With the monsoon season in full flow, nothing soothes our souls better than a hot cup of tea. For Indians, tea is the literal embodiment of comfort and pleasure. We boast a lot of teas in our repertoire, and rightly so; Indians simply cannot get enough of tea. Two of those teas that stand above many others are kahwa and masala chai.
While both drinks offer immense comfort, richness, and warmth, there are still some differences that set these cherished teas apart. In this post, we'll go into the ingredients utilised, the brewing method, and so much more to help you find your ideal match. But despite their differences, they do share certain similarities. Read on to discover more.
Cardamom and cinnamon are two comparable spices that are added to both teas to enhance flavour and improve their nutritional profiles. Kahwa and masala chai share some of the same few ingredients, which gives them similar health advantages. These advantages include foods that promote immunity and are high in antioxidants, as well as warmth and the prevention of bacterial infections. These beverages also help to maintain good intestinal health. Whichever one you select, you will undoubtedly feel the warmth and gain the advantages of these teas.
The Differences Between Kahwa And Masala Chai
Now that you are familiar with the similarities, it's time to look over the differences that are unique to kahwa and masala chai.
The Utilisation of Tea Leaves:
Tea powder or CTC tea (crush, tear, curl) is frequently used to make masala tea, yielding a flavorful beverage with a potent scent. Kahwa, on the other hand, employs green tea as an ingredient to give it a mild, delicate flavour and a crystal-clear sight, making it a healthier option.
The Brewing:
While being brewed, kahwa and masala tea are prepared in various ways. Either entire masalas are steeped in water before tea leaves are added, or powdered masala is mixed with already-brewed tea while making masala tea. But the traditional method for brewing kahwa is in a samovar, a unique metal vessel with a central chamber that serves as a "fire container." You can be sure the tea will remain scalding hot using this method.
The Ingredients Incorporated:
While both teas notably use cinnamon and cardamom, their supplementary components differ substantially. Among other ingredients, masala tea frequently contains bay leaves, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. In contrast, kahwa sets itself apart via the excessive addition of saffron, pistachios, almonds, and rose petals, which enhance the traditional flavourings of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
The Flavour Profile:
Masala chai has a richer and bolder flavour profile as a result of using CTC tea. The infusion of green tea in kahwa, on the other hand, provides a light and aromatic experience that instantly warms you up with delicate flavour.
Now that you know the differences between these beloved hot drinks, you can make a better and more aware decision to pick your beverage while you immerse yourself in the cosy and delightful monsoon this year.