What is often called a “cup of comfort” became liquid luck — worth viral fame — for Indian-origin Akhil Patel, the Amala Chai founder. Based in Greater London, United Kingdom, the man of the hour rose to internet fame after a social media post shared by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official UK visit captured a glimpse of him.

Patel was seen in action, pouring a cup of tea, as PM Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer watched on. Featuring two snaps, the X post focussed on the prime ministers in the second click, while the first camera grab put the spotlight on the Indian-origin man.

This particular Kodak moment also grabbed attention thanks to a banner right above him, announcing the tea being served at the outdoor stall had “freshly brewed masala” and was “Sourced from India” though “Brewed in London.” Patel, wearing an Indian attire, poured the beloved hot drink in a disposable green cup flashing his brand’s name, ‘Amala Chai.’

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Indian-origin chai entrepreneur Akhil Patel goes viral

“‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!” wrote PM Modi on X. At the time of writing, the post had already amassed nearly 4 million views on the social media platform. The same post also made it to the Indian leader’s Instagram page.

Patel eventually took to his own LinkedIn profile to share his excitement in an all-caps post. “MODI & STARMER DRANK MY CHAI! & I’M ON THE FRONT OF MODI’s INSTAGRAM,” he exclaimed. Sharing a video of his interaction with the Indian and UK prime ministers, Patel 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.”

Indian-origin chaiwala interacts with PM Modi, Keir Starmer in the UK

The LinkedIn video catches the Indian-origin founder of Amala Chai shaking Modi and Starmer’s hands. “Masala chai… from India. Tea comes from Assam, spices from Kerela. We brew everything… fresh,” Akhil Patel introduced his liquid offering to the Keir Starmer. Mid-way through the message, Narendra Modi noted, “You can have a taste of India,” prompting some chuckles on the scene.

“It’s got cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon and ginger powder,” Akhil said, while handing a cup of the steaming hot beverage to Starmer. As he turned to Modi, he playfully added, “And from one ‘chaiwala’ (tea seller) to another,” spurring a laughter-filled interaction, he went on, “You can let me know what you think of my tea.”

Congratulatory messages filled Patel’s comment section. Meanwhile, over at X, netizens hailed the Amala Chai founder as a worth contender to tea vendor-turned-viral sensation Dolly Chaiwala, whose real name is Sunil Patil. The Nagpur-based icon, known for his unique flamboyance, leapt to social media fame after serving Bill Gates a cup of tea.

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Who is Akhil Patel?

Boasting “founder at Amala Chai” credits, the Indian-origin entrepreneur grew up with masala chai, as per his LinkedIn bio. With his beverage offerings, Patel seeks to “honour the origins of chai, champion better sourcing, and share one of the world’s great rituals.” He started his chai brand with his grandmother’s recipe: “brewed with single-origin tea and spices, sourced directly from small family farms in Assam and Kerala,” upon realising that most chai doesn’t always invoke powerful memories of home.

Patel founded Amala Chai in January 2019, over 6 years ago, in London Area. Prior to that, he served as a Business and Data Analyst at Revenue Management Solutions for slightly over a year. His other professional stints include working as a Data Analyst at The Cloud Factory EMEA, a Summer Intern at Serval Ventures and a Research and Due Diligence Intern at Dasra (in Mumbai over a decade ago).

The data analyst-turned-chai entrepreneur completed his schooling from University College School in London. Later, he moved on to pursue Bachelor of Science (BSc), Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).