Masala Chai: Recipe, Spices, and What Research Says

Masala chai, also known as masala tea or simply chai in much of India, is more than a beverage. For millions of people it is a daily ritual and a source of comfort. At Tea The World, we love sharing this iconic drink, from recipes and spice blends to food pairings.

What Is Masala Chai?

Masala chai is a traditional Indian tea made by simmering black tea with milk, sugar, and warming spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and sometimes black pepper, fennel, or nutmeg. Every family and region has its own recipe, so each cup is a little different.

What Research Says About Chai’s Ingredients

Research looks at chai’s individual ingredients rather than chai itself, and these are observations, not promises:

• Black tea: Contains polyphenols and caffeine. Observational studies link regular black tea drinking with heart health, though they show associations rather than proof.
• Ginger: Studied for easing nausea, mostly in supplement form.
• Cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves: Contain aromatic compounds studied in the lab for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The amounts in a cup of chai are small.
• Fennel and ginger: Traditionally used in Ayurveda to support digestion.
• The ritual: Simmering spices and sharing a cup is a comforting daily pause.

Traditional chai also contains milk and sugar, so it is best enjoyed as a treat or with the sugar adjusted to taste.

How to Make Masala Chai

Ingredients (makes about 2 cups)

• 1½ cups water
• 1 cup whole milk (adjust to taste)
• 2½ to 3 teaspoons black tea leaves
• 2–3 cloves
• ½–¾ inch cinnamon stick
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 2 peppercorns (optional)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped or grated
• 2–3 teaspoons sugar, or to taste

Method

1. Lightly crush the cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and peppercorns with a mortar and pestle.
2. Heat the water in a saucepan and add the crushed spices and ginger.
3. Bring to a boil, then add the tea leaves.
4. Boil for 2–3 minutes, then add the milk and sugar.
5. Bring back to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 2 minutes until rich in color.
6. Strain and serve hot.

Short on time? Our Masala Chai Loose Leaf Tea combines black tea and spices in one blend and makes 3 to 5 gallons.

Chai Masala: The Spice Blend

• ¼ cup green cardamom pods
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 whole nutmeg, grated

Grind into a coarse powder and store in an airtight jar. Use about ½ teaspoon per cup of tea.

Foods to Pair with Masala Chai

• Samosas: Spiced potato-filled pastries, a classic with chai.
• Poha: Flattened rice with turmeric, peas, and peanuts.
• Parathas: Flatbreads stuffed with potato or paneer.
• Biscuits or rusk: Simple tea biscuits for dipping.

Discover Masala Chai

Masala chai is tradition, comfort, and flavor in a cup. Whether you make it from scratch or start with our Masala Chai Loose Leaf Tea, we hope it becomes part of your daily ritual.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.