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Roadside tea stalls make their presence felt almost everywhere throughout India. They do not just serve a rejuvenating drink , tea, to weary travellers but work as perfect guides. Priceless information is given to the people on the roads, as are local news updates and correct shortcuts. Tea which is soon going to get its due by being honoured as India's national drink, humbly conjoins the adventures of Rishad Saam in Hot Tea Across India. After having partaken many cups of tea, in different parts of India, in different situations, hosted by diverse people ranging from dacoits to sadhus, at various altitudes and in multifarious mental states, his belief got reinforced that tea brings a bit of solace amidst confusion. Replete with adventure, the narrative is hilarious and breezy. Vivid descriptions of various characters and places are woven beautifully and buzz with life. An example: The bus ride experience in Himalayas from Haridwar to Manali with all sorts of co-passengers, including a herd of bleating goats needs to be mentioned. The travelogue leaves the readers with a resolve to visit some of the exotic places described. At some points, the author tries too hard to be witty and hilarious but these can beeasily ignored.
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Rishad Saam Mehta, a travel writer, has embarked on many journeys from Leh to Munnar and from Rann of Kutch to Khajuraho. He sums up his experiences on roads by pointing out: “If there is one certainty about roads in India, it is that, no matter where you are or what the hour is, if you want a cup of tea, you'll find a chai ki dukaan within a few kilometers.”He brings a slice of Indian-ness on the highways and roads. An enthusiastic traveller, he took up a job with Autocar Indian that ensured a driving holiday to exotic locations within India once every month.