani Chai, sweetened with sugar cubes. Other attractions include Challu Chai ( milk, tea leaves, sugar, elaichi and water) and Special Chai (only milk, no water, sugar, elaichi, ginger and tea leaves. The Special Chai is thick, and makes for a good sip with their homemade Bun-Maska with jam and cheese. Yummy.
Price: Rs 8 to 10
At: Good Luck Chowk, Deccan Gymkhana; outside MIT College, Kothrud
Call: 65005710
Time: 7 am to 11 pm

TRIVENI
This sippery was set up in 1970 by PM Trivedi, and makes for a much-loved hangoutu00a0 onu00a0 F C Road, especially for students. The teas available here are mostly seasonal. In winter, it's Ginger Tea, in summer, Elaichi Tea. There's also the sugar-free variety, for the diet conscious. In snacks,u00a0 we recommend their cream roll.
Price: Rsu00a0 5 to 10
At: near Roopali Restaurant, F C Road
Call: 9595014499
Time: 6 am to 9 pm