5 Traditional Indian Chai Recipes You Must Try

India's Most Beloved Chai Recipes

India has a chai for every mood, every season, and every occasion. From the bold kadak chai of the streets to the delicate saffron kahwa of Kashmir — here are 5 traditional Indian chai recipes you absolutely must try.

1. Classic Masala Chai

Ingredients: 2 tsp strong Assam tea, 1 cup milk, 1.5 cups water, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, sugar to taste.

Method: Boil water with spices for 2 minutes, add tea and simmer 2 minutes, add milk and bring to boil twice, strain and serve.

2. Kashmiri Kahwa

Ingredients: 2 tsp green tea, 4 cups water, 8-10 saffron strands, cardamom, cinnamon, almonds, honey.

Method: Boil water with spices, add green tea and steep 2-3 minutes, add soaked saffron, strain and serve with slivered almonds.

3. Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea)

Ingredients: 2 tsp strong black tea, 1 cup milk, 1.5 cups water, 1 inch fresh ginger (grated), sugar to taste.

Method: Boil water with ginger for 3 minutes, add tea and simmer 2 minutes, add milk and boil twice, strain and serve.

4. Elaichi Chai (Cardamom Tea)

Ingredients: 2 tsp black tea, 1 cup milk, 1.5 cups water, 4-5 cardamom pods (crushed), sugar to taste.

Method: Boil water with crushed cardamom for 2 minutes, add tea and simmer, add milk and boil twice, strain and serve.

5. Tulsi Chai (Holy Basil Tea)

Ingredients: 2 tsp black tea, 1 cup milk, 1.5 cups water, 8-10 fresh tulsi leaves, ginger, sugar to taste.

Method: Boil water with tulsi and ginger for 3 minutes, add tea and simmer, add milk and boil, strain and serve.