Chandigarh Chai

by Tanima Kazi, Samiksha Gaur

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Aubrey Hedman]

This was such a sweet easy read, of a young woman who works to save her family's legacy.
I loved the ease of how this read, the development (and secrets!) of the characters and i truly loved reading this story set in another country!! It was an unexpected surprise and I absolutely adored it!

I did receive an ecopy of this as an arc.

[Chris White]

Charming story! It’s not very often that one book can have me laughing aloud, tearing up, and inspiring me to bake!

[Dolly Yadav]

𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎.

You know some books feel more like a comforting snack than a read — just like a warm cup of chai paired with your favorite cookies. Chandigarh chai feels like that exact comfort— warm, cozy and fairly dear to heart to even consider calories.

The story follows Avni, a 19 year old girl getting rejected from admission in her desired pastry school in Paris — being a daughter to a doctor who already feels being a pastry chef isn't appealing—Avni ends up hiding about her rejection from her mother, phiroza. But here's the catch— her mother still thinks She is going to college while in reality Avni ends up reading her grandmother's letter from India about the closing of their chai shop. Having never been told about their family in India, Avni's curiosity wins out and she lands in chandigarh with the lie of Paris just to save that chai shop!? There starts her journey of finding not only her family.... But herself as well.

What really stood out to me about chandigarh chai is that how easily the characters feel like home. Yes, each character have their own personality, traits and the plot revolves around their situation as well, but it's the simplicity of solving everything easily just with a little humor, courage and positivity that won me out. There is no die hard drama going on, no never ending grudges or plot twist— just a girl trying to save her family legacy while discovering herself. She makes mistakes, she's sarcastic, she feels relatable... And she feels real. Messily real and lovable.

Now, about characters— Phiroza and Radha. These two women hold such a strong presence. They truly embody the essence of being a woman and how difficult it is to choose what they want in society. I absolutely loved how beautifully their relationship concluded in the story. Other characters— Jagjit , Avni's uncle, Aunt bijul and her cousin Vijay ( I love this guy 😂 he's your perfect typical older sibling) had me laughing. Josh! He won me over just like Avni's family 🥰. Phiroza and Him make such a lovely pair. Then there's Rafi... I have a lot of mixed views on him. At start I really liked him but then.... I was quite disappointed with his behavior. So I'll leave him to you all's judgement.

Besides the family reunion, there's also a lot of food, hope and enthusiasm about chandigarh vibes along with the mystery of Asif Rehman. A poet you all will see in the story. After all the tension, humor and sarcasm, the ending surprisingly delivers an emotional conclusion. It definitely reminded me of Veer-zara.

The only downside I felt was the romance in story. This book is not heavily focused on romance . So don't expect a full on contemporary romance. It's centred on family, making amends while finding your passion. Yes, there's romance as a subplot, but I felt it didn't do justice. The Romance here is definitely young adult friendly with a crush vibe. Another thing I wanted was — more. Yes, it's short so I feel like I wanted more of the characters.

Overall, If you love books that feel like monsoon, chai and lots of family vibe then chandigarh chai is definitely good to go. It's short, it's cozy and it's definitely going to give you a smile when you think about avni and her chai shop. Plus, there's a delicious recipe booklet inside at the end as well 😋 the foodie in me was so happy seeing it!

[Nusrin Khatun]

Review of Advanced Review Copy received from Author

Book Review : Chandigarh Chai ☕
Author : Tanima Kazi

I went into "Chandigarh Chai" expecting a cozy story but I didn't expect to get this emotionally attached to the characters.

What I loved most about this book was the "family". Their reunion, all the old emotions between them, the little misunderstandings & the love that still exists underneath everything...it just felt sooo real. There was something really comforting reading about people who have been apart but still somehow belong to each other.

Avni was such an easy character to connect with ❤️ I think a lot of girls who are confused about their careers or feel like they haven't figured out what they're doing with their lives will understand her. She tries to be strong & tough but she's actually such a soft & warm person underneath. I really liked seeing her slowly find her way back to her roots and realise that sometimes the place you were trying to leave behind is actually the place that helps you find yourself again.

