Perfect Chai: What goes first-milk or water?

Chai or tea has many shades, tastes, and methods of preparation, but at the core, it is a part of our lifestyle, where many of us begin the day with a sip of piping hot cup of this beverage. While there are many varieties of tea in the market like black tea, green tea, white tea, and so on, the one that connects many is the traditional 'chai' made with milk, water, tea leaves, sugar, cardamom, and ginger. But what is the right way to make this traditional perfect chai? Let us find out.

When it comes to perfect chai, there are two methods of making it- one is the classic traditional method and the second one is called the modern method. Let us tell you about them.

Method 1- Classic Traditional
Often called as the traditional method, the following steps are used in making this style of tea.

Step 1: Boil water first and then add tea leaves to it. Bring it to a boil again.

Step 2
Add ginger and cardamom and boil for another minute.

Step 3
Next, add milk and sugar and boil it for 3-4 minutes to get the desired colour of the tea.

Step 4
Strain and serve it hot.


Benefit of this method
It is said that this method helps extract the maximum flavour and strength from the tea leaves, resulting in a robust and full-bodied chai. And it is mostly preferred by those who prefer their chair to be very strong.

Method 2- Modern
This method is commonly used in modern time, as it takes less time as compared to the traditional method. Take a look at the steps followed in this method

Step 1
Boil equal portions of milk and water together.

Step 2
Next, add tea leaves along with ginger and cardamom. Bring it to a boil again.

Step 3
Once it boils, add sugar, stir well and switch off the flame.

Step 4
Strain and serve hot.

Benefit of this method
This tea offers smoother flavour and is creamier in texture as milk absorbs the essence of the tea. Also, it is slightly lighter in colour and takes less time as compared to the traditional method.

Which one is better?
Well, it completely depends on an individual. If you are someone who loves his/her chai to be strong, robust, and aromatic, the traditional method works the best. And if you like your tea to be mild and creamier, then the modern method can be opted for the same.

Alternative Method
This is a method, where people boil water and tea leaves together along with cardamom and ginger. Once done, tea water is strained in an insulated tea pot, from which it is poured in a serving cup, hot milk and sugar cube is added to it. Stirred well and served.

Benefits of drinking tea

Boosts energy: It contains caffeine, which helps improve focus and alertness. It also provides a quick energy boost, making it an excellent morning or afternoon drink.

Rich in antioxidants: Chai is rich in polyphenols and catechins, which helps combat free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.



Support digestion: The use of spices like ginger and cardamom aid in digestion and relieve bloating and gas. Alsol ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the stomach.

Strengthen immunity: It uses cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties that boost immunity and help fight colds and infections.

Improve bone health: Milk is a source of calcium and vitamin D, which support bone strength and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

Reduce inflammation: Spices like turmeric and ginger, when added to chai help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Good for heart: It is said to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart problems.

Uses of leftover tea leaves
In all these methods of making tea, the used tea leaves are often discarded in the kitchen dustbin. But, did you know that they can be reused in different ways in your life? For the unversed, the used tea leaves are rich in nitrogen and potassium, which enrich soil and boost plant growth and make for healthy fertilizer for plants like roses, ferns, and tomatoes. The used tea leaves also work as natural deodorizers. They absorb odors and act as a natural air freshener. All you need to do is, dry the leaves and place them in small sachets or bowls and put them in refrigerators, closets, or shoes to eliminate bad smells. One can also use wet tea leaves to scrub surfaces like cutting boards to remove strong odors like onion or garlic. These humble leaves also work as a skin exfoliator. They are slightly abrasive and packed with antioxidants, making them great for skin. All you need to do is mix used tea leaves with honey or yogurt to create a face scrub. Gently massage on your skin for a glow-boosting exfoliation. Alternatively, soak tea leaves in water and use the liquid as a skin toner or eye compress to reduce puffiness.




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