Masala Chai: Indian Spiced Milk Tea

Masala Chai: Indian Spiced Milk Tea

Masala chai is India's spiced milk tea, drunk by billions of people every day. Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper make it not just a drink but a ritual.

History of the dish

Spiced milk drinks were drunk in India long before the introduction of Assam tea plants (19th century). Modern masala chai combined the local Ayurvedic tradition of spiced beverages with the strong black tea of the British era.

Key ingredients

Black tea (Assam or Ceylon), milk, water, sugar (to taste), fresh ginger (grated), cardamom (crushed pods), cinnamon (a stick), cloves (2–3), black peppercorns (a few).

How to cook at home

Bring spices and water to the boil, add tea, simmer for 2 minutes, pour in milk and bring back to the boil. Strain. Traditionally strained from a height to create foam. Serve very hot.