AYAN SANYAL AND ANI SANYAL

FOUNDERS, KOLKATA CHAI CO

Ayan and his brother Ami opened Kolkata Chai Co to reclaim the narrative of ‘chai tea’ in New York. Their signature masala chai is brewed using a base of freshly ground Indian spices – and the word ‘latte’ has been intentionally left off the menu to honour the authentic heritage and traditions of tea-making in Kolkata and elsewhere.

The brothers began making small batches of chai at local farmers’ markets, before taking the leap and investing in a permanent shop. Over 750 people attended their opening night event, with NY local Mindy Kaling also getting in touch to support. Since the pandemic, Ayan and Ami have pivoted from counter service to online orders and deliveries, shipping DIY chai kits to drinkers across the country. They are also using the Kolkata Chai Co platform to build a deeper sense of community. Ayan has been filmingvideo and documentary content, and the cafe plays host to amusic discovery series spotlighting performers from the South Asian diaspora.