Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, recently sparked a debate on social media when he expressed disappointment over a cup of overpriced and “tasteless” chai he purchased for ₹169 at a well-known café in Gurgaon. Wong shared his experience on platform X, including photos of the café’s interior and the kulhad (earthen cup) used to serve the tea, which had the brand name “Chaayos” on it.
Wong’s Criticism
Simon Wong posted candidly:
“The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. ₹169 with tax. 🤦♂️🤦♂️ – HC Wong”
His post quickly went viral, garnering over 766,000 views and sparking varied reactions from netizens. Many sympathized with Wong’s disappointment and suggested that he try authentic roadside tea stalls for a better experience at a fraction of the cost.
The impossible happened. I just had a cup of tasteless #Chai in Gurgaon. Rs 169 with tax.🤦♂️🤦♂️HC Wong. pic.twitter.com/PMVwnvUS2y
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 14, 2024
Chaayos CEO’s Response
The post caught the attention of Chaayos founder, Nitin Saluja, who extended a gracious invitation to Wong. He replied:
“Hon’ble Mr Wong, in the name of deep India-SG friendship, I invite you for a cup of chai at a Chaayos near you. As we enjoy our chai, I’ll share our commitment to getting every chai right, including our no-questions-asked replacement policy!”
Hon’ble Mr Wong, I am Nitin, founder of Chaayos! In the name of deep India SG friendship, I invite you for a cup of Chai at a Chaayos near you! And as we enjoy our chai, i will share our commitment to get every chai right, including our no questions asked chai replacement policy!
— Nitin Saluja (@Salujanitin) December 14, 2024
Wong’s Grateful Reply
In response to Saluja’s offer, Wong expressed gratitude and clarified his intentions:
“Dear Mr. @Salujanitin, it is very gracious of you. I was in Sector 59 looking at factory land. I googled the best chai near me and found the shop. No shade intended. Thank you so much. – HC Wong”
Dear Mr @Salujanitin, It is very gracious of you. I was in sector 59 looking at factory land. I googled best chai near me and found the shop. No shade intended.🙏🙏so much. HC Wong
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 14, 2024
Social Media Reactions
Wong’s review triggered a flurry of comments and suggestions from social media users. Many encouraged him to try roadside chai stalls to experience the authentic flavor of Indian tea.
One user remarked:
“Sir, you should try a normal tea stall. Overpriced cafés can’t capture the essence of real Indian chai.”
Another commented:
“For ₹169, you could have treated 16 others to chai from a roadside vendor – without taxes and with far more flavor!”
Try this pic.twitter.com/Nbkk6GPlDy
— Professor (@Masterji_UPWale) December 14, 2024
101 on Chai: never have it from an expensive outlet. Have it from the roadside thela. If possible, have it in kullad. These are different varieties: with ginger, Tulsi, or masala tea. You can ask the street vendor if he/she offers anything like that.
— Gursimran Kaur Bakshi (@1Simranbakshi) December 14, 2024
Everything is possible in India 🇮🇳
Tasty Chai for just ₹10 (including tax) at Chai Sutta Bar.
Welcome 🙏🏻— Anubhav Dubey (@tbhAnubhav) December 14, 2024
Apologies for having Chaayos as Indian brand, it is ruining our chai legacy. Hope you didn’t try their Samosa or Poha. They would certainly make you feel irritated. Try road side ₹10 tea while being in Gurgaon or an Amruttulya while in & around Mumbai or Teatime in south India.
— Third Man 🔆 (@RainnMount) December 15, 2024
Wong Appreciates Indian Hospitality
Overwhelmed by the flood of invitations to try homemade and roadside chai, Wong responded with a heartfelt note:
“The true beauty of India lies in her people. I am overwhelmed by the torrent of invitations to have a cup of the best homemade chai. I humbly thank you all.”
The true beauty of India lies in her people. I am overwhelmed by the torrent of invitations to have a cup of the best homemade #chai. I humbly thank you all. 🙏🙏HC Wong
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 14, 2024
The Takeaway
While the incident highlighted the contrast between premium cafés and local tea stalls, it also showcased India’s unmatched hospitality. What are your thoughts on Mr. Wong’s experience and the café’s response? Share your views in the comments!
