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We can all agree that in India, chai is more than a beverage; it is an emotion. Even on the most miserable of days, a cup of freshly prepared kadak chai quickly improves our mood. A strong cup of chai always makes things better, whether it's in the morning, at midday, or in the evening following a long day at work. Do you not wholeheartedly agree? There is so much more to discover, even if we are all familiar with the traditional masala chai or "tapri chai"! There are many different types of tea that are brewed throughout the nation, from Kashmir to Kerala.
For starters, let's talk about the taste. Chai is a complex blend of flavours that varies from one region to another. In India, it's typically made by boiling tea leaves in water, adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, and then adding milk and sugar. The result is a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet beverage that warms you from the inside out.
Chai also plays a significant role in Indian cuisine. It's often served alongside snacks like samosas, pakoras, and biscuits, and it's a staple at social gatherings and festivals. In fact, no Indian wedding or celebration is complete without a big pot of chai brewing in the background. But chai isn't just popular in India; it's become a worldwide phenomenon. You can find chai lattes and tea bags at coffee shops and supermarkets around the globe, and it's even become a trendy ingredient in cocktails and desserts.
If you're a genuine chai enthusiast, we've compiled a list of the top 10 chai varieties for you to try!
Masala Chai
Masala chai is like a blessing in a cup, with a spicy kick that'll wake up your taste buds and warm up your soul. A perfect blend of black tea, aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and creamy milk are simmered together to create a symphony of flavours that'll transport you straight to the streets of India. Whether you're sipping it on a chilly winter morning or enjoying it with some spicy snacks, masala chai is the ultimate comfort beverage for every tea lover.
White Tea
White tea is like a delicate flower in a cup, with a subtle flavour that'll transport you to a serene garden. It's made from the youngest leaves of the tea plant, handpicked and carefully dried to preserve their delicate aroma and taste. With its light and refreshing flavour, white tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy on a lazy afternoon while soaking up some sunshine and reading your favourite book.
Cutting Chai
Cutting chai is like a quick pick-me-up in a glass, with a bold flavour that'll give you the energy you need to tackle the day. It's a popular street tea from India, made by cutting a regular chai in half and adding more milk and sugar for a rich and creamy taste. Sipping on cutting chai is like taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoying a moment of pure indulgence.
Green Tea
Green tea is like a refreshing breeze in a cup, with a clean and crisp flavour that'll invigorate your body and mind. It's made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, carefully harvested and quickly steamed to retain their vibrant green colour and natural antioxidants. Sipping on green tea is like taking a trip to the serene mountains of Japan or China, where the tea gardens are surrounded by misty forests and tranquil waterfalls. When you seek relaxation, enjoy the pure goodness of green tea.
Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is like a sip of elegance in a cup, with a delicate flavour that'll transport you to the misty hills of the Himalayas. It's made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. With its floral and fruity notes, Darjeeling tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy with some scones and jam while you indulge in some afternoon tea party fun.
Assam Tea
Assam tea is like a bold and strong flavour explosion in a cup, with a distinct taste that'll wake up your senses and get you going. It's grown in the lush tea gardens of the Assam region of India, where the hot and humid climate provides the perfect conditions for its robust and malty flavour. With its rich and earthy taste, Assam tea is the perfect pick-me-up for a busy day or a cosy beverage to enjoy with some spicy snacks. So, grab a cup and let the boldness of Assam tea awaken your spirit.
Suleimani Chai
Particularly popular in the state of Kerala, it's a refreshing and aromatic tea made with black tea leaves, lemon juice, and spices like ginger and cardamom. The tea is brewed with spices, then strained and mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a tangy and zesty flavour. Suleimani chai is a popular beverage to enjoy after a heavy meal or during a leisurely afternoon break.
Kashmiri Pink Tea
Kashmiri pink tea, also known as noon chai, is a traditional beverage from the Kashmir region of India. It's made by brewing green tea leaves with baking soda, salt, milk, and sometimes other ingredients like cardamom and saffron. The baking soda gives the tea its signature pink hue, and the combination of spices and milk creates a rich and flavourful beverage with a unique savoury taste. It's a popular drink in Kashmiri households and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
Black Tea
Black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized than green, oolong, and white teas. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and has a strong, robust flavour. The leaves are typically withered, rolled, and then fermented before being dried and packaged. Black tea is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, lower blood pressure, and increased mental alertness. It can be enjoyed plain or with milk, sugar, or lemon.
Butter Tea
Butter tea is a creamy and savoury surprise in a cup, with a unique taste that'll take you on a journey to the majestic Himalayan mountains. It's a traditional tea from the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The tea is made by blending tea leaves with yak butter, water, and salt, and then churning it to create a frothy and hearty beverage. Drinking butter tea is said to help with altitude sickness and provide warmth and energy in the cold mountain climate. It's a delicious and nourishing beverage enjoyed by locals and travellers alike.
