Kashmiri Chai/ कश्मीरी चाय
Kashmiri Chai is Also Known as Royal Kashmiri Blossom Tea
Download Recipe as PDF
About Kashmiri Chai
Kashmiri Chai, also known as "Noon Chai" or "Gulabi Chai," is a traditional, flavorful beverage that hails from the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. This distinctive tea, with its stunning pink hue, offers more than just a visually appealing experience—it’s a sensory delight for your taste buds, too! Served steaming hot, Kashmiri Chai is creamy, rich, and spiced, combining green tea leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, and a hint of saffron to create a beverage unlike any other.
One of the most unique characteristics of Kashmiri Chai is its color. It begins as a deep reddish-brown as the tea leaves are simmered in water, but thanks to the addition of baking soda (a traditional ingredient used in some recipes), it undergoes a magical transformation, turning into a gorgeous pink. This vibrant color, along with its rich, creamy texture, makes it a comforting and visually striking drink.
Perfect for the cold months, Kashmiri Chai is often enjoyed during winter or colder seasons, offering warmth and comfort. It is also commonly served during special occasions and celebrations in Kashmir. The deep, earthy flavor combined with the creamy milk and the light spice notes makes it a great companion for a cozy evening by the fireplace or a gathering with friends and family.
When it comes to the preparation of Kashmiri Chai, there is plenty of room for customization based on your personal preference. Some recipes call for sugar to add sweetness, while others add a pinch of salt, giving it a savory twist. Crushed pistachios and almonds are often sprinkled on top as garnishes, offering a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture of the tea. You can also adjust the spices—cardamom and cinnamon—to your taste, making it more aromatic or spicier, depending on what you prefer.
Not only does Kashmiri Chai deliver on flavor, but it also boasts impressive health benefits. The combination of spices like cardamom and cinnamon helps aid digestion, boost metabolism, and improve circulation. The saffron in the tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to overall well-being. Furthermore, the creamy milk adds a dose of calcium, helping to support strong bones and teeth. This makes Kashmiri Chai an excellent addition to your regular diet, especially during the winter months when the body needs extra nourishment and warmth.
If you enjoy trying out different beverages, Kashmiri Chai provides an opportunity to explore a unique drink with layers of flavor. Its creamy texture is smooth and velvety, while the sweet and savory balance ensures every sip is a new experience. Whether you drink it with a bit of sugar or prefer a more savory version with salt, this drink can easily be customized to fit your flavor profile.
Ideal for cozy gatherings, this tea is also perfect for serving guests during a winter gathering or holiday celebrations. Pair it with your favorite snacks like bakarkhani, puff pastry, or even simple cookies for a delightful treat. Kashmiri Chai is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, offering comfort, warmth, and a touch of the exotic.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to add something unique, comforting, and flavorful to your regular diet, Kashmiri Chai should be on your list. Its health benefits, versatility, and ability to be enjoyed in a variety of ways make it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned tea lovers. So, grab your favorite teapot, steep those leaves, and indulge in a cup of Kashmiri Chai—you won’t be disappointed!
Recipe of Home Cooked Kashmiri Chai/ कश्मीरी चाय
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for making Kashmiri Chai at Home.
Preparation: Begin by boiling water in a saucepan. Once the water comes to a gentle boil, add the green tea leaves to it, allowing them to steep and release their deep flavor. This will form the base of your Kashmiri Chai, and the color will start to turn a reddish-brown as the tea leaves infuse. Stir occasionally to ensure the leaves don’t stick to the bottom. Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid burning the tea. (Time taken: 15 minutes)
Infusion: Next, it's time to add the baking soda, a key ingredient in creating the characteristic pink color of Kashmiri Chai. Gently stir the tea and baking soda mixture, being careful not to agitate it too vigorously. This will cause the water to start turning into a deep, vibrant shade of pink. As the color intensifies, continue to simmer the tea over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Simmering: Now, it’s time to add the spices. Toss in a pinch of cardamom and a small cinnamon stick to infuse the chai with warmth and fragrance. Let the chai simmer on low heat, allowing the spices to develop and fill the air with their comforting aroma. As it simmers, the color of the chai should begin to deepen even further, becoming richer with each passing moment. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Milk Addition: After the tea has simmered for a while and the flavors have infused, it’s time to add the milk. Pour in the milk slowly, stirring continuously. As the milk blends with the tea, it will transform the color of the chai into a beautiful pinkish hue. The milk also softens the flavor, creating a creamy and smooth texture that’s incredibly soothing. Allow the chai to simmer gently for a few more minutes, ensuring the milk is fully integrated. (Time taken: 8 minutes)
Sweetening and Seasoning: At this point, you can add sugar or salt, depending on your preference. If you prefer a sweeter chai, stir in sugar until it dissolves completely. For a more savory version, sprinkle in a touch of salt, giving the chai its signature savory flavor. Stir well to ensure the sugar or salt is evenly distributed throughout the chai. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Final Touch: Once the Kashmiri Chai has reached the perfect creamy texture and flavor balance, remove it from the heat. Pour the chai into a cup or a traditional Kashmiri teacup. Garnish with crushed pistachios and almonds for an added crunch and visual appeal. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add an extra layer of texture to the smooth chai. (Time taken: 3 minutes)
Serving: Now your Kashmiri Chai is ready to be enjoyed! Sip slowly and savor the warm, creamy, and aromatic experience of this traditional Kashmiri drink. Perfect for a cozy afternoon, it’s a delightful treat that can be shared with loved ones or savored alone as a moment of calm. (Time taken: 2 minutes)