How Dhurandhar Made Noon Chai, Kashmir's Salt Tea With Origins In Persia, A Viral Hit
Dhurandhar’s Noon Chai scene turns Kashmir’s salt tea viral.
The Hindi film Dhurandhar has unexpectedly brought noon chai, Kashmir’s traditional salt tea, into the national spotlight, turning the centuries-old beverage into a viral talking point on social media. Viewers quickly noticed the repeated presence of the distinctive pink tea in the film’s everyday scenes, sparking widespread curiosity about its taste, preparation, and cultural significance.
Noon chai, also known as sheer chai, holds a central place in Kashmiri daily life. Unlike the sweet milk teas commonly consumed across India, noon chai has a savoury profile, made using green tea leaves, baking soda, milk, and salt. Its slow brewing and aeration process gives it a characteristic pink colour, and it is traditionally enjoyed with local breads, particularly during breakfast and social gatherings.
In Dhurandhar, noon chai is not presented as a novelty but as an organic part of domestic life, subtly woven into conversations and family settings. This understated portrayal resonated with audiences, many of whom began searching online for explanations and recipes. As a result, food bloggers, influencers, and home cooks across platforms started sharing their own attempts at making noon chai, accelerating its viral rise.
The tea’s roots trace back to Persia, from where it reached Kashmir centuries ago through trade and cultural exchange. Over time, the beverage adapted to local tastes and climatic conditions, eventually becoming a defining feature of Kashmiri cuisine. Its continued relevance reflects how cultural practices evolve while retaining their historical foundations.
The renewed interest generated by Dhurandhar highlights cinema’s ability to revive traditional practices without overt messaging. By showcasing noon chai as a lived-in cultural detail rather than a spectacle, the film helped bridge regional tradition and mainstream curiosity.
As noon chai trends online and beyond Kashmir, its viral moment underscores a broader shift in audience engagement—where authenticity and cultural specificity can drive widespread fascination. In doing so, Dhurandhar has demonstrated how even a simple cup of tea can become a powerful symbol of heritage when presented with nuance and respect.