And then there's "Radha"😭🤌

I genuinely loved her character. She is so fierce & strong on the outside but there is so much sadness underneath that exterior. Deep down, she is just a woman who wanted to be loved by the person she loved. Her character broke my heart in a way I wasn't expecting. For me, she was honestly the life of this book.

I also liked Phiroza. There was something soo admirable about her character & the way she carries herself. I loved the different personalities of the women in this family & how each of them had their own stories & struggles.

I do wish we had gotten more of Avni & Rafi moments because I definitely found myself wanting more of them! The slow-burn romance, the quite understanding is just the cherry on the top 😍

Also can we talk about the little food booklet at the end?? One of my favourite things ! I wasn't expecting it & it was such a cute way to end the book. It made the whole "food and family" feeling of the story even better.

Overall this was such a warm, emotional and comforting read. I laughed, I got emotional & there were definitely moments where I just wanted to hug these characters.

It really did feel like a warm cup of chai on a rainy day ☕💚

Thank you Tanima Kazi and Aurelia Ink PR for this ARC 💖

[Cocobeans]

📖 ☕ Chandigarh Chai ☕
🧚🏻‍♀️ Tanima Kazi

Have you ever read a book that makes you want to pack your bags, go to a cozy town, find a cute little chai spot and somehow get yourself adopted into a big, loud, chaotic family?

CC DID THAT TO ME!

This book was warm, messy, romantic, emotional and just so wonderfully DESI. 🪷✨

And the vibes?

💌 Letters to Juliet meets Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham 💌

✨ Three generations of love stories
✨ One big, messy family
✨ Lots of secrets, emotions & drama
✨ And enough food to make you regret reading this on an empty stomach

☕ THE THREE GENERATIONS OF LOVE STORIES!!
I loved how romance wasn't limited to just one couple. Seeing love across three different generations, in different forms and at different stages of life some ending happily, some with heartbreaks, made this story so much more special. 💖

🪷 The family dynamics
Give me a big desi family with complicated relationships, people interfering in each other's lives, old wounds, LOTS of opinions and eventually everyone coming together and I AM SOLD. 😂

💛 An imperfect FMC
I LOVED that she wasn't written to be perfect. She has flaws. She makes mistakes. She doesn't always have everything figured out. And somehow, those imperfections made her feel so much more real and made me love her even more.

⚠️ IMPORTANT READING ADVISORY:
DO. NOT. READ. THIS. BOOK. ON. AN. EMPTY. STOMACH.

Because DAMN 😭😂
This book will have you craving ALL KINDS OF FOOD every few pages. I was simultaneously invested in the love stories and wondering what I could order to eat. 😂

There's something so comforting about a story where love isn't just romantic love. It's also the love between generations, within a family, the complicated kind of love that survives years of hurt and misunderstandings, and the kind that somehow brings everyone back together. 🥹

CC gave me romance, family drama, beautiful desi vibes, FOOD, flawed characters and three generations worth of love stories...

And I absolutely LOVED it. ☕💜

Tanima Kazi has once again managed to make this Romantasy girlie fall in love with a contemporary romance and honestly, HOW DARE SHE?!

Thank you soooo much Tanima for this beautiful book 💜💜

4.5 ⭐ Rounded off

[thebookwormscorner]

Huge thanks to Aurelia Ink PR and Tanima Kazi for gifting me a copy of her debut novel, ‘Chandigarh Chai’. Chandigarh Chai is one of those books that feels like a warm hug in a cold rainy day. From the amazing recipes to the amazing characters. This book has a special place in my heart.

We meet Anvi, who has aspirations to become a pastry chef. After getting rejected for a summer internship at Le Cordon Bleu, she gets discouraged and feels a little defeated and lost. It’s no help that her mother, Phiroza isn’t a fan of her becoming a pastry chef. After all, her mother is a surgeon and her daughter apparently is better than that. In all the chaos of her life, Phiroza forgot all about family, tradition, and the family Chai shop. Rightfully so (as you read on you’ll see why). One day Anvi came across a letter written to Phiroza from her mom, Radha, in India. They have to close the family Chai shop. After reading that it inspired something in Anvi. She wasn’t going to let her family legacy go down the drain after all the hard work they’ve done all these years to keep it open. Anvi decides to lie to her mother about her trip to Paris. She decides to head to Chandigarh instead to try and save the shop and herself in the process.

