A Journey Begins: Chasing the Perfect Chai
Have you ever had a cup of chai that just stopped you in your tracks? One that felt like more than just tea, like it carried a story in every sip? That’s exactly what sparked the beginning of ChaiMe.
And believe it or not, this story starts on a motorcycle.
Back in July 2005, Marcus Child, the founder of ChaiMe|Cocoda, decided to take a break from the ordinary. Inspired by Marco Polo’s Silk Road journey, he packed up his motorbike and set off across the world.
No fancy tour, no backup plan. Just him, the open road, and a burning curiosity to discover the real taste of chai.
His journey took him across over 40,000 kilometres and through 12 countries - from Europe to the Himalayas, India, and Southeast Asia - all in search of the perfect cup of chai.
This wasn’t some breezy holiday. It was rough, raw, and full of adventure.
Trials and Tribulations on the Road
Traveling alone on a bike across unfamiliar countries wasn’t easy. Marcus faced:
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Getting robbed in Athens
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A wolf attack in the mountains of Turkey
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Arrest and interrogation in Iran
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Sandstorms in the deserts of Pakistan
Oh, and let’s not forget riding up to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s tallest mountains, on his way to China.
But through every twist, turn, and terrifying moment, Marcus kept going, driven by something bigger than fear - a deep respect for the cultures he encountered and the chai he was slowly falling in love with.
The Moment of Revelation in Amritsar
Then came Amritsar.
Somewhere along the border of Pakistan and India, Marcus’s bike broke down. Stranded and surrounded by thousands of pilgrims heading to the Golden Temple, he stumbled upon a tiny chai stall on the side of the road.
No fancy equipment. Just a fire, a pot, and a Chai Wallah who knew what he was doing. The smell of boiling milk and spices filled the air. He took a sip, and something clicked.
It wasn’t just about the taste. It was the experience - the warmth, the conversation, the tradition. That cup of chai told a story, and Marcus knew he had to bring that story home.
Sourcing Exotic Spices: Finding the Best Ingredients
Back in Sydney, the journey continued, just in a different form. Marcus started working on his own blends, returning to India and Indonesia to source the exact spices he remembered from his trip.
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Everything had to be authentic:
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No artificial flavours or colours
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Only handpicked tea leaves and real spices
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Methods inspired by the actual chai-making techniques he’d seen on the road
That’s how ChaiMe was born, not as a product, but as a tribute to tradition, travel, and taste.
Crafting ChaiMe: Infusing Tradition into Every Cup
Today, ChaiMe is more than just a brand. It’s a collection of stories, places, and people captured in every blend.
Each cup brings together:
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Indian masala chai traditions
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Spices from Southeast Asia
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A rich, bold flavour that doesn’t need fake stuff to taste amazing
The goal? To make every cup feel like the roadside chai stalls of Amritsar, where chai wasn’t just a drink, it was a moment.
The Philosophy Behind ChaiMe
What sets ChaiMe apart isn’t just the ingredients. It’s the philosophy behind it.
ChaiMe stands for:
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Authenticity - Inspired by real experiences
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Sustainability - Ethically sourced ingredients
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Connection - Because chai is better when it’s shared
Marcus’s journey taught him that great chai is more than spice and tea. It’s about the hands that make it, the culture that shapes it, and the people you drink it with.
Bring this Legacy To Your Cafes!
From dusty roads and mountain passes to bustling tea stalls and quiet moments, the ChaiMe story is full of adventure, and every blend reflects that.
Every cup served in your cafe carries that same journey. Our products are crafted with certified organic spices, Ghana cocoa, and only natural, plant-based ingredients. We offer vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and plant-based options to cater to every customer at your venue.
Trusted by over 3,000 cafés and distributors worldwide, our blends are perfect to make consistent, cafe-quality chai in minutes that keeps customers coming back, sip after sip. Contact the ChaiMe team to become a wholesale distributor or stock up your cafe selves now!