From the clinking of steel kettles at railway stations to the slow simmering of tea leaves in adrak wali chai in home kitchens. Chai is the aroma that lingers in our mornings and the warmth that winds down our nights. In India, tea isn't just a beverage—it’s an inseparable part of our soul, a comforting hug in a cup.
Tea fuels roadside conversations, seals friendships, and even mends broken hearts over a shared kulhad. As International Tea Day 2025 brews closer, what better way to honour this timeless tradition than by celebrating our very own Desi Chai?
Rooted in Ayurveda, folk tales, and generations of nukkad chai tapris, Indian tea blends are a sensory journey of spices, herbs, and heart. So, whether you love the sharp kick of masala chai or the floral notes of Kashmiri Kahwa, get ready to travel across India—one soulful sip at a time. Because in India, every cup tells a story.
The Legacy of Desi Chai: How to Make Tea?
India’s love for chai may have flourished during colonial times, but its essence runs deeper—rooted in Ayurveda, ancient rituals, and folklore. Origin of Chai- We often question what is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea? One popular legend speaks of a wandering monk who discovered tea’s invigorating charm when leaves or tea leaves accidentally slipped into boiling water, creating a brew that awakened the senses.
Over time, chai became more than a drink—it became a daily ritual, a symbol of connection and comfort. Whether sipped from fine teacups or humble kulhads, chai bridges generations and social divides, fuelling conversations across homes and street corners alike.
Honoured by the Tea Board of India as a cultural staple, chai captures the heart of our traditions. This International Tea Day, let’s raise a cup to that legacy—with flavours that tell the story of India, one soulful sip at a time.
1. Adrak Wali Chai
Adrak Wali Chai or Ginger Tea is a comforting staple in Indian households, especially during monsoons and early winter mornings. Its warming nature makes it a go-to remedy for sniffles and a companion to nostalgic moments by the window.
Recipe: Brew tea leaves in water with generous amounts of freshly crushed ginger, milk, and sugar. The ginger imparts a strong, zesty flavour that awakens the senses.
Best Paired With: Crispy pakoras, rusks, or even simple Marie biscuits. It’s also the perfect backdrop for your “good morning chai” Instagram moments.
2. Masala Chai
Masala Chai is the heart of India’s chai culture—robust, aromatic, and rich with tradition. It’s not just tea; it’s an experience crafted with spices that reflect regional flair and personal taste.
Recipe: Start with boiling strong tea leaves in water and add crushed cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and a touch of ginger. Let it simmer with milk and sugar until it turns a creamy brown.
Best Paired With: Crisp mathri, buttered toast, or khari biscuits. Ideal for evening breaks or rainy afternoons curled up with a book.
3. Tandoori Chai
A modern favourite with traditional roots, Tandoori Chai is known for its smoky aroma and dramatic preparation. Originating from Pune’s roadside stalls, it’s as much about the method as the taste.
Recipe: Prepare regular masala or milk tea. Then, pour it into a pre-heated clay kulhad that’s been placed directly on a flame or in a tandoor. The sizzling reaction infuses the tea with an earthy, smoky flavour.
Best Paired With: Bun maska, vada pav, or spicy toasties. For added charm, serve in Sowpeace’s handcrafted terracotta tea cups to replicate the original experience at home.
Craving that smoky flair? Add charm to your tea time with Sowpeace. Pour your Tandoori Chai in Sowpeace’s rustic terracotta kulhads and tea kettles and sip tradition with a twist! Check here!
4. Kashmiri Kahwa Chai
Delicate, fragrant, and luxurious—Kashmiri Kahwa is not just a tea, it's an aromatic ritual from the Himalayan valleys. This green tea variant is light on caffeine but rich in flavour and wellness.
Recipe: Brew fine green tea leaves with saffron strands, crushed almonds, cinnamon, and cardamom. Let the mixture steep gently to unlock its royal aroma.
Best Paired With: Dry fruits, sheermal, or light saffron cookies. Ideal for chilly mornings, festive gatherings, or serene evenings with a view.
5. Cutting Chai
A symbol of Mumbai’s relentless pace, Cutting Chai is more than a drink—it's a pit stop for conversations, quick breaks, and life in motion. Served in a half glass, it packs full-bodied flavour in a small dose.
Recipe: Brew strong black tea leaves with just the right amount of milk and sugar to create a bold, slightly creamy brew. The ‘cutting’ means less quantity, but more intensity.
Best Paired With: Vada pav, butter toast, or spicy chakli. Best enjoyed at a roadside tapri or while catching up with colleagues between shifts.
