India is a country where chai (tea) isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience that brings people together, a comforting ritual shared across homes, cafes, and bustling streets. While most of us may be familiar with the popular masala chai, there’s a whole world of unique and region-specific chai varieties across India, each with its own flavor, tradition, and purpose. Here’s a look at seven distinctive types of Indian chai you’ve got to try, each offering a taste of the country’s culture in a cup.
1. Masala Chai: The Spiced Classic
Masala chai is the quintessential Indian tea, made by brewing black tea with a mix of aromatic spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Each sip of masala chai is a balance of warmth, spice, and a touch of sweetness, thanks to added sugar and milk. It’s enjoyed across India, from home kitchens to roadside chai stalls, and is perfect for cozy mornings or catching up with friends. With its invigorating spices, masala chai is loved for its ability to perk you up and warm you from the inside out.
2. Kashmiri Kahwa: The Golden Tea
Kashmiri Kahwa is a beautifully golden tea from the Kashmir region, made with green tea leaves and blended with fragrant spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron, as well as crushed almonds. Unlike other Indian chais, Kahwa is usually served without milk, letting the rich flavors shine through. This tea is often sipped in colder months, as it has warming properties and is typically served in elegant brass vessels. A cup of Kahwa feels luxurious, thanks to the addition of saffron, making it a truly special treat with an exotic aroma and mild sweetness.
3. Irani Chai: Creamy and Strong
A staple in the Persian-influenced Irani cafes of Hyderabad, Irani chai is distinctively rich and creamy. Made by brewing strong black tea and mixing it with thick, creamy milk, Irani chai is meant to be savored slowly in small cups. It’s often enjoyed with Osmania biscuits, a savory pairing that brings out the tea’s intense flavors. The method of brewing creates a unique strength and smoothness, making Irani chai a favorite in the city’s bustling cafes, perfect for those who enjoy a bold, full-bodied tea.
4. Noon Chai: The Pink Salty Tea
Noon chai, also known as “pink tea” or “sheer chai,” is a traditional tea from Kashmir with a unique pink color and a slightly salty taste. Unlike the usual sweet chai, noon chai is made with green tea leaves, baking soda, and salt, which gives it a rosy hue and a savory flavor. This chai is typically enjoyed with a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top, and it’s a morning or afternoon favorite in Kashmiri households. Its flavor is unlike anything you’d expect in a tea, but it’s a must-try for those curious about regional specialties.
5. Sulemani Chai: Refreshingly Citrusy
Sulemani chai is a refreshing, tangy black tea from Kerala, especially popular in the Malabar region. Instead of milk, it’s brewed with spices like cardamom and cloves and then sweetened with honey or sugar. What makes Sulemani chai unique is the squeeze of lemon added at the end, giving it a bright citrusy kick. Often enjoyed after meals for its digestive benefits, Sulemani chai’s zesty and spicy flavor profile makes it a lighter but deeply satisfying tea experience.
6. Tandoori Chai: Smoky and Rustic
A relatively recent trend, Tandoori chai has become popular across India for its unique preparation and earthy flavor. The tea is brewed normally, but then poured into a pre-heated clay cup, or “kulhad,” that’s been heated in a tandoor (traditional clay oven). When the hot tea hits the heated kulhad, it gets a smoky, earthy flavor that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The tea also froths and bubbles when poured, adding to its appeal and creating a tea-drinking experience that’s both aromatic and visually exciting.
7. Butter Tea (Po Cha): A Tibetan Staple
Butter tea, or “Po Cha,” is popular in the Himalayan regions of India, especially among the Tibetan and Ladakhi communities. Made with black tea, yak butter, and salt, butter tea is creamy, thick, and salty, quite different from traditional Indian chai. Its high-calorie content makes it ideal for cold, high-altitude climates, providing warmth and sustenance. The taste can be an acquired one, but butter tea’s comforting richness makes it a unique and memorable chai experience that’s perfect for those looking to try something entirely different.
