Beverages

Chai (Tea)

Chai not (Chai-Tea) has always been a part of our household. Growing up, I was more of a coffee drinker and had chai only occasionally. But after moving to the United States, I slowly began to fall in love with it. 

Filter coffee, however, always had its own charm when guests visited. It often drew an enthusiastic “Wow—filter coffee!” whenever I offered it. I proudly shared it as our “authentic coffee.”

It was my North Indian friends who truly introduced me to the simplicity and warmth of chai. I discovered that every home had its own version—ginger chai, cardamom chai, each with its own character.

Today, chai has become a source of comfort for my own family. My children, born and raised in America, also find joy in it. I love making chai for my daughter, and she loves making it for me. In those small moments, we connect in the simplest, most meaningful way. Here is my chai Recipe serves 2 people:

Ingredients:

• Water: 2 cups
• Sugar: 2 tsp (as per your taste)
• Tea leaves: 2 tsp
• Cardamom Powder: 1/2 tsp(I like the strong smell of elaichi)
• Milk: 1 cup

Cooking Instructions:

• Boil water thoroughly.
• Add sugar, tea leaves( I use Tata tea, Waghbakri chai, you can use any chai)
• Let it boil for 5 minutes
• Add milk and reduce the flame. 
• Now add cardamon powder (I like to add cardamom powder to the chai after adding milk that way the chai is fragrant)
• Once it has boiled with milk, turn off the flame and strain the chai.
• Enjoy with milk toast or a cookie of your choice.