Where Does Chai Tea Come From?
Chai means "tea" in Hindi and several other languages. The term is commonly used for a spiced tea brewed with milk, a recipe that originated in India. In recent years, chai has become a popular beverage in the West. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Indians began brewing chai centuries ago, using green tea. The drink evolved into beverage for royalty, concocted from a complicated and time-consuming recipe featuring both tea and spices.
Types
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Recipes for chai, also known as "chai masala" or "spiced tea," vary from region to region in India. In addition to tea, chai includes milk and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, cloves, and star anise.
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Regional Differences
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Traditional chai is made with black tea. A Kashmiri version uses green tea and different spices, including almonds, cinnamon and saffron, that give the drink a lighter taste.
In India
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Chai is an everyday beverage in India. Indians make chai at home or purchase it from chaiwallahs, or chai vendors, who serve the drink from stalls all over the country.
In the West
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In the West, Indian restaurants serve chai tea. It is also available at espresso bars and other specialty drinks shops. Many grocery stores sell chai concentrates and mixes as well as the ingredients for homemade chai.
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References
Resources
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