Gopalakrishnan's tea stall: A flavourful journey across India, one cup at a time

KOCHI: At Janata Junction on the Ilanji-Piravam route, Gopalakrishnan's tea stall has become a hub for tea lovers from all over India. His stall, Ilanji Bharati Mandiram, serves a range of tea flavors, catering to the diverse tastes of travelers passing through.

From spicy tea for North Indians to sweet, thick tea for Tamilians and cardamom-clove spiced tea for Kannadigas, Gopalakrishnan’s offerings are a reflection of India's rich tea culture. For Malayalees, the choice is even more personalized. If five Malayalees come together, they’ll each want a different type of tea—light, strong, without milk, or medium.

Gopalakrishnan, who previously ran tea shops along Mumbai's Agra Road and in Vapi, Gujarat, is well-versed in catering to northern tastes. Northern chai, a blend of milk, sugar, tea, and spices, is a favorite, with masala mixes sourced from Ernakulam's Broadway Market. Tamil customers prefer their tea sweet and creamy, while Kannadigas often demand a fragrant masala blend.

A signboard advertising 'Bombay tea, Bangalore tea, Chennai tea' draws in curious tourists. Priced at ₹15 for foreign tea and ₹10 for local varieties, the teas have become a hit among travelers, including film stars who have stopped by for a sip.

The tea stall is also known for its delectable snacks, ranging from Ullivada and Parippuvada to Chilli Bajji, Cauliflower Bajji and Pazhampori.

"When I decided to start a tea shop on a road frequented by Sabarimala pilgrims from different states, I wanted to offer variety. I never expected it would become this popular," said Gopalakrishnan.