Hyderabad, May 23 -- For a very long time, Irani Chai has been a simple everyday routine in Hyderabad. From techies to daily wage workers, everyone used to gather at local cafes, where a steaming ek pauna costed mere pocket change. But things are changing quickly.

Cafe Niloufer, an iconic chai spot in the city since 1978, has raised its prices effective May, and the backlash has already started. Now, a full tea costs Rs. 80 and a single tea costs Rs. 60. This sudden jump has made many regular customers angry, social media is full of complaints, and some have even gone as far as to ask for a total boycott.

Hyderabadis debate over Cafe Niloufer's price hike

For regular Hyderabadis, the anger is about losing an affordable tradition. Irani...