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New Delhi: Tea, popularly known as chai in India, is more than just a beverage in this nation. It’s a way of life, a symbol of warmth and hospitality and a cultural ritual. Every region has its own chai, developed by infusing local ingredients, flavours and traditions. From the serene mountains of Kashmir to the bustling streets of Mumbai, chai reflects the diversity of India’s culinary heritage. Whether you relish a simple cup of cutting chai from Mumbai or the fragrant Kashmiri Kahwa from Kashmir, sips of these chai revive energy and bring comfort.
Nilgiri tea and Sulaimani chai carry their own distinct aroma and taste in southern India, while Noon Chai in Kashmir and Butter Tea in Ladakh provide a glimpse into the Himalayan lifestyle. Even regional variations of this favourite drink, like Lebu Chai in Kolkata or Ronga Saah in Assam, highlight the creativity and richness of Indian tea culture. Exploring these teas is like taking a flavorful journey across India. Read here.
1. Cutting chai, Mumbai
Cutting Chai is a strong, spiced milk tea served in a half-glass, popular on the streets of Mumbai. Spices like ginger and cardamom are used to create a robust and energising beverage. The cutting in its name refers to the smaller, more affordable half portion size, perfect for a quick break during the city’s fast-paced lifestyle.
2. Kashmiri Kahwa, Kashmir
Kashmiri Kahwa is a traditional green tea beverage from Kashmir made with a blend of spices, nuts, and saffron. It is a fragrant, golden-hued drink with a rich history intertwined with the Silk Road and is popular for its warming and digestive properties.
3. Noon chai or pink chai, Kashmir
Noon chai, also known as Kashmiri chai or pink chai, is a traditional, savoury tea from Kashmir made with green tea leaves, salt, milk, and baking soda. The noon in its name means salt in Kashmiri, which is what gives it its distinct salty flavour, unlike the sweet teas common elsewhere in India.
4. Tandoori chai, Delhi
Tandoori chai is a popular, smoky-flavoured tea that has gained popularity in Delhi. The unique preparation involves pouring hot milk tea into a super-heated, hollowed-out clay cup or kulhad placed inside a tandoor or clay oven, which causes the tea to sizzle and froth and infuse with an earthy, smoky taste from the clay and oven.
5. Irani chai, Hyderabad
Irani chai is a sweet, milky, and creamy tea originating from Hyderabad, introduced by Persian settlers. It’s made by preparing a strong tea decoction using the dum cooking method, where it’s sealed and simmered to concentrate flavours, and then mixing it with a separate, thick, slow-boiled milk mixture often enhanced with spices like cardamom.
6. Sulaimani chai, Kerala
Sulaimani chai is a clear, milk-free black tea infused with spices and a dash of lemon, popular in Kerala’s Malabar region. Known for its digestive properties and golden-amber hue, it is often served after heavy meals, especially biryani, and at celebratory events.
8. Lebu chai, Kolkata
Lebu chai is a popular, zesty Kolkata street drink made of black tea, fresh lemon juice, and a special spice mix called moshla. Unlike creamy masala chai, it is a light, sour, salty, and sweet beverage that is served hot.
9. Ronga saah, Assam
Ronga saah, a traditional Assamese red tea that is brewed plain, without milk or spices, and has a reddish-brown colour. The name directly translates to red tea as ronga, meaning red, and saah, meaning tea. This chai refers to the rich, malty flavour and deep amber hue of the infusion.
10. Nilgiri tea, Tamil Nadu
Nilgiri tea is a fragrant, brisk black tea grown in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, known for its smooth, full-bodied flavour with fruity and floral notes. It is a staple in India and globally, often used in blends like masala chai or iced tea, but also enjoyed on its own for its balanced and aromatic taste.
11. Butter tea, Ladakh
Butter tea in Ladakh or the Himalayan belt is known as gur-gur chai. It is a traditional, savoury, and creamy beverage made from green tea leaves, yak butter, milk, and salt. It’s a staple in the region, especially in the cold, high-altitude climate, because it provides warmth, hydration, and energy-boosting fats.
If you are a tea lover, India’s diverse chai culture will certainly offer you different flavours and experiences. Tasting different varieties of tea allows you to appreciate not just the beverage but the cultural richness behind it. So, have an unforgettable experience with each sip of India’s tea!
