Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (2024)

A truly authentic Indian Chai tea recipe, as made for me by my lovely Indian mother-in-law. Tea the Indian way is rich and milky, deeply coloured, steaming hot, flavourful and sweet. You’ll love this homemade masala chai from scratch with warming spices like whole cinnamon.

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (1)

Table of Contents hide

1What is Chai Tea?

2What is Chai Tea Made of?

3How to Make Chai Tea at Home

4Chai Tea Spices

5What Tea Should You Use to Make Chai Tea at Home?

6How to Sweeten Chai

7What Milk Should I Use for Chai?

8Is Chai Tea High in Caffeine?

9Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Chai?

10Authentic Homemade Indian Chai

What is Chai Tea?

The pale tea that North Americans typically drink is nothing close to the tea drunk by millions of Indians.

Indian tea, called chai in hindi, is rich and milky, deeply coloured, steaming hot, and boldly flavourful with a definite need for sugar to offset the toasty bitterness.

The word chai just means tea. Chai = tea.

If you ask for chai tea in India, you’re asking for tea tea andyour dorky adorableness will getlaughed at a little bit.

Masala chai, on the other hand, is what you’re probably aiming for – it’s the spiced version. Masala = spices. When we think of chai in North America, we are probably thinking of masala chai.

If you visit India, you’ll see chai-wallas on every corner, calling out “chai! chai! chai!” and pouring steaming tea from a height (called “pulling” the chai), allowing it to cool a bit as it streams into little metal cups.

What is Chai Tea Made of?

What I love so much about it is that the tea is actually brewed in milk and water in a saucepan on the stove.

Because of this, it stays piping hot until ready to be drunk, rather than cooling down as it steeps in a teapot.

Authentic chai tea made from:

  • Water
  • Milk (in a ratio of roughly one part milk to two parts water
  • Lots of tea leaves or tea bags for strong infusion
  • Plenty of sugar
  • Optional addition of spices
Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (2)

How to Make Chai Tea at Home

Despite what Starbucks would have you believe with their chai tea lattes, the real homemade chai tea recipe doesn’t start with a syrup and it’s not super heavily spiced.

A “recipe” is not really necessary; it’s really the method that matters.

The most important key for flavour is to make really good strong tea without letting it get bitter from oversteeping.

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (3)

Here’s how to make really good cup of chai:

  1. Bring water, milk and spices to a simmer in a small saucepan on the stove (adding the spices from the start gives them plenty of time to infuse).
  2. Reduce heat and add in black tea to brew.
  3. Wait for tea to steep (don’t boil it at this point or the tea releases too many tannins – those bitter compounds that make your mouth feel dry).
  4. Strain the warm spiced mixture into a mug; this will hold back the whole spices and tea leaves.
  5. Stir sugar into your chai and sweeten to taste.

Scale the recipe measurements below to the number of servings you need.

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (4)

Chai Tea Spices

If you love the flavour of North American coffee-shop chai lattes, you can buy tea masala at any Indian grocer, which is just a ground mixes of sweet spices.

I personally find those spice blends usually taste dusty. I prefer to infuse my chai with fresh whole spices instead.

Some of the most common spices (masala) used in Indian chai include:

My personal favourite spice blend includes fresh ginger root, whole cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and sometimes fennel. You can use any or all of them to make your own flavour.

I typically just toss in a few cardamom pods and fennel seeds. Warming and delicious.

If you don’t have whole spices, you can use ground. Start with a bit and work up in quantity, as the intensity will vary.

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (5)

What Tea Should You Use to Make Chai Tea at Home?

I love loose-leaf black tea leaves like assam or darjeeling, and the flavour is incredible in spiced tea.

  • This Tata Black Tea is the brand of premium Assam loose leaf tea my mother-in-law brings mr from India (and I can also find it at our Indian grocery stores).
  • For the most part at home, however, I use whatever black tea I can easily find at the grocery store. For me, that is basic Tetley Orange Pekoe.
  • If you are avoiding caffeine, you could make it with decaf black tea (but I find the flavour is super lacklustre) or a rooibos tea.

