Hyderabad, April 18 -- If there is one thing that almost every Hyderabadi swears by and bonds over, it is Irani Chai. We have it in our blood, and scores of cafes, big and small, serve thousands of cups of the delectable tea everyday. Be it Grand Hotel, Garden Restaurant or the now chain of Niloufer Cafes, Irani Chai drinking culture is deeply embedded in the ethos of Hyderabad.

But Alas, nothing lasts forever. Irani Chai, as dear as it is to us, is also not what it used to be. Normally in other cities a core cultural landmark thing like Irani Chai in Hyderabad would not change. The tea today is sweet beyond redemption and tastes more like dessert. In fact, the owner of Grand Hotel, where they have thankfully kept the Chai close to the o...