Amid the boom in café culture in the holy city, its enduring tea culture continues to thrive. Numerous popular tea stalls across the city cater to a diverse clientele, including students, entrepreneurs, office-goers, auto-rickshaw drivers, traders, and others. Over the years, these chaiwallahs have carved out a niche for themselves, building loyal customer bases and relationships that have lasted for decades.A traditional cup of tea is brewed with black tea, milk, and sugar, while spices such as ginger, cardamom, fennel seeds, and cinnamon are often added to enhance its flavour.Tea is far more than just a beverage in the holy city. It symbolises culture, hospitality, social interaction, and the rhythm of everyday life. From bustling roadside tea stalls to upscale restaurants serving high tea, every cup has a story, and every tea lover has a reason to pause for a hot brew.For trader Vimal Seth, mornings begin with tea and conversation at the famous Giani Tea Stall on Cooper Road after a walk in the nearby Company Garden. Sharing a cup of tea with old friends has become a cherished daily ritual. “Amid our busy routines, we hardly find time to stay connected with our old social circles. Some of us have been friends since our college days, while others were neighbours at our previous homes. We are all engaged in different professions, and the morning is the only time when we can sit together, relax, and start the day with a pleasant conversation,” he said.He added that they often accompany their tea with the stall’s famous kachori and bread omelette.Five days ago, 83-year-old Niranjan Singh, fondly known as “Nanji” among generations of Khalsa College students, passed away, leaving behind countless memories for his patrons, many of whom are now settled across the world. Reflecting the deep bond he shared with his customers, several former students posted heartfelt tributes and nostalgic memories online from overseas. Located opposite the main gate of Khalsa College, his tea stall had served as a favourite meeting place for students for more than five decades.Sheetal Tea Stall, operating from a small kiosk outside the exit gate of Amritsar railway station, is another popular gathering spot that attracts people from all walks of life. Officials from the district court complex, staff from nearby private hospitals, auto-rickshaw drivers, and travellers regularly stop by for a cup of tea. Many even bring homemade salted paranthas to enjoy with their morning tea.Arshpreet Singh prefers to savour a buttered bun with his tea. The city’s bakeries are well known for selling buns sliced down the middle and generously spread with butter, offering a rich, savoury breakfast that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea.Many regulars also enjoy their tea with traditional snacks such as mathi or a crispy “fan,” a popular local bakery delicacy.Over the past few years, a cluster of tea shops at Novelty Chowk has gained popularity for serving a cup of tea along with a variety of snacks for around Rs 40. The area has emerged as a favourite destination where families and friends gather to spend leisurely evenings over tea and conversation.The price of a cup of tea varies from stall to stall. At roadside tea stalls, it typically ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 40, while upscale restaurants charge more than Rs 100 for a premium cup of tea.