As simple as it may seem, the word “chai” simply means “tea”. The chai we know today was created in India when people began adding black tea to “masala”, a blend of spices traditionally enjoyed for its health benefits. And so, chai was born in India. Chai is to India and Pakistan what maté is to Argentina: an institution! If you ever travel to India, don’t hesitate to try their traditional spiced tea.
What does chai taste like?
Chai is traditionally made with full-bodied black tea, a blend of spices, milk, and sugar. If you are the type who likes to follow recipes to the letter, you might be surprised, as a single definitive chai recipe does not really exist. In India, everyone tailors their spiced tea to their own taste and mood. Many families develop their very own recipe. Ingredients vary from one region to another, and the spices used can be completely different.
The flavour of chai tea is therefore very rich, indulgent, naturally spicy, and sweet depending on the recipe used. Adding sugar to chai amplifies and elevates the flavour of the spices.
How to make chai tea?
Classic chai
To prepare your chai, choose your chai tea from our range of spiced black teas. Place 1 to 2 spoonfuls of spiced tea into your infuser or teapot. Add water heated to 90°C and leave to infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
Chai latte
Chai tea is even more delicious with frothed milk. Rival your favourite coffee shop and try making a homemade chai latte. Discover our chai latte recipe.
The benefits of chai tea: the power of spices
To make an analogy: chai is like Asterix's magic potion. A pinch of cinnamon, a touch of ginger, a dash of black pepper... As you can tell, chai is a blend of spices. But not just any spices!
Chai spices boast a wealth of benefits. First of all, cinnamon and cloves are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is the star winter spice, often used to help ward off seasonal chills. Lastly, chai, combining several spices, greatly aids digestion—and the aniseed often included in the blend plays a big part. Ready to experience the benefits of Indian tea?
The famous chai spices
While chai recipes are never set in stone, certain spices are essential. A chai spice blend usually features ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, fennel, pepper, and cloves, and sometimes even coriander, nutmeg, or cumin.
Ginger
If you love bold sensations, ginger will be your favourite spice. This root, grown in tropical regions and Asia in particular, is a tonic, invigorating, and revitalising spice. It is cherished for its warm, slightly peppery flavour.
Black pepper
The biting, spicy kick of pepper dances on the tongue with every sip of chai. Among all chai spices, pepper is the one you will always recognise.
Cardamom
Native to India, cardamom seeds develop a particularly powerful fragrance that is both warm and fresh, with delicate lemony undertones. Cardamom is an astonishing spice that naturally finds its home in chai tea.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices, and also one of the most beloved. Wonderfully indulgent and subtly sweet, cinnamon is the ultimate comforting spice. It is a true delight in any chai blend.
Cloves
Cloves, shaped just like little nails, have a penetrating, warm, and rich aroma. This chai spice is pungent and bitter. In addition to enhancing savoury dishes, cloves are essential for adding character to any chai blend.
Choosing your Kusmi chai
Tchai of the Tiger, an organic black tea inspired by traditional chai
In the tradition of authentic chai, Tchaï of the Tiger perfectly blends black tea with fragrant spices. All the star chai spices are featured in this organic black tea: ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and pink pepper. This organic blend offers a striking balance between strength and sweetness, inspired by the majestic feline it helps protect. Tchaï of the Tiger is a committed organic black tea created in collaboration with WWF: for every tin purchased, €1 is donated to the Tx2 project to help protect wild tigers.
Kashmir Tchaï, the must-try black chai tea from Kusmi
Kashmir Tchaï, one of the house's oldest recipes, is a black tea blend enhanced by a powerful mix of chai spices. In this black tea, you will notably find cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Add sugar and a splash of milk to taste for a truly indulgent treat. For anyone new to chai, this is the perfect recipe to discover the delights of this spiced tea from India.