As the story progresses we meet alot more characters within the family:
• Radha (Phiroza’s mother)- Family elder with a take no bs attitude. Through that rough exterior, she has an aching heart.
• Uncle Jagjeet- Retired Professor. HRA’s the fun one, the foodie, and the glue that holds the family together.
• Phiroza (Anvis’s mother)- A successful surgeon whom has a tough character
•Vijay- The class clown of the family. He’s sassy, sarcastic, and has no problem bothering you in an endearing way. Deep down, he’s caring.
• Rafi- The bank officer trying to help Anvi keep the chai shop. Rafi is is also sweet on Anvi…

I loved loved loved how the author created the characters; how she showed their flaws and quirks. It felt real and intimate. The food language and recipes made my mouth water. (My stomach is growling while writing this review 😂)Tanima Kazi has written an absolute gem here and the recipes written by Samisha Gaur definitely makes you want to make or find some delicious Indian cuisine.

[Maitreyee Sarma]

Chandigarh Chai is a fabulous book which brilliantly brings alive an inspirational story of a teenager Avni who came back from USA to India with nothing in hand but only strong aspirations to take a simple shop about to be shut down into a stable entrepreneurial venture. The book take you on an emotional ride as well as make you get touched with family love and banters and also makes you laugh with tidbits of funny episodes somewhere along the pages.

Avni and her dreams truly resonate with us and the most impressive trait of her never-say-die personality is to keep herself going despite facing harsh criticism, constant taunts and unforeseen circumstances. However, her vulnerable side has also been portrayed brilliantly in this book making us resonate of how we often get tired of the sudden jolts that life throws unexpectedly and suddenly in our way. The best part of her story is her journey towards operating the chai shop learning, managing and doing everything the best way she can in a completely new place and culture which she didn’t have a whiff of it while growing up.

Her family members are also a dramatic lot. While the emotional dramas of Avni with her mother and grandmother is interesting, her conversations and time with her cousin Vijay and boyfriend Rafi is quite interesting. I love Uncle Jagjit who gave an opportunity to Avni to give a dying chai shop a chance. Her love story with Rafi and constant arguments with Vijay and their support for Avni is also wonderful to read. Karnika and her help towards Avni is also highly appreciative.

The most noteworthy aspect of the book is the great and yummy description of the vibrant flavours and culinary culture of Punjab. The menu card of Avni’s chai shop is the best and reading the innovative names leaves you drooling.

[Aarah]

I’ve read two of Tanima’s earlier books and I think I’ve officially become a fan of her writing style❤️ There’s something so easy and relatable about the way she writes people and their little everyday moments! Chandigarh Chai gave me such a warm, happy feeling

After being rejected by Le Cordon Bleu, Avni comes home to Chandigarh to save her Nani’s chai shop and ends up discovering a whole side of her family she never knew about. I liked that the story doesn’t try to make everything overly dramatic. A lot of the emotions come through the little conversations, family dynamics and everyday moments

Avni was easy to root for. She’s independent and determined, but she’s also figuring things out as she goes, which made her feel very real and relatable. Radha’s past was one of the parts I enjoyed getting into and Avni’s mom brought her own set of emotions and complexities to it. Jagjit uncle was such a warm and memorable presence🥰 while Rafi brought a sweet romantic thread into Avni’s life without taking away from the family story

But VIJAY!! He was my absolute favourite!! ❤️ His personality, humour and the little moments he brought into the story had me looking forward to every scene with him

And can we talk about the food? 😭☕️ There are SO many yummy recipes woven into the story, and having the actual recipes at the end was such a lovely bonus🤓 I am surely going to try some of those

Chandigarh Chai is a simple, feel-good family read with plenty of warmth, humour and food and I finished it with a smile❤️

I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys easy contemporary reads with family secrets, Indian settings, food and characters who feel like people you could actually meet over a cup of chai ☕️

[Shriya♡]

Some books are comforting because of their setting, some because of their characters, and some because of the emotions they leave you with. Chandigarh Chai somehow manages to bring all three together.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how layered it felt. Beneath the warmth of chai, food, family and Chandigarh, there are complicated relationships, old wounds, secrets and people trying to make sense of the choices that brought them here. I especially loved how none of the female characters felt one-dimensional. Each woman has her own history, personality and perspective, and honestly, some of them have enough depth that I could imagine an entire story with them as the lead. Yet, it never felt like the book was trying too hard to prove a point, their stories simply existed alongside one another and made the world feel richer.

