In a recent survey done by a popular food and travel guide platform, Masala Chai, a much-loved Indian beverage, has secured the second place in the list of world’s top non-alcoholic drinks. To celebrate the occasion, musician Somlata accompanied us on a winter morning date to Rabindra Sarobar Lake and sipped on her all-time favourite beverage to her heart’s content.
“I am so happy to hear that masala chai has been named the second-best non-alcoholic drink in the world. I generally drink Darjeeling tea at home but whenever I’m travelling for gigs or long drives, I prefer having masala chai. At home too, when friends come over for an
adda
we indulge in masala chai,” shares Somlata, talking about her love for the hot drink with a spicy twist.
She also takes pride in her culinary skills, especially while brewing masala chai. “I mainly add ginger, cinnamon and
elaichi
in masala chai as I love the flavour of cardamom. I serve masala chai either in
bhnar
or a glass as I feel it adds to the flavour. The best part of masala chai is the interesting concoction of brewing aromatic spices, sugar, milk and tea together. I will always vote for masala chai over anything as it is my mood lifter,” adds Somlata.
Busy with his usual morning routine, Asish Sengupta, tea stall owner at Southern Avenue shares that people prefer having masala chai during winters, over any other hot beverage. “We put a lot of Indian spices and ginger in masala tea which makes the taste flavoursome,” concludes Asish.
Pic: Anindya Saha