Chaaya — Restaurant in Kerala

You can see below the response from the owner to my below comment dated 25.02.2020. I do not have any other option to express my dismay to the type of utterly unprofessional response I have received, but to edit my original post.

The owner responds: "We apologize if there was any bad management happened from our side." I'm glad that you at least realise that,even if no corrective measures are taken, your restaurant is managed in a bad way.

"We have been giving only homely food which is prepared by ladies at their respective houses." Sorry. How am I expected to trust the hygiene levels at a private residence, especially when in a situation where the local food safety authorities have no access. I term it as not a good practice in food industry

"There’s hardly any chance for the food to get spoiled. What you eat at night is made in the evening." The time I had food, it was around 9pm. Even if it was made in the evening, it would have been ready for at least 3 to 4 hours. The food item was stored at a very wrong temperature and I had pointed it out to the management representative then and there.

"Haven’t heard a single bad review till now and we don’t want it." Well, you have one now, from me...

"Hoping to see you soon and trust me you’ll be satisfied with our service and food." Your response says that most of your actions are deliberate, and hence I can hardly see any chance of improvement in the situation.

MY ORIGINAL POST ON 25.02.2020 I have heard a lot about Chaaya, which is located at close proximity to where I stay, I decided to step in and experience their ambience and food yesterday (24.02.2020), after they reinstated their business after the authorities shut them down a while ago ( oh!), an action which I deeply regret now. My intention was a light dinner, and their approach and general feel made me resort to just one Chicken Cutlet. A lady, who apparently was from the restaurant management side, suggested a drink, which was a Grape Juice with pulp. To cut a long story short, I just munched on the cutlet and gulped the grape juice, either of which was pathetic in taste. Later, I experienced a very bad stomach and acidity, clearly indicating that the cutlet or the juice or both had something that was not good, at least, for my body. I wish these type of restaurants serve food at the right temperature, made of the right, healthy...

Chaaya, a quaint spot for evening snacks and tea, offers a taste of Calicut's indigenous snacks but comes with a caveat—its pricing. The culinary offerings at Chaaya are undoubtedly a flavorful journey through Calicut's unique snacks, but they might leave your wallet feeling a bit lighter.

First, the positives: Chaaya's menu is a treasure trove of traditional Calicut snacks. From crispy banana chips to flavorful Kozhikode biryani, the taste is authentic and a delightful representation of the region's culinary heritage. The tea selection is commendable, with a variety of options to pair with your snacks.

However, the downside becomes apparent when you receive the bill. Chaaya's prices are notably higher compared to similar shops in the area. While the quality of snacks and tea is good, the premium pricing can make it an occasional indulgence rather than a regular haunt for those watching their budgets.

The ambiance at Chaaya is pleasant, with a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for winding down in the evening. The service is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall experience.

In summary, Chaaya is a great place to savor the indigenous snacks of Calicut and enjoy a nice cup of tea in a comfortable setting. The authenticity of their offerings is a definite plus. However, the elevated prices may make it more suitable for special occasions or those willing to splurge a bit for a taste of Calicut's culinary heritage. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you might want to explore other local shops with...

“A/C System is a Joke – Needs Serious Fixing!”

I've been a regular at Chaaya for years—visited well over a hundred times. Their tea and snacks are excellent, and they’ve built a loyal crowd over time. But there’s one glaring issue they’ve consistently ignored: indoor comfort, especially air conditioning.

Their indoor space is large—far too large to be cooled by just two small wall-mounted ACs, especially in a city like Calicut where the summer heat and humidity are brutal. The ACs are always set at 26°C, and worse, many times only one AC is turned on during peak hours. There’s no air curtain, and the door is opened constantly to serve outdoor customers, which means any cooling is quickly lost.

When multiple customers—including myself—requested a lower temperature for better cooling, the staff repeatedly dismissed the request with, “It won’t matter since the door is open.” This excuse feels lazy and disrespectful, especially when it's the same person sitting right under the working AC at the billing counter. They’ve recently renovated and have steady business, so cost can’t be an excuse—this is about lack of intent and poor hospitality planning.

It’s frustrating because everything else is good here—the food, the service, the vibe. But on a hot day, it’s impossible to sit and enjoy anything when the indoor space feels like a pressure cooker. I really hope they take this seriously and invest in basic comfort for the customers who’ve supported them all...