I also loved the way the book explores belonging and the idea of home. For Avni, this isn't simply about returning to a place she knows; it's about discovering a part of her own story that she never knew existed. That made her journey feel all the more meaningful to me.

There is something very warm about the way Tanima Kazi brings together food, family, memories and everyday moments, while still leaving room for the messier emotions underneath. It made me want to slow down and spend a little more time with these characters rather than simply rush towards the next chapter.

Chandigarh Chai is a story of family, unexpected discoveries, complicated women, changing dreams and finding pieces of yourself in places you never expected to look.

A warm, thoughtful and beautifully layered read, best enjoyed with, obviously, a cup of chai ☕🤎

[Sheereen Siddiqui]

Avni is a woman on a mission. A mission to save her legacy, her family's chai shop in India, which turns out to be a rollercoaster ride for her. She had her career sorted– going to Paris and learning to become a pastry chef– but God had planned something even better for her.

When things are not going our way, we start doubting ourselves, and I related to Avni a little too much when she said, "no matter how hard she tried, she remained stuck while the rest of the world somehow lurched forward." I've felt this a thousand times in my life, and this is what makes this story so real. How the author has conveyed some real issues through all the women, including Phiroza, Karnika, and Radha.

The elders often pass on their trauma to their children instead of consoling and helping them because there was no one to do that for them. Radha was heartbroken and angry, which made it hard for her to understand Phiroza when she needed her mother the most. Phiroza being the perfect Surgeon, disapproving of Avni's choice of career because of her own fears, was another thing that felt so realistic. Avni not only followed her heart, but also brought together her broken family.

Apart from the deeply emotional aspects of the book, I loved the chaotic and funny side of it too much. The way everyone accepted Avni almost immediately and supported her ideas made her feel that she's capable and confident. If you're a chai lover and a foodie like me, this delicious book might be your next perfect read on a cozy Sunday.

[Rae♡ | Moonlit chapters]

📖 BOOK REVIEW

Chandigarh Chai by Tanima Kazi ☕🤍

This book is the definition of perfectttt!! I started it without knowing how much I would end up loving it, and now I can confidently say it’s one of my favourite books EVER. 🥹🤍

Chandigarh Chai has everything- family, self-growth, love, complications, failures, wins, and all the messy, beautiful moments that make life feel real.

I absolutely loved Avni’s character development. She’s brave and confident, yet quietly vulnerable, which made her feel so incredibly real🤍

And the family dynamics? EVERYTHINGGGG😭 Their chaos, humour, love, and support made me adore them. They were imperfect in the most beautiful way, and I genuinely wished I could jump into the book and become a part of their family(seriously).

The slow-burn romance between Avni and Rafi had me smiling throughout. Their love felt soft, natural, genuine, and beautifully unhurried🫶🏻

And Radha, Avni’s grandmother, will always have a special place in my heart. Her strength, sacrifices, and ESPECIALLY her love story completely moved me🤍

Honestly, Chandigarh Chai felt less like a book and more like being welcomed into a family for a little while and I really didn’t want to leave🥹☕🤍

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Thank you to Author Tanima Kazi and Aurelia Ink PR for sending me an ARC of Chandigarh Chai.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Varushi]

Reviewing the advance copy received from the author .

Chandigarh Chai is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. That's why this book is a must try!!

As mentioned in the blurb , I picked it up expecting a simple story about a girl saving her naani's chai shop. What I got was something I wasn't prepared for.

Avni Chawla loses her dream in Paris and instead of falling apart, she boards a flight to Chandigarh.

But here's what actually got me! it wasn't really about the shop at all.

It was about Her naani. A woman who had her own dreams, her own love story, her own whole life before anyone thought to ask. The letters Avni discovers, the flashbacks and everything.

Won't give spoilers about more of Radha's story.

And then there's Rafi. (The ML) How he shows up with lilies and he way he looked at Avni and said "yes...she is" I think about that more than I should.

