What Is Chai?

Chai is a global phenomenon and is steeped in a rich history. It’s a noun, and the word “chai” actually comes from the Hindi word for “tea,” which came from the Mandarin word “cha,” meaning “tea”. So when you say “chai tea,” you’re basically saying “tea tea. ” It’s your preference, but it does sound a little funny!

For many of us, when we think of chai, we picture spiced, milky tea, variously known as chai, chai latte, chai tea latte, chai tea, and masala chai. But is there a difference? Why so many names? Let’s delve in a bit. Chai, however, simply means tea – not tea with milk, not tea with milk and spices, just tea!

“Just forget all about enlightenment. Enjoy simple things with total intensity. Just a cup of tea can be a deep meditation. If you can enjoy it, the aroma of it, slowly sipping it, the taste of it…”

— Osho

The Hindi term “chai” refers to a mix of spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and other ingredients that are blended in a tea-like drink.

Whether at the break of dawn, or mid-morning, noon, evening or even late at night, chai is always on the boil both in the homes and on the streets of India. Recipes for chai vary from continent to continent, culture to culture, town to town, and family to family. It’s the common thing that brings people together for all kinds of events, ceremonies, and conversations. The phrase “chai pe charcha,” meaning “gossip over chai,” shows just how popular chai is in India.

However, the milky, sweet tea we order in coffee shops today has very little in common with the original Indian chai.