Chai-pani

A cup of cardamom chai cures all woes.

In the same way the British love a ‘cuppa’, much of the fabric of Pakistani social culture revolves around the quintessential cup of tea. It brings people together as they take respite from the heat and find solace in a cup of slow-brewed chai.

‘Chai-pani’ is an expression with a dual meaning: it literally translates as ‘tea and water’, but is both a friendly invitation to a friend for a catch-up, and the repayment of a favour. With the promise of either a hot or cool drink, the meeting is sweeter, the favour is returned satisfactorily. No matter the sentiment, a ‘garam’ (warm) chai or a ‘thandi’ (cool) lassi soothes the Pakistani soul.