What is Chai?Updated a year ago

In India, chai means tea. It is an infusion of a strong black tea that’s been simmered along with milk, sugar/honey, and sometimes spices. Unlike a loose-leaf black tea, you do not steep chai; you simmer the infusion of tea and milk at medium-to-high heat for a couple of minutes. Simmering helps combine the tannic strength of black tea with milk to produce a creamy liquor with a dense texture

Here’s a list of the most popular types of chai you can try across India. 

Masala Chai

A tea spiced with Indian flavors and desired greatly on cold mornings. The most common spices used are cardamom, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Recipes use some or all of this in varying proportions. 

Adrak or Ginger Chai

Adrak or ginger chai is a hot favorite, especially during winter. Grated ginger is added to the teapot while the tea is brewing. This is also considered the elixir for colds because of ginger’s reputation for clearing sinuses. 

Elaichi or Cardamom Chai

Another hot favorite, this uses freshly ground or powdered cardamom. It’s sweet from the cardamom and is a refreshing choice of chai. Cinnamon can also be added in grated or powdered form. 

Bombay Cutting Chai

Made famous in Mumbai or Bombay, the Cutting Chai is called so because the flavor of the tea is said to be so strong that it is only served in half a glass. It’s a modified masala chai and is served in small ‘cutting glasses’ instead of cups, and is best loved from ‘tapris’ or the roadside tea stalls.

Kashmiri Kahwa

Originating from Kashmir, this is a traditional green tea prepared with exotic spices. The signature flavor of Kashmiri Kahwa is derived from saffron strands, which are included in the blend. Cardamom, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves are also added to the tea. This is a tea best served during brunch hours.

Sulaimani Chai

Also, known as ‘Ghava’ or ‘Kattan Chaya’, this is a form of black tea that finds its roots in South India. The Sulaimani is basically black tea with lemon and is best had after a heavy meal as it aids in digestion.

Tulsi Chai

Known more for its health benefits, Tulsi Chai uses one of India’s most sacred herbs – holy basil. Fresh tulsi leaves are added to the brew and it’s thought to strengthen the immune system and in relieving stress. This can be prepared with or without milk and the ideal time to consume is said to be in the morning.