What Tanima Kazi does beautifully is weave nostalgia through food and letters in a way that feels deeply personal. Avni reviving the old menu felt like watching someone learn a language they were always meant to speak. Till the end all the characters be it Avni's uncle and aunty, Vijay, phiroza, Josh, Kanika stays with you.

My only complaint is I wanted more.More of that old love story that felt like it deserved its own book entirely.

[Nila]

Sometimes, finding your way home means discovering what you actually want from life. ☕📚
This story follows Avni, who is forced to rethink her plans after a major setback in her dream of studying at a famous culinary school. She returns to Chandigarh when her family’s old chai shop is in trouble, hoping to help bring it back on its feet. But what starts as an attempt to save a family business slowly turns into something much more personal.

As Avni spends more time with her Nani and gets drawn into the family’s past, she begins uncovering things she never really understood about her family. I really enjoyed the family angle of this story, especially Avni’s relationship with her Nani. Their bond brings so much warmth to the book, while the family secrets add another layer to the plot. The chai shop also felt like an important part of the story because it represents memories, tradition, and everything Avni is trying to hold on to.

The characters felt real because they weren’t perfect. Avni is confused, stubborn, emotional, and still figuring things out, which made her growth easy to connect with. The author’s writing is warm, simple, and comforting, with plenty of emotion without making the story feel heavy.

My biggest takeaway was that letting go doesn’t always mean losing something. Sometimes, it means making space for a new beginning and choosing what truly matters to you. ❤️

[Palak]

This book unexpectedly stole my heart . The story was quite refreshing from all the romance ones 😅 It was a heartwarming, wholesome and cozy read 🤌🏻🤌🏻. Its full of family drama, mother daughter bonding, unrequited love , family moments and ofcourse......LOTS OF FOOD 😋😋 especially CHAI . 😌😌.

The story follows Avni a pastry chef who somehow founds her way to Chandigarh to save her grandmother’s chai shop — their family legacy. Reading about Avni facing the struggles of being in India for first time was quite hilarious: such as bus journey , weather etc. 😅

As always the female main character was not someone perfect she has flaws made mistakes learnt from them but never give up 🫶🏻🫶🏻. I loved each and every character. The plot — little family history was very interesting the Nani's story was so heartfelt and cuteeee 😚😚🫶🏻🫶🏻. The letters are one of the highlights of the story . The sweet little romance between Avni and Rafi was very sweet 🤗🤗.

The whole setting basically Chandigarh was very beautiful the chai shop , the house everything. The mother daughter relationship was my favorite part of the book . I ĺoved the bitter sweet bond . It reminded me of my own Nani which left me a little emotional 🥹🥹. I was literally smiling throughout the book it was like a warm hug 🤗

AND OFCOURSE......it will leave you craving considering it was filled with food items — chai , samosa , sweets , pastry , other desserts 🤤🤤.

The ending was surely one of the most peaceful quite happy ending that left me smiling 🥹🥹🤌🏻🤌🏻 . This book actually taught the importance of family and no matter what your family will always have your back.

💌ITS SURELY WORTH READING 🫶🏻 ITS SHORT , FAST AND A FEEL GOOD BOOK . ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANT TO READ SOMETHING LIGHT AND WHOLESOME BOOK 🤌🏻🤌🏻

[aamireads]

Reading this one feels like stepping into a home where every voice carries a history. There's a quiet ache beneath the humor, a warmth beneath the chaos and a tenderness that shows up in the smallest gestures. It's the kind of chapter that makes you smile at one line and swallow a lump in your throat at the next.

This is a story for readers who love character-driven moments: people who enjoy family dynamics that aren't polished, who find comfort in messy bonds, who like when emotions are shown through actions instead of speeches. Anyone who gravitates toward relationships shaped by old wounds, sharp wit and unexpected softness will feel right at home here.

What stayed with me most were the people at the center of it. Avni, steady and quietly reactive, grounding every scene without needing to dominate it. Radha, with her dry, piercing humor that lands harder than any dramatic outburst. Phiroza, unpredictable and vivid, shifting the energy the moment she enters. And then Rafi whose startled charm and gentle confusion make him the perfect counterweight to their whirlwind. Jagjit brings a hesitant sincerity that feels like someone trying to repair something fragile while Vijay adds a simple, disarming honesty that softens the room instantly.

