Whenever one hears chaa (tea), the heart of a Bengali musicophile starts humming the Mohiner Ghoraguli classic — Priya Cafe. There’s something about the aroma of tea and food in the air that makes a chaa’er dokan (tea shop) or a modern tea bar the perfect hangout spot. While heritage tea and snack shops continue to preserve the city’s culinary heritage and love for tea, cosy tea rooms are becoming favourites with their intimate settings and adventurous takes on chaa and taa. Since the rhythm of this city is incomplete without one (or several) cups of tea, here’s a tea room guide by My Kolkata, featuring a few old and new spots that have become go-to sip stops for tea lovers.
Karma Kettle Retail & Tea Room
From classic teas like First and Second Flush or Earl Grey to more experimental concoctions — Karma Kettle’s brews attract tea enthusiasts of all ages My Kolkata Archives
What is that old-fashioned tea served at this tea room… It is so good! Karma Kettle Retail & Tea Room offers a range of adventurous blends, perfect for every palate. If you are a matcha lover, you can enjoy treats like Matcha Affogato or Matcha Mandarin Tea. For those with a sweet tooth, try their Nolen Gur or Khejur Cha. Looking for something unique? Gondhoraj Cha, Benarasi Masala Chai or Chilli Chai are sure to impress.
From classic teas like First and Second Flush Darjeeling or Earl Grey to more experimental concoctions — Karma Kettle’s brews attract tea enthusiasts of all ages. If kombucha is your thing, their pyramid tea bags in Lemon Ginger and Hibiscus flavours are worth a try. For iced tea fans, Tahiti, Aam Salaam, and Pina Colada are refreshing delights. The food is equally enticing, with options like Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Fish Fingers, and their tea-inspired Matcha and White Chocolate Cookie or Earl Grey Cookie. Also, their retail outlet offers a variety of teas and goodies to take home.
Must-try: Gopaldhara Tea Estate Darjeeling First Flush, Old Fashioned, Nightingale, Santorini, and Paan Chaa. For finger foods, don’t miss the Fish and Chips, Karma Pakoda Basket, or Potato Tornado
Pocket pinch: Rs. 1200 for two (approximately)
Timings: 11am - 7pm (Monday - Sunday) for Swinhoe Street; 12pm - 9pm for Hindustan Park
Address: 4, Swinhoe Street, Ballygunge and Ground Floor, 62/1, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat
Contact No.: 9831525383, 8777090903
Cha Bar at Oxford Bookstore
In an age of bubble tea dominance, this tea room holds its own with over five flavours of tea — from blueberry and green apple to peach and passion fruit My Kolkata Archives
A tea bar where books and tea sit side by side — what could be better? Nestled in the heart of Park Street, Cha Bar at Oxford Bookstore has remained a favourite spot over the years.
In an age of bubble tea dominance, this tea room holds its own with over five flavours of tea — from blueberry and green apple to peach and passion fruit. First and second flush teas are staples, along with unique blends like Purple Rose and various green teas. For those seeking a caffeine-free option, decaf Earl Grey is available too. Their experimental sips include fruity concoctions, while the cultural twist on the menu brings Moroccan Mint, Kashmiri Kahwa and Ladakhi Cha into the mix.
Must-try: Jasmine Tea, Makaibari, Darjeeling Queen’s Choice, Fish and Chips, Veg Alfredo Pasta and Paneer Khurchan Rolls
Pocket pinch: Rs. 500 for two (approximately)
Timings: 11am - 9pm, Monday - Sunday
Address: 17, Oxford Book Store, Park Street
Dolly’s — The Tea Shop
Nestled in the heart of south Kolkata’s shopping hotspot, Dakshinapan, Dolly’s is like a time capsule, offering old-world charm and the unmistakable aroma of chaa My Kolkata Archive
When Dolly Roy, the creative force behind the ever-bustling Dolly’s —The Tea Shop — fondly called Dolly’s Tea Shop — passed away in 2023, the city mourned. The absence of Dolly left a void in a place that has been a tea lovers’ haven since 1988, and it continues to be so for over 35 years. Nestled in the heart of south Kolkata’s shopping hotspot, Dakshinapan, Dolly’s Tea Shop is like a time capsule, offering a cosy, old-world charm and the unmistakable aroma of chaa and taa.
As for the tea, favourites like Kahwa, Lemon Tea, a variety of iced teas, Muscatel and First Flush are just a few of the many options available. Dolly’s Hot Specials, including Mistea, Fruitea, Virgin Mary, Fuchka T and Sweet Mango, are creative blends that delight the palate. Dolly’s was also one of the earliest places in Kolkata to offer freshly brewed iced teas, and their Orange Mint Julep remains a popular choice for most visitors.
