Tea in India includes a wide range of black tea, green tea, herbal blends, spiced chai, and specialty loose-leaf varieties, shaped by extensive domestic production and deep-rooted consumption habits. In cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, tea is highly visible through street vendors, cafés, markets, and restaurants, where chai is consumed throughout the day. In rural areas, tea remains a staple beverage prepared at home or served in local stalls, often as a central part of daily routines. The tea market is supported by large-scale cultivation in regions such as Assam and Darjeeling, along with widespread distribution networks that make tea accessible across all socioeconomic levels. Compared with other beverages, tea occupies a dominant position, functioning as both a daily necessity and a culturally embedded product. Visibility is reinforced through domestic consumption, export markets, and strong brand presence. As a result, tea in India reflects one of the most developed and deeply integrated tea markets in the world.