[Samiksha Gaur]

I know I'm a little biased because I had the privilege of contributing the exclusive mini recipe booklet to Chandigarh Chai, but I genuinely fell in love with this story long before my name made it onto the cover.
And even if I wasn't a part of it, this is a story I would've recommended with my whole heart.
This book feels like a gentle warm bear hug. The story is about a family wanting to save their legacy, a home that welcomes you with all the flaws and strengths, the story heals parts of you, that you didn't know were broken, and it helps you find yourself when life tries to kick you down. It sounds like a self help book or something I know... But trust me it did make me feel all these things.
Avni's character was so easy to relate to. She wasn't perfect, she makes mistakes, she overthinks, she stumbles... and that's exactly why I loved her. Her journey felt real. The family dynamics, the chai shop, the letters, the little moments of love and laughter... everything felt so comforting and was in a perfect blend.
This book felt so comforting that I felt as if I was reliving my childhood days at my Nani's house.
Also, I feel that Tanima has such a beautiful way of writing about her female characters. She lets the characters grow and discover their own paths and that's what makes me connect to her stories and root for her characters.🩷🩷🤎🤎

[Delia Jennifer]

Avni hears that the family chai shop is in trouble and decides given the circumstances that she is currently going through saving the shop is what she needs to do. This story takes us through Avni and her family’s past and current situations. I love this story because the women are real. They make mistakes but find a way to get through life. You can see how characters have or are growing. It also has hints of romance sprinkled in which makes it so much more real in the heartbreaks and victories of a person’s life. The end of the book has recipes and would be a great way to have a more interactive experience with this book. Ultimately it feels like a cozy story that you can cuddle up with on a rainy day and feel happy. It feels like a story someone can experience in real life which makes it have a special place in my heart. The pacing of this book is excellent. It gives you everything you need without it being long or drawn out. You could easily read it in a day because it's under 200 pages. It made my heart so happy to read this book.

[Nikhat]

A breathtaking story of three generations-a grandmother, mother, and daughter bound together by love, hardship, and a vintage cafe called The Chandigarh Chai.
Despite their different personalities, all three women share a resilient spirit and a timeless desire to love and be loved.
Why You’ll Love It:
☕Nani’s story is pure, iconic 90s drama💃 (my absolute favorite!).
☕Avni is a fiercely independent, stubborn protagonist who holds her ground.
☕Her mother’s journey: She seems strict and hyper-competitive at first, but once you learn her backstory, your heart will break and you'll deeply admire how she rebuilt her life entirely on her own(Opss!! did I just give you a spoiler)
☕Vijay- Dramatic and funny side character we all need in our life🤭
☕ You'll get to know about LOADSSS of FOOOD!! Can you believe it?? I get to know about chai history fr😆
The Vibe: A quick, nostalgic read sprinkled with classic Hindi songs that will stay stuck in your head.

VERDICT
100% recommended for anyone who loves multi-generational family dramas with heart, secrets, and cozy vibes

[Roshni]

Chandigarh Chai is such a warm and comforting read. I really loved the family atmosphere, the Chandigarh setting, and how chai, food and family memories were woven into the story.

Avni comes to Chandigarh with her own plans, but slowly gets pulled into her family’s past, the chai shop, and relationships she never really understood before. I loved her strong character and the way she tries to save the chai shop while finding her own place in the family.

The romance between Avni and Rafi was soft, sweet, and had a cute slow-burn feel. But what stood out to me even more was Radha’s story. Her past, memories, and secrets added a deeper emotional layer to the book.

Overall, this book felt like a warm cup of chai ❤️ cozy, emotional, and filled with family, love, food, and beautiful memories. If you love heartwarming family stories with a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth reading❤️

[Ayesha]

Beautiful book!!

This book is phenomenal!!

Chandigarh Chai by Tanima kazi is a beautiful and empowering book. Reading this book healed something inside me. The plot, characters and setting were portrayed in an amazing manner. The detailed description of culture and food was mesmerizing. The detailed description of food can make one hungry while reading.

