Chai is the perfect companion to breakfast, an after-dinner drink, or simply enjoyed in the afternoon. Chai is so popular in India that it is served everywhere—even at the movies or your local grocery store.

In India, tea is synonymous with chai—a sweet, milky beverage made with black tea leaves, spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves, and an aromatic blend of evaporated and condensed milk.

While the origin of chai is not documented, it is believed that chai was first brewed in Iran and the Middle East in a similar fashion to the tea we drink today. It is said that chai was brought to India by Persian traders, who added spices like ginger and cloves to the tea.

What Is Masala Chai

Chai is a sweet beverage made with black tea, milk and a blend of aromatic spices. The spices are an integral part of chai, bringing out the flavor and aroma of the tea. It is a popular drink in India and Pakistan, as well as in parts of the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

There are many variations of chai, and there is also a wide variation in regional names for the drink. Masala chai is Called "masala chai" (literally, "spiced tea") in Hindi, chai is now a part of Indian culture. It is served in many Indian restaurants throughout the US and the UK and is gaining popularity in America.

There are many brands of chai on the market today. The following is a basic recipe for making masala chai. Adjust the spices to your own taste. There are many different variations of the recipe; some include less sugar and dairy.

Masala chai is an Indian tea prepared by mixing milk, spices, and tea. It is an important part of Indian tradition, and is prepared and consumed daily in the Indian subcontinent, as well as in Indian communities around the world. It is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices, with added milk and sugar to taste. Masala chai is served throughout the day—hot, over ice, or with milk.

The base of the chai varies depending on the geographical location. In Northern India, the chai is called "Punjabi Chai", as it is closely associated with the Punjabi people. It is made with a mixture of water, milk, and tea leaves. In southern India and western regions, chai is known as "Madras Chai" or "Cay". It uses not only black tea, but also a mix of spices, such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.

How Do you Make Masala Chai

Chai is simple to prepare. The trick is to brew the tea long enough and to let it steep in the pot with the spices so that all of the flavors are released.

1. Place tea bags into a pot. I like to use loose tea, but use tea bags if you do not have the time to prepare them.

2. Add a quarter cup of water to the pot. Let it simmer.

3. Add condensed milk to the pot. The amount of condensed milk should be approximately four times the amount of water.

4. Add cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves, star anise, black pepper corns and cinnamon powder.

5. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The longer you let it simmer, the stronger the chai will be.

6. Add sugar and water. Depending on the sweetness of your condensed milk, you may need to add more sugar. Start with a quarter cup of sugar and add more to taste.

Conclusion

Masala chai is the perfect comforting drink for any time of the day. Whether you are sitting in a cafe in India, having breakfast at home, or simply enjoying a hot cup of chai at the movies, chai is always a delight.

Tower Tandoori is the best Indian restaurant near London bridge that provides an amazing range of authentic, unique and original Indian food. Let us offer you the best tasting Masala chai. Check out our list of satisfying dishes today!