Noon Chai

Serving: 1 Cup

Noon Chai, also known as Kashmiri tea, pink tea, gulabi chai, or sheer chai, is a traditional tea beverage originating from the picturesque valley of Kashmir. This unique tea is known for its distinct pink color and salty taste, which sets it apart from other teas. The traditional Kashmiri noon chai often uses a specific type of green tea known as “Kashmiri green tea” or “gunpowder tea.” These tea leaves are rolled into small pellets, which helps in achieving the distinctive flavor and color. It has become popular in Pakistan, India, and the Caribbean. It is typically enjoyed during chilly mornings or as part of an elaborate Kashmiri breakfast spread. In modern variations, it is often sweetened for a more widely appreciated flavor.

it’s etymology

The word noon means ‘salt’ in several Indo-Aryan languages, such as Kashmiri, Bengali and Nepali. Kashmiri Hindus refer to this Kashmiri tea as “Sheer chai”. “Shir”, the term from which “Sheer chai” is derived from, means “milk” in Persian. “Tea pink” is also used as an adjective referencing the characteristic pink hue of the tea, such as to describe textiles.

Ingredients

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1

Bring water and Kashmiri tea leaves to a boil.

Step 2

Simmer on medium until reduced by about half.

Step 3

Add in the baking soda and boil it for a few more minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat and immediately add ice-water to shock the brew.

Step 5

Aerate by pouring the tea up and down with a ladle until it turns pink-maroon.

Step 6

Then add in the milk, lightly crushed spices, sugar, and bring it to boil, then simmer 5 minutes.

Step 7

Add salt into tea and boil 2 minutes.

Step 8

Finally, strain the chai into your cup, garnish it few nuts (Almonds & Pistachio) and rose petals, and enjoy your Kashmiri Noon Chai!

Notes

Milk Alternatives :

You can use Semi-Skimmed, Skimmed or Oats (plant-based) milk.

sweetener :

For sweetener you can use honey or stevia instead.

right tea leaves :

To make Noon chai , you need to use Kashmiri tea leaves. Regular green tea leaves won't work.