Tea Stall / Chai Cafe
A tea stall or chai cafe offers a variety of tea along with snacks to customers such as office workers, students, travelers, and locals.
Business Overview
The tea stall or chai cafe business is one of the most popular and evergreen businesses in India. With tea being consumed multiple times a day by millions of people, this business ensures steady demand, daily cash flow, and high profitability. From small roadside tea stalls to modern chai cafes, this business can be started with low investment and scaled into a strong brand.
₹20000 - ₹70000
Moderate
40% - 60%
5 - 10 Days
Quick Business Overview
Business category | Food & Beverage |
Sub Category | Food Retail |
Investment Range | ₹20000 - ₹70000 |
Profit Margin | 40% - 60% |
Space Required | 50 - 150 Sq. Ft. |
Skill Required | Very Low - Anyone can Start |
Market Demand | Moderate - Stable but not Growing |
Setup Time | 5 - 10 Days |
Investment Breakdown
Setup & Equipment | ₹10,000 - ₹50,000 |
Raw Materials | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 |
Miscellaneous | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 |
Licenses & Registrations
| License | Required | Remark |
|---|---|---|
Business Registration | optional for small stall | |
FSSAI License | mandatory for food business | |
Shop & Establishment License | ||
Local Municipal Permissions |
Profit Margin & ROI
- Profit margin: 40% to 60%
- Break Even Time: 1 to 3 Months
Sales Channels
- Walk-in customers
- Office Supply
Challenges
- Location Dependency
- Competition
- Maintaining taste consistency
- Weather impact on sales
Growth Opportunities
- Expand into chai cafe brand
- Add snacks and fast food items
- Open multiple outlets
- Start franchise model
- Build strong brand identity
Pro Tips
- Choose location carefully (very important)
- Maintain consistent taste
- Keep pricing competitive
- Focus on cleanliness
- Build regular customer base
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is tea stall business profitable in India?
👉 Yes, it offers high margins and daily income.
Q2. How much investment is required?
👉 You can start with ₹20,000 to ₹70,000.
Q3. Do I need a license?
👉 Yes, FSSAI and local permissions are required.
Q4. How much can I earn per day?
👉 ₹1000–₹5000 depending on location and sales.
Q5. Can I expand this business?
👉 Yes, you can grow into a chai cafe or multiple outlets.
Q6. What is the best location?
👉 Near offices, colleges, markets, and busy roads.















