Sip and Taste: Different Indian Chai Varieties to Add to Your Tea Collection
Chai- the word itself invokes a sense of warmth, tradition, and pure comfort. In India, chai isn’t just a drink; it’s a part of daily life. Whether enjoying a morning cup with family, catching up with friends, or relaxing after a long day, chai is always there.
Now, what makes Indian chai special? It’s not just the tea leaves, but the infusion of spices, herbs, and flavors that have been passed down through generations. The different types of Indian chai vary in flavour, aroma, and cultural significance. Whether you’re a chai enthusiast or looking to enhance your chai collection, discover some delicious chai recipes that will elevate your tea experience!
Traditional Masala Chai
Masala Chai is the OG of all Indian chai varieties. This famous concoction is made by blending strong black tea with a variety of warming spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes ginger. Each spice brings its charm, resulting in a bold, spicy, and aromatic tea that’s loved across India and beyond.
Taste Profile: Expect spicy, aromatic, and robust flavours in every sip.
Steps to Prepare Masala Chai at Home:
- Combine Ingredients: In a pan, mix two cups of water, one cup of milk, and two tablespoons of your favorite Masala Chai mix.
- Boil and Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 4-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add your preferred sweetener, stirring well to dissolve. A suggestion is to use one to two tablespoons of sugar or honey per cup.
- Strain and Serve: Pour the chai through a strainer and enjoy your warm, aromatic Masala Chai!
Kesar Chai
Next on our list is Kesar Chai, a luxurious type of chai that has a special place in Indian culture. Saffron, or "Kesar," is the most expensive spice in the world, and when blended with tea, it produces a rich and indulgent flavor. This makes Kesar Chai a popular choice for festivals and special occasions across India.
Taste Profile: Kesar Chai has a subtle floral sweetness with a deep, earthy undertone.
Steps to Prepare Kesar Chai at Home:
- Combine Ingredients: In a pan mix 1 ½ cups of water with 1 ½ cups of milk. Add two small tablespoons of our Kesar Chai.
- Heat and Stir: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure the spices infuse well and nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Sweeten Your Chai: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste, typically adding about two teaspoons of sweetener per cup.
- Strain and Enjoy: Pour the chai through a strainer into your cups and enjoy your freshly made Kesar Chai.
Kadak Chai
For those who love their tea strong, Kadak Chai is the way to go. “Kadak” literally means strong in Hindi, and this chai truly lives up to its name. It’s brewed for longer than your typical tea, making it perfect for those who need that extra caffeine kick.
Taste Profile: It is bold, intense, and full-bodied.
Steps to Prepare Kadak Chai at Home:
- Combine Ingredients: In a pan, mix 1 ½ cups of water, 1 ½ cups of milk, and two tablespoons of our Kadak Chai.
- Heat and Infuse: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the flavors well.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add your preferred sweetener (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup is ideal) and stir until dissolved.
- Strain and Serve: Pour the chai through a strainer into cups and enjoy your Karak Chai hot. For an extra punch, pair this with a Parle-G biscuit. You’ll feel like you’re back in an Indian tea stall.
Cardamom (Elaichi) Chai
Cardamom Chai is a favorite for those who enjoy a lighter, sweeter flavor profile in their tea. Known as "Elaichi Chai" in India, it’s a great digestive aid and has a soothing, calming effect, making it perfect for winding down at the end of the day. It's a fantastic addition to your chai collection!
Taste Profile: Light and aromatic, Cardamom Chai offers a gentle sweetness with a peppery edge.
Steps to Prepare Masala Chai at Home:
- Boil Water: Boil 1 cup of water, then add 1 tablespoon of your favorite tea from the Chai Guys collection, we would recommend our Kadak Chai blend, as it has the highest ratio of cardamom. Next, add 3-4 crushed cardamom pods to really add to the elaichi flavour.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Milk and Sweeten: Stir in ½ cup of milk and sugar to taste, simmer for another 2 minutes, strain, and enjoy your aromatic Cardamom Chai!
Elevate Your Chai Collection
Chai is more than just a drink; it’s an experience that brings people together. Each of the Indian tea varieties we've explored- Masala Chai, Kesar Chai, Kadak Chai, and Cardamom Chai, offers its own unique flavor and cultural story.
Ready to brew the best Indian chai at home? Explore our premium chai varieties at Chai Guys and bring authentic Indian flavors to your kitchen. Whether you’re wondering how to make chai or looking for the perfect chai blend, we’ve got you covered.
Masala Chai stands out with its rich blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. This gives it a spicy and robust flavor profile. Other Indian chai varieties may feature unique ingredients like saffron or cardamom alone.
Avoid boiling the spices for too long, as it can make the chai bitter. Also, ensure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Lastly, don’t skimp on simmering time to fully develop the taste.
The key spices used in Masala Chai include cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and black pepper. These spices create a spicy and aromatic flavor, making it the most popular Indian chai.
To adjust the spice level in Cardamom Chai, simply increase or decrease the number of crushed cardamom pods. For a milder flavor, use fewer pods; for a stronger taste, add more.
You can buy authentic ingredients for these chai varieties directly from us at Chai Guys. Visit our website to explore our range of high-quality Indian chai collections and elevate your tea experience.
To maintain the flavor of leftover chai, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving. This ensures your chai stays fresh and delicious.
To make Kesar Chai, boil water and add our Kesar Chai blend. Simmer, add milk and sugar to taste, and strain before serving. Enjoy this luxurious addition to your chai collection!
For masala chai, we recommend pairing it with savory snacks like samosas, pakoras, or spicy namkeen. The bold, spicy flavors of the chai also complement sweet treats like biscuits, rusk, or jalebis perfectly.
To make Kadak Chai at home, boil water with Chai Guys’ Kadak Chai blend. Simmer, add milk and sugar to taste, and strain before serving. Enjoy this strong and bold tea!
Drinking different Indian chai varieties can boost heart health, aid digestion, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom in our chai collection contribute to these health advantages.Read more about the benefits of chai here