Chai (Tea)

There are different ways to make chai (or tea) ranging from plain (milk, water, sugar and tea leaves) to masala (the plain with a kick!) and anywhere in between. You can buy tea masala in packets from any Indian store.

Here are the basics for a masala tea:

1. To equal parts milk and water ( for 1 cup of tea, use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup water) add sugar and masala (according to taste, but usually just about 1/4 tsp per cup).
2. When the mixture comes to a boil, add tea leaves (1 tsp per cup) and switch off the stove.
3. Cover and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes.
4. Filter with a small sieve and serve.

Note: You can use teas bags, but we feel that they don’t have the same quality as loose tea leaves.

For Ginger/Cardamom Tea:

Follow the same steps as above, except replace Masala with 1/4 tsp finely minced ginger (or 1/8 tsp ginger powder) and 1/8 tsp of Cardamom powder per cup.

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11 thoughts on “Chai (Tea)

  1. Personally I don’t love regular green tea, but I have to buy the matchapowder. Where do I get it? Does trader joe’s or whole foods have it, or do I need to go to a Shoprite or something?

  2. Anuja and Hetal: Any idea how to make tea available in the Irani / chillia / restaurants in Mumbai? It seems there is a secret recipe which the chillia community will not share. Though I have researched on internet and spoken to many and tried many methods but have no answer.

    1. Hi Sarika,

      We have not had the opportunity to taste this tea so have no idea what the recipe may be…sorry.

  3. Hi Anuja and Hetal,
    I always see your recipes and I love them. Could please post how to make tea masala because Gujaratis make great tea masala. Thanks a lot.
    North Bay
    Latha

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