New York-based chai brand Kolkata Chai has announced a strategic partnership and investment from Bungalow Hospitality Investments, the newly formed venture co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi.
The partnership includes a financial investment in Kolkata Chai and an exclusive menu integration across Bungalow Hospitality Management’s restaurant portfolio in New York City. Beginning this summer, the hospitality group will introduce Kolkata Chai’s signature Masala Chai across its existing and upcoming restaurants, including GupShup and the soon-to-open Punjab Meet House. Additionally, the collaboration will feature a series of limited-time co-created menu offerings later this fall.
Founded in 2019 by brothers Ayan Sanyal and Ani Sanyal, Kolkata Chai has expanded through a growing network of cafés and a consumer packaged goods (CPG) portfolio featuring premium chai blends. Furthermore, actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj joined the company in 2024 as an investor and business partner, helping strengthen the brand’s reach through media and cultural storytelling.
Meanwhile, Bungalow Hospitality Investments, established by Khanna and Rizvi, focuses on backing emerging food and hospitality brands. Kolkata Chai represents the venture’s first investment. Khanna said his longstanding admiration for the brand and his personal connection to chai influenced the investment decision.
“Chef Vikas Khanna is a pioneer for Indian cuisine on a global stage, and having him join the Kolkata Chai family is a genuinely exciting moment for us,” said Hasan Minhaj in a statement. He added that the partnership reflects Kolkata Chai’s role in connecting people across generations and cultures.
The collaboration comes as South Asian food and beverage brands continue to gain momentum in the United States. Rising consumer interest, coupled with the expansion of Indian restaurants and South Asian consumer packaged goods brands, has created new opportunities for businesses in the segment. Both Kolkata Chai and Bungalow Foods, the CPG venture co-founded by Khanna and Rizvi, have positioned themselves to capitalize on this growing demand.
