Nestled into the heart of Slough are the little seedlings of tea shops on Farnham Road, sprouting up with hints of flavourful masala blends. You’ll never be at a loss in discovering these chai cafes, sprucing up the busy road with their Instagram-worthy décor and mixing modern trends with traditional recipes.
But for many, chai is more than just tea or an internet phase.
It can be home.
A connection to roots left behind in countries particularly from South Asia, tethering us back to our stories in migration and culture. The authenticity tasted in each sip pays homage to the regional diversity of the inspired cuisine. It’s not unusual to hear over the soft thrum of music the various languages spoken, communicating in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi as freely as speaking English.
Before, some people may have shied away from embracing their culture publicly, suppressing such beautiful dictions to the confines of their home. Now, the chai scene has normalised a cultural common ground that welcomes all!
It can also be business, a means to support families.
Many of these cafes began as individual outlets, simply trying to make a living off of a dream. But with their popularity from 2020 especially, they have also made a name for themselves by spreading the love for saffron-infused brew. Since then, franchises have opened and have swept across the nation, capitalising on this success. And why shouldn’t they when its cultural artery is often celebrated in the media?
Influencers across all social platforms trickle into Slough to ‘taste-test’ or recommend certain beverages. But even on a local level, they provide the opportunity for all groups of people to meet and bond. From college students excited to revise in these hubs to friends and families assembling for a fun, memorable outing; no one can resist the aroma of steeped, sweet-spicy chai!
Finally, it is an expression of identity that has stretched far and wide.
From being brewed privately at home as a means of welcoming guests to now acknowledged in internet trends, like chai latte and bubble tea crossovers, it’s become something to cherish. Places like Chaiiwala, Karak Chai and other famed, local gems have quickly become community staples where people gather for more than just a steaming cup. They remain sincere, refusing to mimic high street chains, as they are unapologetically multicultural and challenge generations of stereotypes through its success both entrepreneurially and heritage-wise.
So, the next time someone questions what Slough has to offer, take them for a walk down Farnham Road. Let them smell the cardamom, hear the laughter, and taste the pride that’s been simmering here all along.
Because in Slough, even a cup of tea can tell a story.
