'From One Chaiwala To Another': Indian-Origin Man, Who Served Tea To PM Modi In UK, Reacts To 'Surreal Day'

Last Updated:July 26, 2025, 12:50 IST

PM Modi's UK trip was highlighted by a viral Chai moment with UK PM Keir Starmer, served by Akhil Patel, founder of Amala Chai. Patel shared his surreal experience on social media.

Indian-origin entrepreneur Akhil Patel serving tea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Keir Starmer

While PM Modi’s UK trip has been a success, his Chai moment with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer went viral and so did the brewer- Akhil Patel. This Indian-origin founder of a tea company, Amala Chai, is the man of moment since he served tea to two of the most powerful leaders of the world.

Patel shared his “surreal experience" on social media and posted a video on his brand’s official Instagram page.

“A quick recap of a surreal day. Yesterday, I was invited by @10downingstreet to serve chai at Chequers — to @narendramodi , @keirstarmer, and Indian & UK ministers. Can we just take a moment to realise how mad that is?" Patel posted on his company Amala Chai’s official Instagram page.

“There I was, in the UK Prime Minister’s house, serving masala chai — and not one person wanted coffee," he continued.

“From one chaiwala to another, that was a special day. Right… I’m getting off the internet now to make a cup of chai," he added.

Patel also shared a post on his LinkedIn account and expressed his excitement. “MODI & STARMER DRANK MY CHAI! & I’M ON THE FRONT OF MODI’s INSTAGRAM," he exclaimed. Patel shared a video of his interaction with the Indian and UK Prime Ministers, and added, “Politics aside this is totally mental ? Surreal day being asked to come to Chequers to celebrate the trade deal between the UK & India. Little did i know that Starmer & Modi would come for a cup of chai whilst the whole media were watching."

After signing the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK, a special tea stall was set up on the lawn where the two leaders engaged in ‘chai pe charcha’.

Location :

London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published:

News world 'From One Chaiwala To Another': Indian-Origin Man, Who Served Tea To PM Modi In UK, Reacts To 'Surreal Day'