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Tea Trails - Chai Anyone?

The new cafe on the block (Anna Nagar East), Tea Trails is un-apologetically tea-centric. I don't think I have come across a menu book just for tea in a long while. Though it is a boon to tea drinkers, this may put off quite a few of the non-tea drinkers or the non-tea aficionados, but only until they come to the 'chai' page. What a selection! Rubbing shoulders with the delicate green teas and black tea choices was this intriguing list of milky tea (chai). I don't enjoy tea if it doesn't have proper milk and masala in it, as I can't for the life of me deduce the delicate differences in the aroma/ flavour of these brewed beverages. And since I can make a mean chai myself, I make do with the various hot and cold coffee options offered across cafes in the city. There are very few joints however that do serve the obsequious milk tea with masala, but that is about the one option. Here, there is a whole page dedicated to 'chai' - a whole page. There is adhrak chai (ginger tea), cinnamon chai, kulhad chai, irani chai etc. 






The husband and I had a cinnamon chai (milky, but with a strong cinnamon flavour) and a kulhad chai (with strong hint of clove...yes, cloves) each. I found both very comforting...just the right kind of tea I shall sit with on a monsoon evening (which is hopefully round the corner) watching the lazy traffic go by. The cafe has wooden tables and comfortable chairs set around an island where the beverages are made and looked like it could seat about 40. The bun maska which I ordered along with the tea was yummicilious. I found it very hard to resist the buttery, sweet, dripping with goodness soft warm bun. If you have got a sweet tooth, don't miss ordering this. You'll thank me later. 

We were not too hungry, so we ordered their roast chicken salad and the veggie blast pizza. Both the items hit the right boxes for us. We chose the vinaigrette dressing for the salad - it was tangy and smokey. The veggie blast pizza was thankfully not drowned in cheese and was flavourful. It was soft and light, but the base was a tad underdone. 

Hits: 

The ambiance is beautiful. Praveena, one of the owners is an architect and her hand is seen in much of the tasteful interiors. This place invites lounging, with its unpretentious yet warm interior. I loved the verdant creation at the entrance and look forward to their outdoor seating, which they hope to open soon. 

The food tastes good and is quite reasonable. I am surprised other reviewers found it expensive. I thought it was what is charged these days in good cafes. I am a big sucker for a close authentic taste and this place did not disappoint with the two continental dishes we sampled. 

The staff are helpful and eager. 

Misses:

The presentation could be more gourmet, especially since the items in the menu sound and read that way. I felt the cut of the veggies and the presentation was quite rustic, and I don't mean it in a good way. 

The staff need more training in handling cutlery and in presenting the dishes better. It is not nice to see clumsy staff and those who don't know which end of the spoon to touch. 

However, I shall overlook these setbacks and place my trust on the good food served here. I intend to get my girlies here for a relaxed evening, as the menu is extensive and the promise of good chai with good food and company seems hard to resist.

Comments

Priyanthi saidā€¦
That sounds like my kind of place.....can't wait to try. Especially bun maska.....
Anita saidā€¦
Oh gosh. The tea selection sounds amazing!! *Have *to*try*
Jerina J saidā€¦
Was thinking of you Priya when I went there. You'll love the selection of teas available there. We should probably take Sandeep there too :D He could review the tea there ;)
Jerina J saidā€¦
That should be one of the things we should strike off the list when you get here. And soooooon please :D

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