Avni as the main lead was brave and had lot of courage. Her struggle and the complex situations she dealt with were emotional to read. The way she revived the chai shop and the enthusiasm with which she tried recipies was heartwarming to read. I enjoyed reading her whole journey and at the end It made me smile. The relationship growth with her grandmother was intriguing and I enjoyed their conversations.

The story portrayed three generations of women and each one had their own journey and struggle. There was lot of depth and it can stay with you for a long time after one has finished reading it. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions while reading it. Each and every character brought different flavours in the story like the food.

At the end I would say one can enjoy this book a lot with a cup of chai ☕. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about strong women and lots of food. The food recipes in the book were interesting and I would definitely try it one day!!

Thank you for the ARC!!

[Bookaddict_18]

Every once in a while a story comes along that feels like a warm cup of chai on a rainy afternoon. Chandigarh chai is precious that kind of book is deeply comforting.

Avani Chawla who always dreams of becoming a pastry chef gets rejected from Le codon bleu. Unexpectedly a letter from her Nani. Though it, she learns that their family's traditional tea shop in India is about to go Bankrupt.

Chandigarh chai was such a heartwarming and enjoyable read. I found myself getting attached to the characters and by the end they felt like people I genuinely cared about. The character development is thoughtful and well done with each person adding something meaningful to the story.

And for chai lovers, this book is a treat.There are actual food recipes and ingredient instructions included, and I definitely want to try a few of them.
If you enjoy books with strong family bonds, delicious food and heartfelt relationships I would definitely recommend giving this one a read.

[Shruti Rekha]

Chandigarh Chai by Tanima Kazi was such a warm and heart-touching read for me. Being a chai-obsessed person, the title itself was enough to make me pick this book. But honestly, I wasn't expecting the story to be like this at all.
I absolutely loved Avni’s character. The way her emotions, struggles and thoughts were presented felt so real. As the story moved forward, I loved how she refused to give up and stood firmly to bring back Chandigarh Chai and everything it meant to her.
I also wasn't expecting to find a cute love story here, but I really enjoyed that part too. It added such a lovely touch to the story without taking away from Avni’s journey.
And the ending! I have always had a soft corner for happy endings, so the reunion and the way everything came together made me really happy.
Overall, this was a warm, emotional and feel-good read for me. And honestly, I am really proud of Avni.

[Parul L Bhandari]

What a wonderful story of motherhood, daughterhood and the things we do and hope to change.

This book transported me back to India visiting my nani in a small town. While, we did not have a chai shop, we had a fertilizer shop on the first floor, and all of our family lived above.

Why I tell this story is that, for families like mine. It is one that is relatable, about these small towns in India, where everybody knew everyone's business and we made decisions based on what others thought. And those decisions harmed families. And we can all be different and do better.

But, it's also a story for those that don't know this world to be transported somewhere, to learn about culture deeply and fully, and experience it through food and recipe. Avni has some bright ideas, would love to see these foods at the café someday.

[trupti tapasi]

A story that combines legacy with food, layered relationships, old letters and opinionated female characters, that's a recipe for bliss. Especially when it has food at its heart.
Chandigarh Chai by Tanima Kazi is a nostalgic take on three generations of women and their lives intertwined with a family tea shop.
The protagonist Avni is likable because she's not perfect. She has setbacks, but she takes bold steps. She doesn't shy away from the past, rather takes it forward into the future.
To quote her-
"We must keep moving to keep belonging."
A family as complex and sweet as the Mango Jalebis, a grandmother as kadak as masala chai and a life unique as Kheeramisu- these are the elements that make the book a full course meal.
Also, the quintessential Chai never fails to solve any problem and it reminded of many of my dear friends who swear by the effectiveness of a hot cuppa as the remedy of all maladies.

A breezy, fast and cozy read which I could finish in one sitting. A great company for a Sunday soaked in rain and steaming hot tea.

The stories of Radha and Phiroza have ample potential for having their own sequels and add to the Chawla family legacy.

[Ruksana]

I haven't thought this book would be so touching. The family aura is on another level so lovely and beautiful. And the food this book has it so mouth watering 🤤

Avni, I loved her alot for her love and strong character. And the way she tries to save the chai shop is most wonderful part. And the way of finding a path which she haven't known alot and staying there was so emotional.

