Absence makes the love grow fonder.
You will only know the value of a certain kind of love in its space.
If you are a core desi at heart, you would have guessed by now.
It’s true that as an Indian, your love for Chai can never be replaced by the high-end espresso or Latte.
Especially living outside India, at some point, your heart begins to ache for it.
The world of ‘Chai’ that’s been spread out globally has its roots in India.
It is beyond a refreshment drink- feels like a warm embrace of comfort straight from your home, which helps rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
It is an instant source of energy when the world is getting too much on a hectic working schedule. Whether you are a student missing desi flavours or a working professional badly requiring a Chai break, we have got you.
This simple guide on making an authentic Indian style Chai in your home takes you through the pathway of ‘finally feeling at home’.
History and significance of Chai to Indians
Chai isn’t just a hot beverage- it’s a rhythm of the everyday life of a typical Indian.
It’s hard to even paint a mental image without the petty tea shops at the street corner, railway station, office desks and roadside Dhabas.
It bridges people and communities together.
Starting from evoking new friendships while stalling one’s morning in a nearby tea shop, breaking serious moments into laughter while sipping a steaming cup of tea, and running the office gossip treadmill during an evening break, Chai is unstoppable.
Although a part of the credit goes back to the British colonial rule which brought it as ‘tea’, it was turned into ‘Chai’ by giving it a bold and spicy twist.
It is what it is now as an authentic Indian Chai due to the presence of Indian rich herbs and spices like cardamom, clove, and ginger.
Step-by-step guide to brewing hot Chai
Making Chai is purely a meditative space.
Keeping the bubbling water in a slow flame, adding the earthy aromatic spices, and then giving it a milky twist – It is a perfect moment to pause and inhale the mouth-watering flavours.
This is how you can recreate the timeless magic of Indian Chai in your Canadian kitchens.
Step 1: Set your spice base
The saucepan should be turned down to a low burner, and the required amount of water should be added to it.
It is now time to incorporate freshly ground whole spices such as a fresh slice of ginger, one or two cloves, and cardamom powder into the mixture.
It is recommended that you celebrate with a single cinnamon stick if you choose to delve deeper.
Allow it for a gentle boil unless your kitchen is filled with the spicy aroma.
Step 2: Black tea infusion
While the water gets boiling, add about 2 or 3 spoons of Assam or Darjeeling variety of black tea leaves and allow it to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Let the water get deep and dark, making the Chai come to its fullest.
Step 3: Infuse milk and sugar
Add one cup of milk, and then add the appropriate quantity of sugar cubes or jaggery as per your preference. Turn the flame to medium and let it slowly boil until the tea rises to the rim of the saucepan.
Begin to stir gently so that the milk merges with the flavorful spices, giving it a slightly creamy texture and a fragrance that makes you lose yourself in the world of Chai.
Step 4: Time to serve it right
Once you can feel the beat of the Chai, switch off the flame and take the pan off.
Now transfer the Chai to that favourite cup of yours using a strainer to filter out the spices and the tea leaves. Then, give it a moment to immerse in your “Me” time by uplifting the mug, closing your eyes and taking the first sip as you inhale the divine warmth of Chai.
It’s a toast to the world and you by sipping comfort, energy, connection and tradition.
Types of Chai- Take a step and go beyond
While the basic Chai fits all your mood cups for the day, the most incredible part of Indian Chai is that it can be customised based on your health and wellness preferences. Accordingly, some of the curated lists of Chai are given below,
- Masala Chai- Spice enhanced, and energy doubled for the day
- Ginger Chai- Served right for immunity boosting and to improve digestion.
- Cardamom or Elachi Chai- Soothing & calm, appropriate for the ones who can easily pick up stress on the minor things of life.
- Tulsi Chai- Being caffeine-light, it is tweaked with the power of herbalism with the integration of basil leaves.
- Cutting Chai- Mumbai-born, abruptly strong and served for quick resets after working hours.
Choose wisely with the flavoursome options of Chai, as your journey with it is just uniquely yours.
Bringing Chai to Canadian homes
Dwelling in some of the bustling cities of Canada like Toronto, making your most-wanted recipe like Chai can look overwhelming at times. Still, you can now afford to enjoy the refreshing Chai flask at your home.
Thanks to some of the prominent Indian Tiffen centres in Canada listed below.
- Meal Maven- Not only are they known for their homemade food delivery services to the Indian neighbourhood, but their menu is deeply curated for accommodating all kinds of snacks and hot beverages too. Guess what, some of the best sellers of Meal Maven are Elachi Chai and South-Indian-styled filter Coffee.
- Tiffen Stash- Renowned for its extensive delivery network, Tiffen Stash leaves no stone unturned. For instance, you can always choose Chai as a hot accompaniment to your hefty afternoon thali.
- Mavalli Tiffen Rooms (MTR) – With enriched culinary expertise carried forward since 1924, MTR is widely remembered for their authentic & region-specific vegetarian recipes. Their wide array of menus embraces both hot and cold beverages from Indian Chai to cold badam milk.
If at all your late-night study sessions are demanding to focus more, book a flavorful Chai of your kind from any of the aforementioned Indian Tiffen centres and make it a go-to study companion.
Wrap Up
Chai stands as more than just a drink; it embodies a sentiment filled with affection and cherished moments.
You may relive the familiar taste by brewing it at home, and then have it delivered to your door in Canada by your reliable tiffin service.
Feel free to make it, drink it, or even have it delivered. Having a hot cup of traditional Indian Chai is a smart idea year-round, regardless of the weather.
Feel free to make it, drink it, or even have it delivered. Having a hot cup of traditional Indian Chai is a smart idea year-round, regardless of the weather.
