Masala Chai

One of the things I love about travel with Overseas Adventure Travel is that the groups are kept small (maximum of 15 people), and that we often simply pull off to the side of the road for another “discovery” as we call them.

A few days ago, we stopped at a Chai Tea stand, and our guide Girish, demonstrated the process of making Masala Chai. Masala means spice in Hindi, and Chia means tea.

The steps to making Masala Chai are as follows:
1. Add water and a little sugar (or honey) to your pot.
2. Add loose black tea. Boil the three together for a bit.
3. Add milk.
4. Crush fresh ginger and add to the mix.



5. Now, bring the mixture to a foamy boil three or four times. A foamy boil means, bring the mixture to a rolling boil that rises in the pot, then lift the pot off the heat until the foam subsides.
6. Strain the tea as you pour it into the serving pot.



7. Pour the tea into your serving cup.
8. Sip… and enjoy.
9. Let the street vendor critique how you did!




Note: There are many variations of the spices used in Masala Chai. Spices may include cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, etc.

Here in the spice stores, you can purchase Masala Chai spice mix. Some is already packed in my suitcase for my return home!