Masala chai is an Indian tea beverage made by steeping black tea in milk and water with aromatic herbs and spices. The beverage, which originated in India, has achieved worldwide popularity and is now found in many coffee and tea shops. The word chai comes from the Hindi word chai, which is derived from the Chinese word cha, meaning tea. Masala chai has no set formula or method of preparation, and many families have their own variants of the tea. The caffeine content of most masala chai is about one-third that of coffee. The tea leaves should steep in boiling water long enough to extract a strong flavour while avoiding the release of bitter tannins. Masala chai might be regarded as a class of tea rather than a single type of tea because of the wide number of possible variations. Water, tea leaves, milk, sugar, cardamom, black pepper, and ginger are the seven essential ingredients that are almost always present in masala chai. The western version of chai, or chai latte, is sweeter and lighter in flavour than the Indian version of a more herbal and spicy milk beverage.
Here are some types of Chai you can try:
Sulaimani Chai
Sulaimani chai is a milkless type of chai popular in the southern region of the country, particularly Kerala, and is commonly consumed after meals to ease digestion or simply because you feel like it. It's made with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and lime juice, and it traces its origins to Middle Eastern tea called ghava.
Kesar Masala Chai
This recipe includes subtle Saffron flavours and enticing spices, making it one of the most comfortable twists on the classic chai. The addition of Kesar gives this Chai a soothing orange colour, as well as the capacity to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and promote healthy weight loss. The recipe results in a royal-looking cup of tea with calming aromas and a unique chai flavour.
Kashmiri Noon Chai
This slightly time-consuming chai recipe has a creamy, buttery, and rich flavour that gives the chai a beautiful pink colour. The aroma of this chai is just as heavenly as its origin. A cup of noon chai is nothing short of a milky confection, packed with a comforting taste and texture that comes from the beautiful valley of Kashmir.
Ronga Saah
Ronga Saah is one of the hot beverages that Assam is proud of. Ronga Saah is a reddish-brown Assamese word that literally means "red tea" or "Lal Cha." It is popular in Assam, Sikkim, and the adjacent districts of Arunachal and Meghalaya. Its popularity stems from its brilliant colour, as well as the fact that it is made entirely of tea leaves and contains neither spices nor milk. The moderate flavour appeals to everyone who has tried it. Ronga Saah tea leaves are grown specifically for their gentle flavour, which tends to relax our taste buds.
Haldi Chai
This golden turmeric tea recipe, regarded as one of the healthiest variations on the classic Indian chai, has various healing properties that are beneficial to both the body and the mind. One cup of golden turmeric chai contains relaxing, earthy flavours as well as a wonderful taste that is equally sweet and savoury.