The Chai That Travels | From India to Europe — A Maps & Metaphors Documentary

Описание: This documentary is about chai, culture, and diaspora stories — about how something simple can carry memory, belonging, and identity across borders. We follow the journey of chai — from the busy streets of India to quiet cafés in Europe — and meet the people who carry its story forward in their own ways.

For us chai is more than a drink.
It’s memory. It’s comfort. It’s home.

We begin in India, where chai is woven into everyday life. From the sound of ginger being crushed to the steam rising from a roadside stall, chai here isn’t just a recipe — it’s a ritual.

The journey then moves to Amsterdam, where chai takes on new forms and rhythms. Through workshops and shared spaces, we explore how spices, traditions, and personal memories shape every cup.

Along the way, we sit down with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai. Though she grew up outside India, her visits back and deep cultural ties shaped her work. In her book, she explores the cultural and socio-economic story of chai, along with many small, fascinating details that give this everyday drink a deeper meaning.

Our journey continues to Zoetermeer, where we meet Ashritha, the heart behind My Chai Club. Her chai story spans Hyderabad, Australia, and the Netherlands. Through her club, chai becomes a way to build community — a space for conversation, connection, and shared warmth.

This film isn’t just about finding good chai.
It’s about the people who keep its spirit alive — on the streets, in books, in workshops, and in small communities that feel like home.

Wherever you’re watching from, we hope this journey brings you a little warmth, a little memory, and a quiet moment to pause — the way chai always does.

☕
Maps & Metaphors — Because every place has a story.

CREDITS
• Mira Manek — Author, The Book of Chai
• My Chai Club (Zoetermeer) — Founded by Ashritha
• Eva Dusch — for making this journey possible

The Book of Chai is a beautiful read — full of small details that deepen how we understand chai and its place in culture.

And if you’re in the Netherlands, we’d genuinely recommend spending time at Ashritha’s My Chai Club (mychaiclub.nl) — it’s a space where chai brings people together through conversation, warmth, and shared moments.

Featuring local chai makers, workshop hosts, and café spaces in India and the Netherlands.