In the ever-growing intersection of food, culture, and identity, few names resonate like that of Hasan Minhaj, the Award-winning comedian and actor known for his sharp wit and deeply personal storytelling. Now, as he steps into a new role as an investor and business partner with Kolkata Chai Co, his influence is expanding in unexpected, but deeply meaningful ways.
Hasan Minhaj Joins Kolkata Chai Co.
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Five years ago, Kolkata Chai Co opened its doors in New York’s East Village with a simple yet ambitious mission: to bring authentic chai to America. Founded by brothers Ayan and Ani Sanyal, Kolkata Chai Co. brings the rich, nuanced flavours of real Indian chai. Hasan Minhaj steps into a new role as an investor and business partner with the brand.
Minhaj writes on his Instagram post that real Indian chai—something starkly different from the “watered-down crap” that so often passes for chai in the U.S. In America, chai has been commodified and diluted, often served in a form that bears little resemblance to the rich, aromatic beverage beloved across India. As the Sanyal brothers often point out, what many Americans think of as chai is closer to a tepid, sweetened tea concentrate than the spicy, flavorful brew that is a staple in Indian households. It’s a real mission to reintroduce chai to America in its authentic form.
Why Chai Matters: A Cultural Touchstone
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When Ayan and Ani Sanyal launched Kolkata Chai Co five years ago, they wanted to bring that authenticity to the American market. But when they looked at the American market, they saw that the chai experience was missing. From mass-produced chai lattes at coffee chains to poorly made versions at restaurants, the essence of chai had been lost. The brothers saw an opportunity to not only serve real chai but also to educate people about its cultural significance.
This is what Kolkata Chai Co, with the help of Hasan Minhaj, is hoping to change. For the Sanyal brothers, chai is a way to bridge cultural gaps, offer a taste of home to the South Asian diaspora, and introduce Americans to something new. With Minhaj’s influence and the brand’s growing popularity, this partnership signals a broader cultural shift—one in which immigrant stories are not only heard but celebrated.
Cover image credits: Instagram/Hasan Minhaj
First Published: September 19, 2024 12:25 PM