Masala chai
Freshly steeped masala chai being poured in a kulhar | |
| Alternative names | Spiced tea |
|---|---|
| Type | Flavoured tea |
| Course | Drink |
| Place of origin | South Asia |
| Associated cuisine | Indian |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Black tea, milk, spices, sugar |
Masala chai (/məˈsɑːlə tʃaɪ/; lit. 'mixed-spice tea') is a popular beverage originating from South Asia. It is made by brewing black tea (usually crush, tear, curl) in milk and water, and then by sweetening with sugar. Adding aromatic herbs and spices creates masala chai.
The term chai originated from the Chinese word for tea, cha via the Hindi chai (चाय). In English, this spiced tea is commonly referred to as chai tea, or simply chai. Originating in India, the beverage has gained worldwide popularity, becoming a feature in many coffee and teahouses, with many using the term chai latte or chai tea latte for their version to indicate that it is made with steamed milk, much like that used to make a latte but mixed with a spiced tea concentrate instead of espresso.