Masala Chai (commonly known in America as Chai Tea) is a traditional Indian tea made with spices, ginger, and milk. Though Masala Chai isn’t as popular in Pakistani culture as it is in Indian culture, growing up as a South Asian in America, I’ve had countless cups. Masala chai elevates a regular cup of chai with spices, making it even more relaxing, calming, and soothing to the senses. This article from Diaspora Co. shares the history and evolution of Masala Chai.
Chai vs Masala Chai
The word chai simply means tea. Masala Chai is distinguished by the use of spices, or masala, in chai.
Masala Chai is made by simmering the tea with spices and cooking down the milk. This lends it a richer, creamier, more complex taste.
On the other hand, Chai Tea is made with steamed milk and has a more watered down yet sharp flavor (which comes from concentrate or powder). Masala Chai is typically not manually frothed while a Chai Tea Latte is distinctly frothy.
