During his recent UK visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi indulged in a heartwarming tea moment hosted by Akhil Patel, the founder of Amala Chai-a UK-based tea brand rooted in Indian tradition. The viral moment took place at Chequers, the official country residence of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where the two leaders bonded over a classic cup of chai.
A short video circulating on social media captures Patel humorously saying, “From one chaiwala to another” as he serves a steaming cup of masala chai to PM Modi. The moment has struck a chord with many, drawing attention to Patel’s journey and the brand he built with a nod to his heritage.
Meet Akhil Patel: The man behind Amala chai
Akhil Patel grew up in London and studied at the University College School in Hampstead. He went on to pursue a BSc in Management from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). While still a student, Patel gained professional experience through internships and later worked as a data analyst.
However, in 2019, Patel made a bold shift in his career to start Amala Chai, a venture inspired by his Indian grandmother’s traditional recipes and deep-rooted chai culture.
Akhil now runs a chai hob right outside Kings station in London where you'll find him brewing tea from 8 am in the morning. "400,000 cups later, we’ve officially helped Britain swerve the corporate chai latte across the road," he says in one of his Instagram posts.
The story of Amala chai
Amala Chai isn’t just another tea brand, it focuses on authenticity and ethical sourcing. According to the company’s LinkedIn page, the brand procures its tea leaves and spices directly from small family-owned farms in Assam and Kerala, ensuring fair practices and top-notch quality.
In May, the British Museum even featured Amala Chai in a short video, highlighting the brand’s direct sourcing model and its commitment to preserving Indian chai traditions abroad.
A ‘Crazy Day’ for the chai entrepreneur
While Akhil Patel kept his personal social media silent, the official Instagram handle of Amala Chai shared a behind-the-scenes video of the memorable event with the caption, "Just a casual Thursday serving chai for @narendramodi @keirstarmer What a crazy day! Beyond honoured. We’ll be sharing the full story with you next week so keep your eyes peeled!"
The short reel shows the two prime ministers enjoying the rich aroma and taste of Indian masala tea, brewed and served by Patel himself.
PM Modi’s visit to the UK was marked not just by diplomatic dialogues, but also by symbolic moments like this tea session, aptly described by him as “Chai Pe Charcha”.
