Learn how to brew perfect chai using the traditional Indian methods with our step-by-step authentic chai recipe. No fancy equipment needed - just simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.
What is Authentic Chai?
Chai (or "masala chai") is a beloved Indian spiced tea that combines black tea leaves with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Unlike the sugary chai lattes you'll find at coffee shops, authentic chai is a perfectly balanced blend of robust tea, warming spices, creamy milk, and just the right amount of sweetness.
At Malwa Chai, we've made it easy to brew authentic chai at home without measuring dozens of spices or compromising on traditional flavor.
The Best Chai Recipe: Simple, Authentic & Delicious
Ingredients for the Perfect Chai (creates 9oz cup)
- 1.5 cups of water
- 1 Malwa Chai spice sachet (contains cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper)
- 1 Malwa Chai tea sachet (Assam CTC or Nilgiri
- .5 cups of milk (whole milk or any preferred dairy alternative)
- Sweetener to taste (1 tsp recommended)
Step-by-Step Chai Making Instructions
Step 1: Boil the water (2 min) - Pour 1.5 cups of water into a small pot and bring to a roiling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Extract the Spice Flavors (3 min) - Add the spice sachet to the boiling water. Let it boil for 3 minutes to release to the aromatic oils from handcrafted spice blend. You'll notice the water turning golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tea (3 min) - Drop in the tea sachet and continue boiling for another 3 minutes. This extracts the bold flavor and rich color from the black tea leaves.
Step 4: Add the Milk (1 min)- Pour in .5 cups pf milk and increase the heat slightly. Let the mixture come to a strong boil for 1 minute. Watch as your chai transforms into that beautiful, creamy tan color.
Step 5: Sweeten & Serve: Remove from heat, take out both sachets, and add sweetener to taste. We recommend starting with 1 teaspoon of sugar per cup.
Total brewing time: 10 minutes
Expert Chai Tips for Better Flavor
Make Your Chai Stronger
- Let the spice sachet steep for an extra 1-2 minutes before adding tea
- Press sachets gently against the pot sides while brewing
- Use less milk for a more intensive flavor
Best Milk Options for Chai
- Whole Milk: Creates the creamiest, most traditional texture
- Oat Milk: Best plant-based alternative for creamy consistency
- Almond milk: Lighter option that still complements the spices
- Coconut milk: Add subtle sweetness and richness
Sweetener Alternatives
- White sugar: Classic choice that doesn't overpower spices
- Honey: Adds floral notes (add after removing from heat)
- Jaggery: Traditional unrefined palm sugar with caramel notes
- Maple syrup: Great for plant-based chai lovers
Why Choose Malwa Chai for Authentic Flavor?
Clean, Organic Ingredients
Our spice and tea sachets contain only organic, premium ingredients with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Each sachet os carefully crafted to deliver consistent, authentic taste.
Traditional Brewing Made Simple
No need to measure spices or worry about ratios. Our modular sachet system honors traditional chai-making methods while eliminating the guesswork.
Fresh, Handcrafted Spice Blend
We source our spices directly from Indian farms and blend them in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and flavor in every cup.
Health Benefits of Drinking Chai
Authentic chai isn't just delicious - it's packed with beneficial compounds:
- Antioxidants from black tea support heart health
- Ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation
- Cardamom helps with digestion and freshens breath
- Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar
- Cloves have antimicrobial properties
Make Chai Part of Your Daily Ritual
There's something magical about the process of making chai-the bubbling sounds, the aromatic steam, the anticipation as spices and tea transform into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Whether you're starting your morning, taking an afternoon breaK, or winding down in the evening, chai offers a moment of mindfulness in our busy lives.
Ready to Start Your Chai Journey?
Now that you know how to make authentic chai at home, you're ready to create your own daily chai ritual. Remember, that best chai is the only that tastes perfect to you-so feel free to adjust the milk, sweetener, and steeping times to match your preferences.
Want to share your chai creation? Tag us on Instagram @malwachaico with #Chaimoment and show us how you make your perfect cup.
____________________________________________________________________________
Ready to brew your first cup of authentic chai? Shop our organic chai kits and start your journey to perfect homemade chai today.