Indian recipe

Masala Chai

Also known as masala tea, spiced tea

Homemade chai with freshly crushed whole spices: aromatic, comforting, and lovely even without sugar.

Did you know? In India, chai simply means tea, so “chai tea” really means “tea tea”!
VegetarianVegDrinkChai latte⏱ ~15 minMakes 2 cups▶ Subscribe on YouTube
Tick items off as you go2 cups

For the chai

  • 2 cupswater
  • 2 tspplain loose black tea (without added masala, e.g. Red Label)
  • ½ cupmilk (¼ cup per cup of water)
  • optional½ tsp honey or sugar per cup, for a chai-latte sweetness

Fresh spices (crushed)

  • ¾ inchginger
  • 1 inchcinnamon piece
  • 4cloves
  • 6black peppercorns
  • 3star anise
  • 3cardamom pods
  1. 1
    Crush the ginger and spices. Crush a small piece of ginger, then gently crush the cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, star anise and cardamom. They don't need to be powdered.
  2. 2
    Boil the water with the spices. Heat 2 cups of water on high, add the ginger and spices, and bring to a boil.
  3. 3
    Add the tea. Once bubbling, reduce to medium and add 2 tsp of tea. It bubbles up quickly, so lower the heat and let it bubble for just under a minute.
  4. 4
    Add the milk. ½ cup for 2 cups of tea (about ¼ cup per cup of water).
  5. 5
    Simmer 5–10 minutes. This is the most important part: it lets the tea and masala blend. Simmer longer if you have time.
  6. 6
    Froth it. Pour from one pot to another from a height to create the froth, in true grandpa style.
  7. 7
    Strain and serve. It tastes great without sugar, or add ½ tsp of honey or sugar for a chai-latte feel.

Tips from the video

Toast the spices first. 5 minutes in the oven at 160°C (300°F), or in a pan on medium heat until fragrant. It really elevates the chai.
Make your own chai masala. Blend the toasted spices into a powder and add a pinch whenever you make tea.
Use plain black tea. Loose black tea without added masala, so your fresh spices shine.
Crush, don't powder. Gently crushed spices give a cleaner, more aromatic chai.
Don't rush the simmer. 5–10 minutes is the minimum; longer gives an even richer taste.

💡 Extra tips, not in the video Bonus tips

Store your masala in an airtight jar away from light; it stays fragrant for a couple of months.
Plant milk? Add it at the end and heat gently. Some (like oat) can split at a hard boil.
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From the hacks library · added 6 Nov

Make your own chai masala

Toast whole spices for 5 minutes, blend to a powder, and add a pinch whenever you make tea. It's homemade masala chai in seconds. From Masala Chai →

Browse all hacks →

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