The chaiwaala (tea-seller) who cares.

• A hastily-put together tea shop. Made of advertisement banners, construction tiles and bamboo poles.
• A smiling old man.
• An earthen stove with a vessel brimming over with tea.

I had just finished a snack at the eatery next door, and thought I shall have tea at this shop.

Ek Chai Dijiye, paper cup mein. (One tea, in a paper cup please)

He poured out a cup of hot steaming tea. Smelt of cardamom and a mix of fresh spices. Great – it is not the usual watered down version!

I lifted the cup and was looking at my hand which had traces of oil from the snack that I just had.

He said,

‘Aap haath do lijiye, phir aaram se chai pijiye!’ (Please wash your hands first, you will be able to enjoy your tea better!)

I kept my cup down and he handed me a water bottle and a tissue.

I washed and came back to find that my cup was empty. His smiling eyes met my confused look.

Jab thak haath dhoke aaoge, chai thanda ho jayega, isliye waapas garam kiya. (The tea may get cold while you wash your hands, hence have poured it back for heating).

Saying so, he proceeded to pour me a new cup of hot, steaming tea. Refreshing.

This level of customer attention and service for Rs. 7 (~10 cents) tea. Bless his dedication. 

His gap-toothed grin at being appreciated was priceless!

Great customer service, was apparently his cup of tea!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-7-rs-10-cents-chai-can-teach-customer-centricity-bharath-kumar/