Cutting Chiya Explained: Why Half a Glass Is Kathmandu's Favourite Order

If you listen at a busy tea counter you'll hear one order more than any other: "Ek cutting!" It sounds like slang because it is. Cutting simply means a half portion of tea, a small glass instead of a full one.

Where the word comes from

The cutting habit is widely associated with the busy tea stalls of South Asian cities, where people wanted a quick, affordable cup between work and errands. A half glass let two friends share one cup, or let one person grab a fast refill without committing to a big serving. The word travelled, and today "cutting" is a normal order in many Kathmandu tea shops.

Why people love it

• It's quick. A small glass cools faster, so you can drink it on a short break.
• It's affordable. Half the tea means a lower price, which makes a second or third cup easy.
• It keeps the flavour strong. Many people feel a small, hot glass tastes better than a big cup that goes lukewarm.
• It's social. "One more cutting?" is the easiest way to keep a conversation going.

Cutting vs full cutting

On our menu board you'll see two options:

If it's your first visit, start with a cutting. If you find yourself ordering a second one, switch to a full cutting next time.

Cutting tea and the art of the short break

Kathmandu runs on short breaks: between classes, between meetings, between bus rides. Cutting chiya fits perfectly into those moments. It's the drink you have while you catch up on news, plan the weekend, or simply pause before the next thing.

Where to try it

Our cutting tea is one of the most ordered drinks at Chiya Table on Kotdevi Marg. We open at 5:00 AM daily, so it's a good first stop on the way to work. See the full menu or get directions.