Friend of Graza: Arjun Narayen
The founder of Raazi Tea on starting his company from a wagon at the Fort Greene farmer's market, who makes the best pot of chai in his family, and convincing his landlord to let him get a dog.
Q: Finish this sentence, cooking for me is…
A: A way to unwind.
Q: Take us on a ‘spark note’ journey of founding Raazi Tea
A: Quit my job and started rolling a wagon to the Fort Greene farmers market to sell tea in 2024. Launched Raazi Tea this January and have sold 2,500 boxes of tea since!
Q: Where does the name Raazi come from? What does it mean to you?
A: Raazi in Hindi sort of means “agree” or “satisfy” but to me there’s a feeling of contentment associated with it that I think relates well to tea.
Q: Do you have any unexpected ways you use tea in your kitchen? Is it the secret ingredient in any of your fave recipes?
A: Some of my friends in the neighborhood are pretty talented bakers, and I love giving them new tea blends I’m working on to see what they can do with them. My favorites have been Earl Grey Sesame cookies and a Chai Ice Cream that I still think about.
Q: Describe your perfect cup of tea (who are you drinking with, where are you drinking, what cup are you drinking from, what are you listening to, etc)
A: Nothing comes close to a pot of chai shared with my family. Everyone in my family makes it slightly differently, but we’re mostly in agreement that my mom’s is the best (love you, dad!)
Q: Tell us about your proudest moment or ‘pinch me’ moment since founding Raazi?
A: A few weeks ago my brother was in town and we were sitting at a coffee shop here in Fort Greene having breakfast when we saw a celebrity who I won’t name walk in, pick up a box of Raazi Tea from the shelf, read it a few times, and then buy it. We’re both big fans of his movies so we got a real kick out of that.
Q: Any words of wisdom, quotes, or mottos you live by?
A: We are truly all just winging it.
Q: Are you more of a Sizzler or a Drizzler?
A: Sometimes a little Drizzle on top of a fresh summer caprese is just what the doctor ordered.
Q: What’s on the horizon for you?
A: I’d really love to have a Bernese Mountain Dog—I think ‘Fjord’ would be a great name. My landlord Mitch won’t let me get one but I’m working on it.
