A spiced tea beverage made by brewing black tea with milk, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
A spiced tea beverage made by brewing black tea with milk, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. The tea is boiled together with the spices and milk to create a rich, creamy drink. The proportions of spices vary by region and personal preference. It's typically served hot in small glasses or clay cups (kulhads). This quintessential Indian beverage is consumed throughout the day across the country.
While tea was introduced to India by the British in the 19th century, Indians added local spices to create masala chai. The practice became widespread in the 20th century as tea cultivation expanded. It's now an integral part of Indian culture, served at every occasion from morning wake-up to evening socializing.
The chai is warm, comforting, and aromatic with layers of spice - the heat from ginger and pepper, sweetness from cardamom, and warming notes from cinnamon. The milk makes it creamy and smooth, while the tea provides a subtle bitterness, creating a perfectly balanced, energizing beverage.
Masala Chai is popular in 7 cities across India. Plan your culinary trip below.
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