6. Noon Chai (Pink Tea)
Straight from Kashmir, Noon Chai surprises first-timers with its rose-pink hue and slightly salty taste. This traditional brew is creamy, rich, and a cultural comfort drink during chilly months.
Recipe: Simmer green tea leaves with baking soda until the liquid turns deep red. Add cold water, milk, salt, and crushed nuts to bring out the signature pink tone and velvet texture.
Best Paired With: Kashmiri kulchas, namak pare, or dry fruit biscuits. A perfect afternoon indulgence with a side of stories and slow sips.
7. Tulsi Chai (Holy Basil Tea)
Rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, Tulsi Chai is the drink of serenity and wellness. Revered in Indian households, Tulsi or Holy Basil is known for its healing properties and gentle, herbal aroma.
Recipe: Boil tea leaves or simply say black or green tea with fresh tulsi leaves. Add jaggery or honey for sweetness, and a splash of milk if preferred.
Best Paired With: Light snacks like murmura, roasted peanuts, or digestive cookies. Ideal for winding down in the evening or starting the day mindfully.
How to Celebrate International Tea Day the Desi Way
Start at Home, Where Chai Belongs- Begin your morning by brewing a favourite from our desi chai trail—maybe the robust Masala Chai, or the soulful Tulsi tea leaves brew that reminds you of Dadi’s kitchen. Let the steam rise like a blessing, curling through the home with the scent of cardamom, ginger, and tradition.
Host a Chai Pe Charcha- By evening, gather your family or invite friends for a “chai & chat” session. Lay out snacks—mathri, pakoras, or homemade nankhatai—and sit cross-legged on the floor or around a wooden chowki. Swap stories, laugh over old memories, and sip slowly. The magic of chai lies in unhurried moments.
Add Mitti ka Touch- To truly embrace the spirit of desi tea time, serve your chai in rustic kulhads or a handcrafted terracotta kettle from Sowpeace. Its earthy fragrance blends beautifully with your brew, offering a taste of the soil it comes from. Place it on a woven tray, add a brass bell or marigold for mood—suddenly your tea corner becomes a piece of Indian art.
Celebrate Online, Desi Style- Share your chai moments—maybe Amma’s favourite recipe or a chai toast by the window—on social media using #InternationalTeaDay. You’re not just sharing tea; you’re sharing culture.
End with Reflection- Before the day ends, read a timeless tea quote or shayari. Sip your final cup with gratitude—for the hands that brewed it, the hearts it warmed, and the stories it stirred.
Because here in India, chai is not just a drink. It’s a pause. A prayer. A piece of home in every cup.Whether it's bubble tea or blue tea, tea is a celebration—and what better day to honour it than Happy International Tea Day 2025?
Chai Pairings & Serving Tips
Enhance your chai experience by pairing each flavour with traditional snacks that perfectly complement its taste.
Masala Chai pairs beautifully with crunchy mathri or piping hot samosas—truly a crowd-pleaser. Noon Chai, with its salty and creamy notes, is best enjoyed alongside crispy namak pare or soft Kashmiri bread. For the smoky, robust Tandoori Chai, nothing beats the indulgence of buttery bun maska or spicy vada.
When to Sip Each: Start your morning with the invigorating warmth of Adrak Chai or the delicate aroma of Kashmiri Kahwa Tea’s Tea Leaves. In the afternoon, refresh yourself with a quick, strong Cutting Chai. Evenings call for the comforting tea leaves spices of Masala or the smoky charm of Tandoori Chai, while Tulsi Chai soothes and aids restful sleep late at night.
Want to go all in? For an authentic touch, serve your chai in handcrafted terracotta cups from Sowpeace, placed on a traditional tea board to evoke that warm, rustic vibe.
The Soulful Story of Tea Leaves and Desi Chai
From the bustling spice-scented lanes of Old Delhi to the tranquil, snow-kissed valleys of Kashmir, India’s tea culture is as diverse as it is timeless. Each steaming cup of chai brewed from carefully selected tea leaves carries a rich tapestry of stories—of vibrant regions, cherished rituals, and the deep bonds that chai fosters across generations.
At Sowpeace, we honour these beautiful narratives through our handcrafted terracotta creations—from elegant tea kettles and rustic dinnerware to artistic wall decor. Our pieces don’t just celebrate Indian heritage in form; they become a part of your daily rituals, enriching moments like your cherished morning chai brewed with the freshest tea leaves.
This International Tea Day 2025, step beyond the ordinary. Embrace the warmth, the tradition, and the soul in every sip—served with the authentic touch of Sowpeace’s artisanal craftsmanship.
So, tell us—which desi chai, steeped in rich tea leaves, will you be celebrating this Happy International Tea Day 2025?
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