Brewing on the Backwaters: The Remarkable Story of Kerala’s Boat-Borne Tea Seller

• Highlights tea’s cultural importance across India.

• Showcases 75-year-old Shantamma’s innovative floating tea stall in Kumarakom.

• Operating since 2013 after losing her land-based shop.

• Serves masala chai with traditional Kerala snacks to tourists.

• Overcomes monsoons, supply challenges, and seasonal tourism shifts.

• Symbol of resilience, creativity, and grassroots entrepreneurship.

  
  

Across India, tea is far more than a daily beverage — it is woven into the country’s social fabric. From the crowded lanes of Kolkata and Delhi to the vibrant streets of Mumbai and Bengaluru, roadside tea stalls serve as informal meeting spots where conversations flow as freely as the steaming cups of masala or ginger chai. But in Kerala’s serene village of Kumarakom, one tea seller has reimagined this cherished ritual in an extraordinary way: by bringing her tea to customers on a boat.

Seventy-five-year-old Shantamma, fondly known as “Chaya Chachi,” has been serving tea on Kerala’s tranquil backwaters for over a decade. A recent Instagram video by travel and food vloggers Safia and Faiz introduced a wider audience to her unusual enterprise. In the clip, she can be seen skillfully rowing her wooden boat across calm waters, her face lit with a warm, welcoming smile.

Unlike typical tea vendors who operate from fixed roadside stalls, Chaya Chachi runs her business from a floating setup within a resort’s backwaters. Visitors — whether seated along the shore or relaxing aboard houseboats — eagerly await her arrival to enjoy freshly brewed masala chai paired with beloved Kerala snacks. Among her offerings are crispy banana fritters and Sukiyan, a sweet local delicacy that perfectly complements a hot cup of tea.

What makes her operation particularly fascinating is its careful organisation. Despite working from a modest wooden boat, she manages to arrange kettles, cups, storage drums, baskets, and all the necessary ingredients with remarkable efficiency. Everything required to prepare and serve tea is neatly packed onboard, allowing her to function smoothly despite the limited space.

Chaya Chachi began her floating tea venture in 2013 after her previous land-based tea stall was forced to shut down. Rather than stepping away from her livelihood, she adapted. Turning adversity into opportunity, she shifted her business to the water — a decision that would eventually transform her modest trade into a local attraction. Over time, her cheerful personality and genuine hospitality have made her more than just a tea vendor; she has become an experience in herself. Tourists often leave not only with satisfied taste buds but also with fond memories of their interaction with her.

Her journey has not been without difficulties. Operating a business on water presents distinct challenges. The heavy monsoon rains that sweep through Kerala each year can disrupt daily operations. Tourist numbers fluctuate with the seasons, directly affecting her earnings. Maintaining adequate supplies and ensuring stability on a moving boat requires constant effort and careful planning.

Yet, despite these hurdles, Chaya Chachi continues to navigate both literal and figurative waves with resilience. Her story reflects determination, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to fade with age. What began as a necessity after the closure of her old shop has evolved into a symbol of innovation within the tourism landscape of Kumarakom.

Today, her floating tea stall stands as a testament to how tradition can blend seamlessly with creativity. In a country where tea already carries deep emotional significance, Chaya Chachi has added a new dimension to the ritual — one where a simple cup of chai arrives gently across shimmering waters, served with warmth, laughter, and an unforgettable smile.