In a delightful twist on Mumbai’s street food scene, Mannu Sharma and Amit Kashyap have transformed a high-end Audi into a one-of-a-kind tea stall, capturing the attention of locals and social media users alike. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Lokhandwala in Andheri, the duo has been selling their signature ‘OD Tea’ from the trunk of their luxury car, priced at Rs 70 lakh, for the past six months.
The cutting chai, a staple on the streets of Mumbai, is typically found at humble tapris (stalls) scattered throughout the city. However, Sharma and Kashyap’s innovative idea of serving tea from their Audi has not only gone viral on social media but has also gained popularity for the exceptional taste of their product.
The inspiration behind their venture stemmed from a simple stroll at night when the duo found themselves craving a cup of tea but couldn’t find a suitable place. That moment sparked an idea, leading them to establish their own tea stall. “We were just taking a stroll at night and craving for a cup of tea, but we could not find a place at the time. That’s when we thought of opening our own stall here,” shared Sharma, originally from Haryana.
What sets their tea apart is not only the novelty of being served from a luxury car but also the exceptional flavor that keeps customers coming back for more. One satisfied customer remarked, “I have been coming here to have tea for the last two months because it tastes amazing. Every time I pass by this area, I have to have their tea.”
Before embarking on their tea venture, Sharma worked as a professional in Africa, while Kashyap, a native of Punjab, juggles his time as a stock market trader in the mornings and a tea seller in the evenings. The duo’s successful tea business challenges the preconceived notion that only financially disadvantaged individuals resort to selling tea. As Sharma proudly states, “By selling tea in our Audi, I think we have proved wrong the thinking that only people who are financially not well off take to selling tea. A person who rides a cycle also consumes tea, and a person who drives a Jaguar can also enjoy our tea.”
Thriving on the love they have received both from their customers and social media, Sharma and Kashyap plan to expand their ‘OD Tea’ business by opening franchises, starting in Mumbai. The entrepreneurial friends spent a month perfecting their tea-making skills and experimenting with different recipes before finalizing their signature blend. Now, their luxury wheels serve not only as a mode of transport but also as a symbol of their success and innovation in the local tea culture.
As Mannu Sharma and Amit Kashyap bask in the appreciation they have garnered, their Audi tea stall has become a unique addition to Mumbai’s vibrant street food scene. With their eye-catching concept and tantalizing flavors, they have managed to redefine the city’s chai culture. So, the next time you find yourself in Mumbai, don’t be surprised if you spot a luxury car offering a steaming cup of ‘OD Tea’ – it’s an experience that combines the best of luxury and local flavors.