Meet The Nomadic Makers of Chaiwala Chai!

November 05, 2017 1 Comment

Becca and Eamon of Chaiwala

How did you get interested in masala Chai and where does your name Chaiwala come from?

There were a few things that sparked our interest in chai (and tea/coffee in general). Together, Eamon and I managed an independently owned cafe in Australia. We had the opportunity to learn a ton about the cafe industry and specialty beverages.  The owner of the cafe had developed an amazing chai recipe over 11 years and it’s safe to say we became as addicted to his blend as our clients did.  We then backpacked through India and Nepal where we drank fresh chai every morning from a Chaiwala (tea maker) on the street. When we returned home to Canada we were so disappointed that we could not find delicious chai anywhere… so we started our company!

 

Your chai is the best I have ever tasted!  What makes yours different from what is out there?

Well, that’s one way to make a girl blush (hehe)! Thank you.  Our chai blend is absolutely unique because we combine freshly ground spices with raw, wet ginger root and organic honey.  The result is a sticky chai unlike anything else available on the market. :)

 

Most masla chai blends come as dry herbs, but yours also has honey in it why did you choose to do it this way?

Chai from the streets of India always has two ingredients (aside from black tea), which are raw ginger root and sugar.  We wanted to incorporate the raw ginger root into our blend but did not want to add preservatives to keep it from spoiling.  This is where honey comes in.  Honey is nature’s BEST preservative! It also offers a slightly sweet flavour to substitute the white sugar that is commonly found in masala chai. 

 

Why are the quality ingredients you use so important and what are they?

Each of our ingredients is sourced consciously to ensure freshness, fair compensation for our tea farmers and the best overall taste for chai drinkers. Working directly with farmers has allowed us to differentiate our product in a very crowded marketplace. 

 

I met you at a show, I think it was first the Yoga conference in Toronto and since then you have evolved your business to be on the go by living out of your awesome van and doing shows all over.  What made you choose a travelling business?

Before starting Chaiwala, Eamon and I had been nomads for nearly 3 years. So, when we created our business we knew that once it found it’s feet, we would need to hit the road to satisfy our cravings of adventure and wanderlust.  Aside from travelling to various shows, we also travel to meet with new/potential wholesale clients. As I mentioned before, the bulk of our business is selling our chai to indie cafes who then use our blend to make their in-house chai lattes, tea or iced chai beverages.  This has allowed us to explore most of Canada this year as we travel to sell new business!

 

I love that you are so nomadic with it all, what is it like for you both to do business on the road?

We can’t imagine living any other way but I do understand that it seems nutty to most. Eamon’s role is the traveling sales man so being on the road is a natural fit and where our business thrives.  I, however, take on the backend working often needing to connect to wifi for a day at a time to get work done. But when you value being remote, you make it work!

What is the best and challenging aspects of it?

Best part of nomadic work is that we can be on the shores of Prince Edward Island or in a parking lot in Tim Buck Too and still put in an honest day’s work.  All we need is internet connection and we are gold!  It can be challenging to stay on top of our mailing and deliveries but we are consistently working towards perfecting a system for when we are not in Toronto.  

 

Would you share with us something abut your road adventures or your favourite unusual recipe to make with your masala chai?

 

Tis’ the season of everything pumpkin spiced so while it’s not unusual necessarily we love making homemade pumpkin chai lattes with our chai blend and an organic pumpkin puree.  It’s incredible how GOOD the real stuff tastes!

Try our recipe for a warming, delicious and healthy #PumpkinSpicedChai and let us know what you think!

ingredients: - 2 tablespoons of Chaiwala Chai blend  - 2 tablespoons of natural pumpkin puree - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk - dash of maple syrup for sweetness (optional)

instructions: - in a small pot add all ingredients and simmer on low-medium heat - stir occasionally - when hot enough to drink, strain into mug and enjoy!

For some great recipe ideas follow Chaiwala on instagram!  

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