Masala chai
Masala chai (/tʃaɪ/, lit. 'mixed-spice tea') is a popular beverage throughout South Asia, originating in the early modern Indian subcontinent. Chai is made by brewing black tea (usually CTC tea) in milk and water and then sweetening with sugar. Adding aromatic herbs and spices creates masala chai, although chai is often prepared unspiced.
Chai served with biscuits and spices | |
| Alternative names | Spiced tea |
|---|---|
| Type | Flavoured tea |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Associated cuisine | South Asian cuisine |
| Main ingredients | Black tea, milk, spices, sugar |
The term chai originated from the Chinese word for tea, cha via the Hindi chai (चाय). In English, this spiced tea is commonly referred to as masala chai, chai tea, or simply chai, even though the term refers to tea in general in the original language.
Originating in India the beverage has gained worldwide popularity, becoming a feature in many coffee and tea houses, with many using the term chai latte or chai tea latte for their version to indicate that it is made with steamed milk, much like that used to make a caffè latte but mixed with a spiced tea concentrate instead of espresso.