2026-08-01
How to Start a Chai Franchise in India (2026)
A practical 2026 path: ₹1.7 lakh Diwali-offer budget (regular ₹2 lakh), 75+ sq ft site, FSSAI, 1-day training and a 10-day launch with Maa Ki Chai.
Starting a chai franchise in 2026 is less about building a café and more about picking a high-footfall 75+ sq ft corner, a zero-royalty brand, and a menu people already drink every day.
What you need before you apply
- ₹1.7 lakh Diwali offer (regular ₹2 lakh) plus ₹45,000–75,000 working capital
- A site with water, power and all-day walk-ins (station, college, market, office gate)
- Willingness to follow SOPs so taste stays consistent
The Maa Ki Chai sequence
- Inquiry and screening call
- Location check
- Agreement and one-time fee
- 1-day training
- 10-day setup
- Grand opening support
The kiosk menu is five SKUs: Very Tasty Chai from ₹15, Maggi, idli, cold coffee and hot coffee. That mix is what 1-day training covers — not a café tasting flight.
How much money do I need in 2026?
Plan for the ₹1.7 lakh Diwali offer (regular ₹2 lakh) for the franchise kiosk, plus working capital for milk, gas and the first month of rent.
Do I need a chef?
No. Maa Ki Chai is a chef-less kiosk with SOPs and premix for consistent cups.