How to Sweeten Chai

For authenticity, it should be generously sweetened.

I’ve seen recipes call for 1 tbsp sugar per cup. I don’t measure, but I probably use 1 1/2-2 tsp in a coffee mug. Itshould have a similar sweetness to hot cocoa.

Just avert your eyes and keep on spooning.

(It won’t have more sugar than a Starbucks anyway, you’ll just be aware instead of ignorant.)

To sweeten chai, you can use:

  • Plain granulated white sugar
  • Natural cane sugar (my fav, because it adds rich flavour)
  • Maple syrup or honey (not my preference, because those flavours are bolder and don’t belong)
Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (6)

What Milk Should I Use for Chai?

You have options here:

  • Plain whole cow’s milk is the authentic standard.
  • In parts of India where fresh milk isn’t as easily available, powdered whole milk is used instead. I really actually love the flavour of this, too, and the concentrated creamy milkiness it imparts. Try it if you ever get the chance.
  • If you don’t do dairy milk, you are welcome to use your favourite substitute, however I don’t personally like the flavour of most almond, soy, or coconut milk alternatives.
  • The only milk substitute that I enjoy the texture and flavour of is Earth’s Own Barista Oat Milk (that’s an Amazon link for a visual product reference but it appears they only sell it by the case).

Is Chai Tea High in Caffeine?

Yes! Chai tea is brewed strongly with lots of black tea. However coffee contains nearly twice the amount of caffeine in tea.

Furthermore, black tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid with therapeutic calming properties.

I am a Registered Dietitian and I actually take L-theanine as a supplement for stress and sleep.

Because of this compound, the overall caffeine feeling in chai is a less-aggressive buzz than a cup of chai coffee.

Keep in mind that the more tea bags you use, the longer you steep it, and the more you stir it all make for a higher-caffeine chai.

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (7)

Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Chai?

Wondering what chai tea can do for you or if it’s healthier than drinking coffee? Well, masala chai infused with spices may offer some impressive health benefits. Spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon,and clove have shown biological activity in preventing disease.

There is good evidence to show that spices can reduce inflammation, and chronic inflammation is related to so many illnesses.

So drink up, chai lovers! Happy cozy-weather sipping. (And thanks, Amma, for all the tea and love.)

My Indian Husband’s Favorite Recipes:

  • Easy Homemade Butter Paneer
  • Flaky Homemade Potato Samosas or Chicken Samosas
  • Best-Ever Creamy Butter Chicken (one of the most popular recipes on the website!)
  • The Butter Naan Recipe that went totally viral
  • Adarsh’s Chicken Korma that he says will change your life.
  • Creamy Madras Lentils (the ultimate vegetarian comfort food)
  • Amma’s special Masoor Dal recipe

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (8)

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Authentic Homemade Indian Chai

Prep Time 1 minute min

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 1

Drinks

Indian

Keyword Authentic Homemade Indian Chai, Indian Masala Tea

Ingredients

  • 8 oz water
  • 4 oz whole milk
  • granulated sugar to taste (about 2 heaped teaspoons per serving, traditionally)
  • 1 heaping tablespoon of black tea empty out tea bags to make a tablespoon if you don’t buy loose leaves

Add any (or all) of the following:

  • 4 cardamom pods smashed with side of a knife
  • small piece of cinnamon stick
  • ¼ ” coin of fresh ginger
  • pinch of fennel seeds about 10 seeds

Instructions

  • Bring water and milk to a simmer with desired spices in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to lowest settingand add tea. Steep until tea takes on a deep, pinky-tan colour, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain into a cup and stir in sugar to taste.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 47mgPotassium: 521mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 1474IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 186mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Authentic Homemade Indian Chai, Indian Masala Tea

Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

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Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (11)

Michelle Hoffee

5 years ago

Hi Jennifer! I am a big chai tea fan, and after spending some time in India this past November I am having serious chai withdrawals! I had on a whim bought some masala chai in a foil in old Delhi spice shop more to support them then hope it would taste as well as the tea I was having everyday. To my surprise, it was exactly perfect chai! I went through the 200 grams in 10 days, pacing myself! The spice shop won’t ship so I’m having a hard time finding the actual black tea they used. This, a most ground Folger crystal looking loose black tea is the key part to making dark, rich chai.

