For the past few years there have been many events that are related to food however this one was unusual in many ways
- This one was related to CHAI
- It was conducted at the residence of the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Chris Elstoft.
- The Lady who was conducting the Chai Appreciations session was Uppma Virdi aka “Chai Walli” and that is also the brand of her Tea Range.
Now when there is a avent like this at High Commission one is supposed to be on time. But that does not happen because of murphy’s Law.
So, I took precaution and left my home 30 mins well in advance to reach 30 mins early.
But then jo hona hai woh hona hai and because of some International VIP Event the traffic was diverted at many points, Temporary blocked at many and resultantly i reached 30 Mins Late.
After the proper checking through the main gates, I entered the well manicured lawns of the premises and could see lots of Hulchul around a Table. Didn’t take me long to see that it was Uppma on the other side of the table explaining the Nuances of her Brews and also persuading everyone to sip them and feel the essence.
Bas Mein bhi Saath jurr gaya and listened to each word that she had to say and how her knowledge of Tea dates back to many years and how she has put that knowledge to good use with this brand called Chai Walli.
And Chai Walli she looked for sure as she was wearing a wonderful Bright Shirt with Chai Glass Motifs over it. Her Bag was no different with Chai Kettle printed on it.
What also got my attention was 5-6 Kettles kept over there in different shapes and sizes.
Good to see some of them which we don’t see regularly.
Kuch alag hi mast si shape hoti hai na… Handle on one side, Stout jutting out from other side. Jaise ki Utensil na hua koi Human Cartoon ho 🙂
Reminds me of the Poem
I’m a little teapot, short and stout
Here is my handle, here is my spout
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout
Just tip me over and pour me out
Chai to pi li, but bhookh bhi lagi thi and at display were Food items from my favourite Soda Bottle Opener Waala. And needless to say what I had most was Shrewberry Cookies and Mushroom on a Khari.
With Freshness of Uppma’s Chai, the Goodness of SBOW food with chit chat amongst friends it was time to click some pics and head back.
The Moment was ending but memories of that meet shall be cherished for long.
Her Website is : https://chaiwalli.com.au/
You can read more about UPPMA Jee here
An ex-commercial lawyer, Uppma Virdi took the simple idea of Indian chai and created an entire culture shift in Australia through her business. Born in Chandigarh and raised in Melbourne, Uppma was inspired by her grandfather, a doctor who specialised in Ayurvedic teas and spices and recreated his remedial chai blends for friends and family. What started with a passion to share authentic Indian chai blends and high grade Indian teas, grew into an iconic brand ‘Chai Walli’.
All the Chai Walli products are hand crafted by Uppma and are completely natural, Ayurvedic, sugar free, preservative free, vegan and have caffeine free options. Supporting small business is important to the values of Chai Walli, so they source teas directly from small batch organic tea farms in India.
Chai Walli also provides tea education though their boutique chai workshops and social media marketing, where they equip their industry and customers with the knowledge and skills to understand the art of chai, Ayurveda and Indian teas.
Some achievements Uppma has had with her hard work with Chai Walli over the past few years include:
- Uppma was awarded Business Woman of the Year by the Indian Australian Business Community Awards in 2016.
- Uppma was listed as Forbes 30 under 30 in 2017.
- Uppma was featured by CNN in their 40 under 40 list in 2017.
- Chai Walli’s signature chai blend was awarded best chai at the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards in 2017.
- Uppma was honoured with the Hind Rattan Award NRI Achievers and the Yuva Rattan Award of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by the NRI Welfare Society in 2017.
- Uppma was honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