Must-try: Along with First Flush and Second Flush, Makaibari, Oolong, Peppermint Tea with Ginger and Lemon, and Spiced Ginger are great hot beverage choices. For iced teas, Orange Mint Julep, Black Currant, Ice Masala, and T Slush are refreshing picks. In terms of food, the prawn cutlet, tuna sandwich and ham and chicken sandwich are must-haves
Pocket pinch: Rs. 500 for two (approximately)
Timings: 10.30am - 7.30pm (Monday - Saturday)
Address: G62, Dakshinapan Market, 2 Gariahat Road South, Dhakuria
Contact No.: 033-24237838, 033-24236445
Tea shops and trams
Sip on a warm 'bhanrer chaa' and much on some 'dim pauruti', bakery’r biscuit or 'ghugni' right here My Kolkata archives
Did you know Kolkata has not one, but two unique tram tea shops? The first, The Tram Tea Shop nestled in the artistic lanes of Kumartuli, offers old-world charm in a cosy tram compartment, run by the ever-smiling Madan Pal and his wife. Sip on a warm bhanrer chaa or bite into some dim pauruti, bakery’r biscuit or ghugni, and you might just find yourself humming Somewhere only we know.
The second, Tram World Cafe, which opened in 2023 inside Gariahat tram depot, brings a modern twist. Here, each table hides a book, and potted plants along with tramcars from the 1900s and a little tram museum add to the vibe. While the food scene is diverse — from gyoza to donut sandwiches — its comforting tea options like black tea, ginger tea, and kesar tea bring warmth to the soul.
Must-try: Dim Pauritu (eggy bread), Ghugni at Kumartuli. Butter Roasted Gyoza from The Happy Kona, Donut Cream Sandwich from Cremewich, and of course, a cuppa of your choice at Tram World Cafe
Pocket pinch: Rs 20 for two (approximately)
Timings: 7am -12am (Monday to Sunday)
Address: 1, Banamali Sarkar St, Sovabazar, Kumartuli, and Tram World Cafe 52, Gariahat Road (Inside Gariahat tram depot)
Contact No.: 9836207777 (Tram World Cafe)
Flurys
Once you step into Flurys on Park Street, you’re greeted by a tempting array of freshly baked tarts, muffins, pastries, sandwiches, quiches, and patties TT archives
Founded by Swiss confectioner Joseph Flury in 1927 on Park Street, Kolkata, Flurys soon became the hotspot for authentic Swiss and European-style baked delights. Now, with outlets are spread across Kolkata and even in Mumbai and Hyderabad, the iconic flagship tea room on Park Street remains a beloved city landmark.
Once you step into Flurys on Park Street, you’re greeted by a tempting scent of freshly baked tarts, muffins, pastries, quiches, and patties. But did you know they also boast an impressive tea menu featuring artisanal blends? Whether you prefer black, green, or herbal tea, pair your favourite treat with varieties like Darjeeling, Assam, Earl Grey, English Breakfast or Jasmine Green Tea. Sourced from premium tea estates both in India and abroad, Flurys also offers exclusive blends like Masala Chai, Lemon Ginger, and Rose Petal to elevate your experience.
Must-try: Darjeeling First Flush, Second Flush, Autumn Flush, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Flurys Special and Kolkata Masala Chai
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000 for two (approximately)
Timings: 8am - 10pm, Monday - Sunday
Address: 18, Park Street, Kolkata- 700016
Contact No.: +91 33 2229 7664
Trincas
My Kolkata archives
When Trincas first opened its doors on Park Street in 1939, it was a quaint tea room and bakery. Fast forward to 1959, it changed ownership and transformed into the iconic restaurant we know today. Diners flock here for classics like Prawn Cocktail, A la Kiev and Florentine, while cocktail lovers can’t resist favourites like Bagan Bari and Pushpa. But despite the shift to fine dining, Trincas has kept its tea room roots alive with a special morning tea menu.
Available only in the morning hours, the tea menu features breakfast platters, regular and sourdough sandwiches, and sweet platters alongside a variety of hot and cold beverages. Their modest but charming tea selection boasts nine options. For those who love their chai with milk, there’s the classic dudh chaa and adrak chai. If you prefer your tea without milk, indulge in fragrant Jasmine, calming Chamomile, refreshing Strawberry Hibiscus Cockscomb, or a simple Green Tea. And for matcha fans, the Matcha Mandarin Tea is a must-try. Iced tea lovers, don't worry! They've got you covered too.