Any thoughts where to get this loose tea here in the states?

Thank you for sharing your recipe and experiences.

Dhanyavaad!

Michelle

Michelle

Reply

View Replies (2)

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (12)

Moreno Ielmini

5 years ago

Hi Jennifer,
After I read your “indian chai recipe”, that I found very original, I completely agree with your writing.
Every things you said was right an your speach demonstrates that you love your Land.
I’m of course very fond of good masala chai???
Pls forgive my English, cause I’m not from English mother tongue (as you can easily see ??). I’m from Switzerland.
Bye,
Moreno

6

Reply

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (13)

Michelle Hoffee

5 years ago

Hi Jennifer! I am a big chai tea fan, and after spending some time in India this past November I am having serious chai withdrawals! I had on a whim bought some masala chai in a foil in old Delhi spice shop more to support them then hope it would taste as well as the tea I was having everyday. To my surprise, it was exactly perfect chai! I went through the 200 grams in 10 days, pacing myself! The spice shop won’t ship so I’m having a hard time finding the actual black tea they used. This, a most ground Folger crystal looking loose black tea is the key part to making dark, rich chai.

Any thoughts where to get this loose tea here in the states?

Thank you for sharing your recipe and experiences.

Dhanyavaad!

Michelle

Michelle

3

Reply

View Replies (1)

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (14)

Moreno Ielmini

6 years ago

Hi Jennifer,
After I read your “indian chai recipe”, that I found very original, I completely agree with your writing.
Every things you said was right an your speach demonstrates that you love your Land.
I’m of course very fond of good masala chai???
Pls forgive my English, cause I’m not from English mother tongue (as you can easily see ??). I’m from Switzerland.
Bye,
Moreno

7

Reply

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (15)

Moreno Ielmini

6 years ago

Hi Jennifer,
After I read your “indian chai recipe”, that I found very original, I completely agree with your writing.
Every things you said was right an your speach demonstrates that you love your Land.
I’m of course very fond of good masala chai???
Pls forgive my English, cause I’m not from English mother tongue (as you can easily see ??). I’m from Switzerland.
Bye,
Moreno

4

Reply

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (16)

Michelle Hoffee

6 years ago

Hi Jennifer! I am a big chai tea fan, and after spending some time in India this past November I am having serious chai withdrawals! I had on a whim bought some masala chai in a foil in old Delhi spice shop more to support them then hope it would taste as well as the tea I was having everyday. To my surprise, it was exactly perfect chai! I went through the 200 grams in 10 days, pacing myself! The spice shop won’t ship so I’m having a hard time finding the actual black tea they used. This, a most ground Folger crystal looking loose black tea is the key part to making dark, rich chai.

Any thoughts where to get this loose tea here in the states?

Thank you for sharing your recipe and experiences.

Dhanyavaad!

Michelle

Michelle

29

Reply

View Replies (8)

1239Next »

Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to drink Indian chai tea everyday? ›

Can you drink chai tea every day? Black tea varieties, like chai tea, are considered safe for drinking daily. But black tea has a range of caffeine, from 30 to 50 milligrams, so it's best to limit daily tea drinking.

What is the difference between American chai and Indian chai? ›

Chai directly translates to tea, causing the name to be a bit repetitive (tea tea). Other differences include the type of milk used. In India, whole milk is typically used, while in America, anything from skim milk to non-dairy milk can be seen incorporated into chai drinks.

