Of all the places and countries I’ve visited, I have never been to a place like “Chai Jaai,” which is a pleasant tea room in Srinagar located in the historic Mahatta Co. Building on Residency road in Kashmir.

The idea to bring a tea room to Kashmir was long-awaited. To the owner: Thank you. You are a genius. Someone had to bring a tea room to Kashmir and you did everything right. From the location to the decor, tea, and plates, Chai Jaai will leave customers wanting to schedule their daily “high tea” just to visit your café.

The tea room is aligned with historic and cultural pictures of Kashmir. Inside there’s a museum displaying historic photos of Kashmir, its royal family, and its beautiful tourist attractions.

It the perfect mix of British influence and Kashmiri culture. The menu offers an array of English fresh teas,  serving a variety of Green and Oolang teas, Kashmiri Nun Chai, and Kewha; each served in exquisitely painted tea pots or the Kashmiri tea sets made from copper.

For eating you can enjoy anything from kebabs, chicken sandwiches, to a brownie or croissants. The menu attracts a wide range of customers and has something pleasing for almost everyone.

If you’re seated by a window, you’ll overlook a park and the Jhelum river with a view of Kashmiri house boats and shikara rides passing by.

The architectural decor inside Chai Jaai is influenced by European designs, which pay tribute to Kashmir in a cleverly auspicious way.