The city is famous for its irani chai, biryani, and pearls. The Hyderabadi Irani Tea is accompanied by delicious goodies such as Osmania cookies in exquisite white crockery on delicate saucers. It brings in tradition and tastefulness and is a major part of Hyderabadi tradition. The Irani chai and the Irani cafe tradition in Hyderabad, for example, was born when Persian immigrants arrived in India to trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. These immigrants, primarily speakers of Farsi, had the habit of meeting over their favorite cuisines; principally black tea and memories. They later added milk according to local taste. This later developed into what we today know as the thick, creamy Irani Chai. This post has detailed information on this Hyderabadi treasure.


Hyderabadi Irani Tea Recipe
Hyderabadi Irani Tea Recipe is a blend of Indian and Persian culture that symbolizes Hyderabadi culture. Iranian immigrants introduced the tea to Hyderabad in the early two hundred years, and it soon found a permanent place in the city’s hedonistic life. It is made by boiling tea leaves with sugar and milk until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, and is notorious for its strong, thick brew. Irani chai is a more drink and talk kind of tea as it is richer and thicker and is generally served in small cups, unlike the usual chai. Several cups of chai teamed with samosas, bun maska, or Osmania biscuits make the wonderful Irani café experience.Just as famous as the tea is Hyderabad’s fabled Irani cafés, full of marble-topped tables, antique wood furniture and a sense of history. For generations, families, businesspeople, poets and students have found solace in these tearooms.
Hyderabadi Irani Tea : Overview
Origin Of Hyderabadi Irani Tea | It was introduced into Hyderabad by Iranian immigrants in the early 20th century. |
Basic Ingredients | Strong tea leaves, milk, sugar |
Preparation Style | Cooked down slow for a thick, creamy and sweet taste |
Serving Style | Traditionally served in small glasses |
Cultural Significance | The embodiment of Hyderabad’s Irani café culture; tradition of hospitality |
Popular Pairings | Osmania biscuits, bun maska, samosas |
Category | Recipe |
Ambience of Cafés | Old-school cool, with tables of marble and chairs of wood for building community vibes |
Ingredients Of Hyderabadi Irani Tea
- Water – 2 cups (for brewing the tea leaves)
- Tea leaves – 2–3 teaspoons (strong, preferably Assam tea for a bold flavor)
- Full cream milk – 2 cups (for richness and thickness)
- Sugar – 3–4 teaspoons (adjust as per taste, but traditionally Irani tea is sweet)
- Optional – pinch of cardamom (some versions add a hint of flavor, but classic Irani tea avoids spices)

How To Make Hyderabadi Irani Tea
- Heat two cups of water in a pot until it boils.
- Add two or three tablespoons of tea leaves that are strong.
- Simmer the tea leaves for five to seven minutes over low heat.
- Slowly pour in two cups of full-cream milk.
- Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- To taste, add 3–4 tablespoons of sugar.
- Tea should be strained into tiny glasses.
- Serve heated with bun maska or Osmania biscuits.
Expert Advice for the Ideal Irani Tea
- For a more genuine taste, use full cream milk rather than toned milk.
- The tea’s luscious creaminess arises from slow simmering, which you should not rush.
- It is for a classic presentation: always serve in tiny glasses or porcelain cups.
- Pair it with the dishes from Irani café to complete your experience.

Various Kinds of Hyderabadi Irani Chai :
Although the traditional recipe for patthar ka gosht demands a minimalist touch, the locals in Hyderabad still have certain preferences.
- Kadak Irani Chai: A favourite among strong chai lovers, this is an even stronger version made with a higher quantity of tea leaves.
- Irani Chai Light: A light version of the tea, with more milk and reduced brewing time.
- Special Malai Irani Tea: A cream is put on top to give the tea a more decadenting flavour) across!
- Cardamom in tea: Some tea sellers use a small pinch of powdered cardamom to flavor the tea for aroma.

Irani Tea’s Cultural Significance
This Hyderabadi Irani Tea is not a beverage but it’s an emotion. Irani cafés, which are well-liked tourist destinations in Hyderabad, serve it. These boxy cafés with high ceilings, marble-topped tables, and wood benches have been the scene of decades of discussions, including business meetings, student debates, literary exchanges, and political arguments. Residents of Hyderabad have been spending their evenings sipping endless cups of Irani chai at these cafés for generations.
FAQs On Hyderabadi Irani Tea Recipe
What makes Irani Tea different from regular Tea?
Unlike masala chai it is slow brewed, creamier, sweeter and contains no additional spices.

Which tea leaves are best for Irani tea?
Strong Assam Tea leaves are the best to make perfect Hyderabadi Irani Tea.
Does this type of tea require sugar?
Yes, this tea is usually on the sweetener side, but you can customize it.
Can we make Irani Tea without milk?
Well, of course milk is required to make this type of tea.