High Chai (INDN, NYC)

Hello Steepers! If you’re looking for a break from the traditional scones and clotted cream, I found a spot in NYC that is mixing up the classic afternoon tea experience with an Indian twist! I recently visited INDN in Midtown to try their High Chai, an Indian Afternoon Tea experience! It’s a fun, casual take on afternoon tea with a focus on traditional Indian snack foods and classic chai.

A Little Bit of History: INDN is run by a trio that blends decades of New York hospitality experience with a modern aesthetic. Co-founders Kanika Vij Bakshi, Vicky Vij, and Simran Bakshi, opened INDN to move away from traditional dining formats, centering instead on a lounge-like "Canteen" atmosphere. They pair Indian small plates with craft cocktails in a beautiful, vibrant, atmosphere, focused on hospitality.

The Experience: I sat at the bar for this one, which was the only available option for a last minute reservation. A few logistical things to keep in mind: you definitely want a reservation. The space is small and it fills up quickly. Walk ins are possible, especially at opening, but reservations make it easier. Also, the High Chai is only offered during Saturday and Sunday brunch. Interestingly, the brunch menu sometimes disappears off the website, and even our bartender wasn't aware of the High Chai until we pointed it out on the physical menu. I don’t think many people realize they offer it, but it is definitely there!

The High Chai is $16 per person, which is an incredible deal for NYC! Instead of finger sandwiches, you get a tiered tray of classic Indian snacks and biscuits in ABUNDANCE.

• Sweets: If you grew up in the Indian community you will be served a trio of nostalgic cookies from your childhood: Parle-G, Krackjack, and Good Day. If not, you may not be familiar with this trio, but you will definitely enjoy some classic Indian snack foods!

• Savories:

  • Samosa: A Samosa is probably the most popular Indian snack globally. It’s characterized by its iconic triangular, thin, and crisp wheat shell, traditionally stuffed with a mixture of spiced mashed potatoes and peas.

  • Kachori: A Kachori features a round, thicker, and flakier shortcrust pastry filled with a concentrated, spicy paste made from ground lentils or peas. While both are seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander, the Kachori often has a deeper, more pungent kick due to the addition of fennel and ginger in its filling.

  • Two types of "mixture": “Mixture” is a savory snack mix comprised of crunchy, noodle-like bits made from seasoned chickpea flour.

  • Khari: Khari is a plain, flaky biscuit. The name "Khari" actually means "salty" in Hindi, reflecting its simple, savory profile, but its not really super salty in taste.

The price includes unlimited chai or coffee. My friend was a coffee drinker and I’m a crazy chai person, so getting one classic, beautiful chai, and one coffee with unlimited refills was great. We actually ordered a few extra brunch items because we wanted a little more for brunch than just snacks and chai. We ended up packing the rest of our tea snacks to take home for a treat later. It was a beautiful compliment to everything we ate, and we added on some fun brunch drinks as well!

As of Today: The High Chai is currently $16 pp. You can check out INDN’s full menu (when the brunch section is behaving) here.

My Rating: 5/5 teacups! It’s a great deal for the price point and includes all the classic snacks you’d expect from a true "High Chai" experience. Service was also excellent. This is a fun, unique twist from the traditional afternoon teas. I really enjoyed it and would do it again!

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