Masala Chai Tea
Chai · Spiced Chai
Masala chai is spiced milk tea from India: strong black tea simmered with milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper.
Flavor Profile
What does Masala Chai taste like?
Masala chai is spiced milk tea from India: strong black tea simmered with milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. The tea base is usually a robust Assam that stays malty under the spice. Prepared traditionally on the stovetop, the cup is creamy, warming, and sweet-spiced — more a comforting drink than a tasting tea, and endlessly adaptable to personal taste and household recipes.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Blended
Chai is a preparation style rather than a single tea; recipes vary widely across India and beyond.
Teas blended or flavored from multiple origins.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Masala Chai
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Masala Chai
Typical brewed serving
Masala Chai is a high-caffeine black tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 40–70 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
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Side by Side
Want to see how Masala Chai compares?
Put Masala Chai next to Irish Breakfast and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Masala Chai Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Masala Chai tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Masala Chai tea?
Masala chai is spiced milk tea from India: strong black tea simmered with milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. It is also known as Chai and Spiced Chai.
Does Masala Chai tea have caffeine?
Yes. Masala Chai is a high-caffeine tea, typically 40–70 mg per brewed serving.
What does Masala Chai tea taste like?
Masala Chai is known for a profile led by Spicy, Malty, and Creamy, with a strong body.
How do you brew Masala Chai tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100°C, steeping for 3–5 minutes. It can be re-steeped 1–2 times.
Is Masala Chai tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Masala Chai; its profile centers on Spicy, Malty, and Creamy.