Chai – Tea from India Easy to make

Chai tea latte is a warm morning drink in India. Many years ago some smart entrepreneur took the name and made this drink famous. Here is your chance to make it at home without running to a coffee house.

Chai is dried tea leaves that are very dark in color. It is not ground beans like coffee but chai is dried crumbled leaves from Tea plant. Most of these plants are in Darjeeling-famous for Tea and in South India.

Generally, chai is served with sugar but, now people make it without sugar - adding honey or other sweeteners. Remember to add the honey or other sweeteners after the chai is served in a cup or mug. It is recommended to add Honey only in the Serving container. Honey should not be boiled.

Almost every household in India makes fresh chai daily. This is a morning drink for grown-ups and for many even after an afternoon nap or siesta. Indian homes will offer chai as a  part of the hospitality.

This recipe uses chai spice and mint (optional). You can add them if you like and spice is also optional. The coffee houses that sell chai lattes seem to have Star Anise added to them. The use of tea seems less so, and it is milkier.

You can use coconut or almond milk to make vegan chai. The key is to add the milk and then turn off the stove. Remember, the chai has to come to a boil after you add milk, the time may be different. So please watch the chai.

The method of making tea is different from country to country. Japan has a huge Tea ceremony for new brides. Most countries serve tea without milk and mainly it is served hot. In recent years iced tea has become very popular.

While in Malaysia, it was very interesting to see chai being mixed in a stall. Chai is called Teh in Malaysia and the mixing method is very precise. The Teh maker uses two cups and pours the mixture from one to another stretching the liquid to about a yard. This is called “Satu Ye la Teh” one yard of Tea.

The chai recipe calls for special spices, tea and milk. British tea is also accompanied by milk but not mixed before serving. English Tea is served in tea cups and milk on the side to add.

Chai is not served to minors due to its caffeine content. Chai generally is not served at night for the same reason.

This recipe makes about 4 mugs of chai. The spice used here in this recipe is bought from an Indian store. Please check the actual chai spice recipe in my book Simply Indian. Please check the link to buy a hardcover or, e-book version.