Must-try: Ginger Milk Chai, Matcha Mandarin Tea, Strawberry Hibiscus Cockscomb
Pocket pinch: Rs. 1,800 for two (approximately)
Timings: 8am to 12pm, Monday to Sunday
Address: 17, Park Street, Kolkata- 700016
Contact No.: +91 33 2229 8833
The Elgin Fairlawn
The Elgin Fairlawn, a colonial hub built in 1738 at the junction of Madge Lane and Sudder Street, still exudes timeless charm. This heritage hotel is a slice of history, and its in-house cafe and dining spaces keep that legacy alive. The Garden Cafe is a popular hangout spot for young and old alike. Their menu offers lip-smacking pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, starters, soups and kebabs. Besides shakes, coffee and soda, the beverage section has an array of teas. From flavoured green tea and iced tea to regular hot tea — you can get your choice of brews. Their regular tea offerings include a special blend called Moksha, a light and refreshing brew with hints of peppermint, vanilla, and lotus leaf. For something more robust, the Banaras-style Masala Tea is a soulful experience in every sip.
Must-try: English Breakfast, Moksha, Masala Tea Benaras, Aam Salaam iced tea, Lychee and Rose Green tea
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,500 for two people (approximately)
Timings: 12pm - 9pm
Address: 13A, Sudder Street, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata: 700016
Contact No.: +918420100331
The Glenburn Cafe
This place has an elaborate tea menu serving Darjeeling and Assam teas from the Glenburn tea estates My Kolkata archives
Housed on the ground floor of Kanak Towers, The Glenburn Cafe serves European-style all-day breakfast platters, small bites and salads, and more. What makes this cafe special? They have an elaborate tea menu serving Darjeeling and Assam teas from the Glenburn tea estates in both regions. The Darjeeling teas include Moonshine Long Leaf Tea, First Flush Spring Leaf Tea, Four Seasons Darjeeling Blend and more. The Assam teas available are Signature Glenburn-Khongea Blend, Assam Golden Tips, Golden Sunrise Assam Blend and more. The cafe has more than 20 options in tea including an array of herbal teas. Their special offering includes a Christmas Tea that is a blend of different tea leaves and spices.
Must-try: Darjeeling First Flush, Moonshine Long Tea Leaf, Oolong Tea, Christmas Tea and Rose White Herbal Tea
Pocket pinch: Rs 950 for two (Approximately)
Timings: 9am - 9.45pm
Address: 7A, Russell Street, Kolkata- 700071
Contact: +919073912550
The Red Bari
The Red Bari is a refurbished 1920s home turned into a cosy cafe and co-working space My Kolkata archives
The Red Bari, nestled on Sadananda Roadin Kalighat, is an old 1920s house transformed into a cosy cafe and co-working space about a year ago. With its charming, laid-back vibe, it offers a humble yet yummy food menu featuring sandwiches, pastas and salads. But the star of the show is its tea selection. From classic desi milk tea for your chai fix to finer brews like Chota Tingrai Reserve, Earl Grey, Hibiscus Tea and Green Tea, there’s something for every tea lover to sip and savour.
Must-try: Masala Chai, Chota Tingrai Special Reserve, Rose City Black, Kashmiri Kahwa
Pocket pinch: Rs 400 for two (Approximately)
Timings: 9am - 9pm, Monday to Sunday
Address: 18 Sadananda Road, Kolkata: 700026
Contact No.: +918910673389
Jiabharali T. Cafe
This cafe in north Kolkata’s Duff Street offers more than 40 varieties of tea My Kolkata archives
This cafe in north Kolkata’s Duff Street offers more than 40 varieties of tea. Founded in 2022 by tea planter Jaideep Gangopadhyay, this cosy tea room serves up a delicious selection of culinary delights, like cutlets and bread toasts — perfectly paired with your favourite brew. With nine varieties of Darjeeling tea, Jiabharali also hosts tea-tasting sessions for beginners eager to explore the world of tea. Other tea variants on the menu include Colonial Classics, Classic Liquor, Fusion Teas and more.
Must-try: Darjeeling First Flush, Authentic Saffron Tea, Japanese Sencha, Maofeng, Jasmine Pearl, Iced Mountain Cherry Blossom, Six-in-one tasting shots
Pocket pinch: Rs 500 for two (Approximately)
Timings: 10am - 10pm, Monday - Sunday
Address: 21B, Duff Street, Kolkata: 700006
Contact No.: +919836745172