Masala chai is a flavored tea beverage made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs. Originating in South Asia, the beverage has gained worldwide popularity, becoming a feature in many coffee and tea houses. Since I find myself drinking more chai lattes I decided to know more about the tea. Bear with me is I bore you for a minute.
So, what sort of spices and herbs are used. The spice mixture uses a base of ground ginger and green cardamom pods. Other spices include cinnamon, star anise and/or fennel seeds, peppercorn, and cloves. Allspice is sometimes used to replace or complement the cinnamon and clove. They top off the drink with nice foam. Sorry but they do not normally serve them with whip cream. I’ve seen some coffee shops sprinkle cinnamon powder on top which adds a bit color and personality.
In many Eurasian languages, chai or cha is the word for tea. This comes from the Persian chay, which originated from the Mandarin word for tea chá. Despite this, in many Western languages this spiced tea is commonly referred to as simply chai, which can lead to conflation. For this reason, the term chai tea, although redundant (as all masala chai is tea), is sometimes used to indicate spiced milk tea as distinct from other types of tea.
Numerous coffee houses use the term chai latte or chai tea latte for their version to indicate that the steamed milk of a normal latte is being flavored with a spiced tea concentrate instead of with espresso. By 1994 the term had become commonplace. This is the type of chai I prefer to have: the concentrate with steamed milk.
I admit I do not go to coffee houses just for the drinks. But, I do go for the ambiance and community that evolves in and around them. Each is unique, taking on the personality of the owners, the baristas and the customers. That means I also bring my own gifts into the scheme of it all.
8 Comments
Bob Dein
I think that a side benefit of your job must be visiting Coffee Houses across the country.
Monte Stevens
Not only the coffee houses but restaurants and of course the strangers we meet on the street. Thanks!
Paul
As you know, I don’t do coffee, but I have come to love chai, or at least as prepared by some of my Indian friends. It’s quite delicious. I’ve even tried a cup or two at a Starbucks – it wasn’t bad, but certainly wasn’t ‘authentic’.
I did kind of miss tea when I was in Mexico. They only had two types of tea, té negro and té verde (black and green tea). I could have gone to Starbucks, because there was one, but I just couldn’t see going to Mexico to drink tea at SB. LOL
Monte Stevens
As I wrote this post I wondered if you’d tried a chai latte before. I like them and have certain places where that is all I drink as they do a good job on them. This coffee house is called Starry Night and their chai lattes are the best. I’m serious about not drinking as much coffee over the past year or so, not even decaf. I’m tired of it and the tea is a good alternative.
You reminded me of a business trip to Singapore a few years ago. My hotel was downtown Singapore along the river. Just outside my hotel was a walking bridge over the river. On the opposite side was a Starbucks and a Hooters. 🙂 We’ve infiltrated everywhere.
Bob Dein
What a missed opportunity – it was too early. I said “side benefit”. I should have said “perk”!
Monte Stevens
Perk works!
Earl
I’ve never had chai but you’ve made me want to try it. I’d probably like it as I like tea in general both pure as in green tea and English style with milk. It’s on my to do list now. 🙂
Monte Stevens
It’s not for everybody, just as coffee is not everybody. But, we will never know unless we try it. They make a spicy and a sweet chia which means more choices. I like to have a blend of both. Hope you enjoy it.