What type of tea is used in Indian chai? ›

With a few exceptions, the base of chai is a black tea. There are many variations of black tea, but Assam is the most common in chai, as it has a strong, full-bodied flavor.

Why do you boil chai twice? ›

The double boil imparts tons of flavor to your chai allowing the spices, tea leaves and milk to marry together in a flavorful aromatic magical way. It's how the ancestors did it and who are we to question them?!!

Does chai tea burn belly fat? ›

Research also shows that compounds found in the type of black tea used to make chai may promote fat breakdown and help reduce the number of calories your body absorbs from foods ( 30 ).

Is chai tea good for your liver? ›

Teas for Liver: Organic Sunrise Chai

Chai blends contain a welter of spices and herbs, many of which boost health. This is one reason we adore chai, although our love of the tea mainly revolves around its superb flavor. Of our many chais — we carry 10 — Sunrise Chai may stand as the most liver-beneficial.

Is Starbucks chai the same as Indian chai? ›

While the Starbucks version may capture some of the aromatic essence of chai, it does not provide the complexity and depth of flavor found in traditional chai. The use of a standardized concentrate overlooks the variations in spice blends and preparation methods that contribute to the richness of authentic chai.

Why is a dirty chai called a dirty chai? ›

A Dirty Chai is a mix of coffee and chai tea, named “dirty” chai because of the addition of coffee muddying up the color of the tea. It is usually made with a concentrated chai tea, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk or cream (this is, therefore, a latte).

Who makes the best chai in India? ›

Some of the best tea brands in India include Tata Tea, Brooke Bond Red Label, Wagh Bakri, Society Tea, Lipton, Dabur, and Amazon Brand - Vedaka. Each brand offers a variety of teas catering to different preferences and tastes.

What is chai tea with milk called? ›

Masala chai is composed of three major components: masala, chai (or tea), and milk. Recipes and preparation of chai can vary by geography and by family. One way to prep masala chai is by gently boiling water with spices in a pot. Tea is then added to the pot and brewed to preference.

What do Indians eat with chai tea? ›

Samosas, chaat, and pakora are common Indian tea time snacks when friends and family gather over steaming cups of chai (which simply means “tea”).

Which country invented chai tea? ›

Chai origins

Legend has it that the origin of chai dates back more than 5,000 years, when a king in what is now India ordered a healing spiced beverage be created for use in Ayurveda, a traditional medicinal practice in which herbs and spices are used for healing.

Why does my homemade chai taste bitter? ›

Boiling the tea bags too long will leave a bitter taste. If your tea isn't strong enough, you may add more tea bags.

Why should we not reheat chai? ›

Tea contains caffeine, which can become more concentrated upon reheating, potentially causing adverse effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances. Reheating tea can also potentially contribute to acidity due to the breakdown of certain compounds and changes in pH levels,” said Goyal.

Why does chai make me go to the bathroom? ›

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in black tea, a primary component of chai tea. Its stimulating effect can increase bowel motility, promoting more frequent bowel movements. Effects on digestion: Stimulates the colon: Caffeine can enhance contractions in the colon, pushing waste through the digestive tract.

What are the benefits of Indian chai tea? ›

Helps in Digestion -

Ginger In chai aids in digestion enhancing circulation and oxygen in the organs to help make them work more optimally. Chai also helps support digestion, lowers blood sugar levels, and promotes cardiovascular health.

How often do Indians drink chai? ›

Tea is indisputably India's national drink. For many Indians, a typical day will begin with a cup of masala chai at home, followed by additional cups throughout the day from ubiquitous canteens and tea vendors.

How many cups of chai tea can I drink a day? ›

Chai tea is perfectly healthy and good for most people to enjoy. Any adverse effects are generally related to overconsumption, rather than having chai tea at all. Below are some of the most common side effects — avoid them easily by keeping your chai tea drinking to one to two cups per day.

Can you drink too much masala chai? ›

The richness of spices in masala tea can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. Individuals with hypertension are advised to avoid excessive consumption.

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