International Tea Day 2025: Top 7 best tea joints in Kozhikode
From college canteens to kitty parties to romantic dates to Bollywood movies to political campaigns like PM Modi’s “Chai Pe Charcha,” tea (popularly known as chai) is not just a beverage but an emotion in itself. Be it a slow rainy day or a hectic day at work, a cup of steaming tea makes our brain cells refreshed, like nothing else. This International Tea Day, let’s explore some of the famous tea joints in the food capital of Kerala, Kozhikode.
But first, let’s delve into the history behind this celebration.
History: The origin of this day goes back to 2004, when the World Social Forum designated December 15 as International Tea Day. The first celebration took place in New Delhi in 2005, and subsequently, other tea-producing nations such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Kenya also began to observe the day. In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly officially acknowledged May 21 as International Tea Day, with the inaugural UN-approved celebration taking place in 2020. Since then, May 21 has been recognised as International Tea Day.
On this special day, we have curated a list of the seven best tea joints in Kozhikode. Have a look:
Parison’s Tea Shop: Located near the Parisons Square and Mofussil Bus stand, the cafe serves around 45 different types of tea and is a haven for all tea lovers in the city. One can also gorge on some amazing snacks, including samosa and maska bun among others.
Club Sulaimani: Located near the Thondayad Bypass, this famous food joint is popular for its Sulaimani tea - a speciality black tea blend, typically featuring spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The club serves multiple Sulaimani tea variations, including "Royal Bloom Sulaimani" with oolong tea and rose buds, and "Velvet Sulaimani" with cinnamon and green apple.
Mushakkal: Capturing the essence of Malabar cuisine, this place offers authentic, homemade snacks and teas. Located at Jawahar Nagar Colony Road near Ashokapuram, the tea here is refreshing and tastes heavenly when combined with Unnakkaya, Kalathappam, and Neypathiri.
Happy Cup Cafe: Located near the PT Usha Road, beside the Taj Gate, this snacks bar is a go-to for all tea addicts. Besides serving plain tea, lemongrass tea and saffron tea, they also specialise in paan iced tea, green apple tea and Chamomile tea.
Tea Talk Kozhikode: With a serene and aesthetically pleasing ambience, this tea joint located in Palayam is pocket-friendly and fulfilling. They serve plain tea, masala tea and black tea besides snacks and other smoothies. However, their tea has a special flavour that will stick to your taste buds forever.
Kaapi Koottam YMCA: One of their special attractions is their Malabar tea, a fragrant herbal tea from Malabar, perfect for soothing and refreshing your senses after a hectic day at work. It is located on the YMCA Cross Road, right behind IDBI Bank.
Arabian Tea Shop: This joint is situated near Chalappuram and serves excellent varieties of mint tea, lemon tea and ginger tea at extremely reasonable prices, best suited for college students and freshers at workplaces.
Last but not least, here are some memorable quotes you can share with your tea-lover friends on this special occasion:
- “A cup of tea is an excuse to pause, refresh, and reconnect.”
- “Tea is more than a drink; it’s a culture brewed with care.”
- “A cup of tea makes everything better.”
- “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
- “Where there’s tea, there’s hope.”