Indian-born BSc student, Akhil Patel, is the focus of attention following his tea service to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, during their meetings in London.
In the bustling city of London, a unique tea brand has been brewing up a storm, capturing the hearts and minds of tea lovers and diplomats alike. Amala Chai, founded by Akhil Patel in 2019, is a testament to tradition, ethical business practices, and a dash of international recognition[1][2].
A British entrepreneur of Indian origin, Akhil Patel, was inspired by his grandmother’s traditional masala chai recipe to create this London-based tea brand[1][2]. Before embarking on this venture, Patel worked as a data analyst and earned a management degree from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)[1][5].
The brand's roots lie in Patel's desire to bring authentic Indian masala chai to the UK market while maintaining a strong connection to Indian heritage. To ensure authenticity and ethical standards, Patel personally travelled across India, sourcing tea leaves from Assam and spices from Kerala by working directly with small family farms[1][2]. This direct sourcing model allows Amala Chai to guarantee fair trade, eliminate middlemen, and assure high-quality ingredients.
Akhil Patel's efforts were rewarded when he had the opportunity to serve his handmade Indian masala chai to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British Prime Minister's country residence, during an event celebrating the UK-India free trade partnership[2][3]. This moment, aptly described as "Chai Pe Charcha", went viral when PM Modi shared a photo of Patel serving tea, generating millions of views on social media. The interaction was a warm exchange highlighting shared cultural ties; Modi humorously remarked, "You can have a taste of India," and Patel replied, "From one chaiwala to another," sparking laughter and goodwill[2].
The success of Amala Chai is evident in its widespread popularity. The brand has served over 400,000 cups of tea, and its official Instagram handle shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of its operations, including a video of PM Modi enjoying the rich aroma and taste of Indian masala tea, brewed and served by Akhil Patel[2].
Moreover, Amala Chai has garnered attention beyond social media. In May, the British Museum featured Amala Chai in a short video, highlighting its direct sourcing model and its commitment to preserving Indian chai traditions abroad[6].
In conclusion, Akhil Patel's Amala Chai is a blend of tradition, ethical business practices, and a moment of international recognition. From its humble beginnings as a tribute to Patel's Indian heritage to serving the Indian Prime Minister, Amala Chai has made a significant impact in the UK tea market.
- Akhil Patel, an Indian entrepreneur based in London, founded the unique tea brand Amala Chai in 2019, inspired by his grandmother's traditional masala chai recipe.
- Before venturing into tea business, Patel worked as a data analyst and earned a management degree from the LSE, demonstrating an interest in finance and entrepreneurship.
- In addition to making a splash in the UK's food-and-drink scene, Amala Chai has also gained recognition in lifestyle and news sectors, with coverage in diverse areas such as sports and business.
- Amala Chai's direct sourcing model from small family farms in India ensures ethical practices and maintains a strong connection to Indian heritage, making headlines in various sectors such as finance, entrepreneurship, and international relations.