And the soft and sweet chemistry between Rafi and Avni was so cute and I enjoyed their slow burn romance so much. And Radha's part in the book was strong and I loved it.

And the last few pages with ingredients for the food is 😋. Defenitely gonna try those. If you love family, sweet amd cute memories, food then thos will be definitely for you to read and feel those.

[Preeti]

Anvi who want to do baker’s degree from NYU but destiny want her to do something else. She lied to her mother that she went to NYU and landed in Chandigarh to save her ancestors chai shop.

Phiroza, Avni’s mom was pregnant with Avni when her mother throw her out so she doesn’t like her and ignored her letter.

Radha, Avni’s nani she is a fierce woman. She handle all her emotions and stand strong during her whole life.

I like the ending of this book as Phiroza reconcile with her mother and with her blessing she gets married with Josh.

Overall this was such a warm, emotional and comforting read. I laughed, I got emotional & there were definitely moments where I just wanted to hug these characters.

[Jazlyn]

Chandigarh Chai was such a short, cozy, and heartwarming read! After Avni is rejected from Le Cordon Bleu, she discovers a letter from her Nani revealing that her family’s chai shop in Chandigarh is closing. Determined to save it, Avni packs her bags and heads to Chandigarh but quickly realizes that saving the shop might be more complicated than she expected.

I really loved Avni as a character. She’s strong, independent, and determined, but she’s also trying to figure out what she wants for herself and where she belongs. I especially loved the family dynamics. Seeing Avni reconnect with her family and how they welcomed her with open arms, even when they didn’t completely understand why keeping the chai shop meant so much to her, was really sweet.

The romance between Avni and Rafi was also adorable! Their relationship added just the right amount of romance without taking away from the story’s focus on family and legacy.

Learning why Avni’s mother had never told her about her family was heartbreaking, and Radha’s story was equally bittersweet. I really appreciated how the story explored the idea that sometimes letting go of something doesn’t mean giving up, it can mean making room for something new.

And I absolutely loved that the author, Tanima Kazi, included recipes at the end of the book! I can’t wait to try some of them. It feels like a little way to experience Avni’s chai shop for yourself.

Thank you to the Aurelia Ink and Tanima Kazi for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Eshwarya]

Thank you so much to Aurelia Ink PR and the author for this ARC!

Chandigarh Chai is a lovely little novella following Avni and her quest to save her family’s chai shop in Chandigarh after being rejected from Le Cordon Bleu. along the way, she discovers old family secrets, stirs up drama and starts a budding romance.

this was a cosy, quick read with a satisfying outcome and delectable food descriptions. i’ve never been to Chandigarh but Tanima’s writing really brought the setting to life. the tension between the three women was also very realistic, as any girl who grew up in a South Asian family would know. Avni is an interesting protagonist because although she is the catalyst for a lot of the conflict, she does also act as a mediator between her mum and her Nani.

being a novella, there was less development of some of the subplots than I would’ve liked, and I do wish that there was a bit more time spent on the emotional resolution of some of the scenes. also I personally think the romance here is more insta-love (with some mild spice) than slow-burn, which is completely fine but just worth noting before you read it!

overall, I did enjoy this and would be keen to read more of Tanima’s work, especially because of the South Asian rep 🥻

Chandigarh Chai releases 18th of August (tomorrow) so mark your calendars!

[Erik G.]

Beautifully written, warm, inviting and genuinely enveloping.

For an absorbing, sweet, fun, nostalgic, contemporary, relatable journey, or even a first time introduction to this rich and beautiful culture, read this wonderful new release by Tanima Kazi! It reads like a warm blanket on a cool autumn evening. You'll never feel lonely with the love of these characters and the richness of family, culture and the most delicious recipes. Try them! They're simple and easy and disproportionately rewarding! Give yourself the gift of this nurturing, enriching read.

[Khushi Saha]

I just finished reading this lovely book yesterday, and it’s still with me. It’s a heartwarming story about family, heritage, love, and romance, & realizing you don’t need to fit into a one-size-fits-all box … and FOOD! Lots of good food and comforting chai.
I loved it. I could taste the flavors, see the sights, and the characters were real. I wanted more!!! And now I want to celebrate Mango Mela bc what do you mean there’s an entire celebration for the king of fruits 🥭????