Chai Culture Meets Kenyan Coffee Culture as Chaii Republic launches

Chai Culture Meets Kenyan Coffee Culture as Chaii Republic launches

  • Chaii Republic launched in Nairobi, blending India's tea culture with Kenya's vibrant café scene at Social8 in Westlands
  • The unique menu features spiced Kulhad Chai, Oat Milk Matcha, and handcrafted coffees, served in eco-friendly kulhads
  • Chaii Republic expansion to East Africa aims at building a community around global chai traditions and local coffee excellence

Nairobi, Kenya - Nairobi’s vibrant hospitality scene has welcomed a refreshing new entrant after the launch of The Chaii Republic.

Chaii Republic is popularly known in India.
Chaii Republic officials pause for a photo during launch in Westlands, Nairobi.
Source: UGC

Chaii Republic is a unique café concept that brings India’s beloved Tea and Coffee culture to Kenya’s capital.

Popularly known in India for its nostalgic yet modern twist on traditional brews, Chaii Republic officially opened its Nairobi outlet on Saturday, July 5, at the renowned Social8 Restaurant in Westlands.

Tucked within the leafy serenity of Brookside Drive, the concept is now part of Social8’s eclectic and cultural space, offering a dedicated corner for Tea and Coffee lovers to customise and savour their favourite brews, ranging from spiced Kulhad Chai and Oat Milk Matcha to handcrafted coffee blends.

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"It was incredible to see Nairobians embrace this concept so enthusiastically on launch day. There is something universally comforting about a good cup of Chai or Coffee, and we are proud to now offer that comfort, authentically and creatively, right here in Nairobi," said Ashish Sharma, CEO of Thrive Hospitality.

The launch event, which drew a dynamic crowd of hospitality enthusiasts, creatives, influencers, and media personalities, featured live chai brewing, guided tasting, and a showcase of The Chaii Republic’s curated beverage menu.

Guests were treated to traditional Indian flavours with a modern twist, served in eco-friendly kulhads, and paired with light bites that reflected a fusion of Indian and Kenyan culinary influences.

"Kenya is globally recognised for its world-class coffee. What we’re doing is creating a complementary space where that coffee excellence meets Global Chai traditions.
“Our goal is to create an environment where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy flavour without compromise,” Sharma explained.

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The Chaii Republic’s Nairobi presence signals a strategic entry into the East African market, with plans already underway for possible expansion across the region.

According to Sharma, Nairobi’s growing appetite for speciality cafés and cultural experiences made it the ideal launchpad for the brand’s African journey.

Social8, already known for pushing creative boundaries in food, art, and community engagement, now boasts an even more compelling reason for patrons to visit.

The synergy between the two brands was on full display during the launch, with guests mingling in a warm, modern space that felt both international and deeply local.

"We’re not just offering a drink we’re building a culture and a community," Sharma said.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Wycliffe Musalia avatar

Wycliffe Musalia (Business Editor) Wycliffe Musalia is a Business Editor at TUKO.co.ke, with over six years of experience in digital media. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University. Before joining TUKO.co.ke, Musalia worked as an editorial intern at Standard Media Group. Musalia has completed the full Google News Initiative (GNI) News Lab Advance digital reporting workshop. He has also undergone Procurement Fraud and Public Finance Management Training conducted by the Kenya Editors’ Guild. You can get in touch with Musalia via mail: wycliffe.musalia@tuko.co.ke.

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