Sri Lankan Spiced Chai

In many parts of Sri Lanka and India there is a saying that loosely translated as: "spiced chai. the tea that eats like a meal". This is true in many parts on India, traditional chai or tea also has a heady mix of spice. Chai recipes are handed down from generations, much like westerners pass on grandma's apple pie recipe. The tea is traditionally brewed by boiling milk, adding good thick black tea, various spices and then boiling it again. The resulting mixture is thick, spicy and incredibly full-bodied.

It's no exaggeration to say that drinking great chai is almost a religious experience. As the brew reaches all the corners of your body it fills you with a warm glow that you will want to experience again and again. Luckily, if you're in India, spicy fresh chai is available just about everywhere. Tea-sellers, known as Chai Wallahs sell their concoctions at roadside stalls, train stations, anywhere you can think of. The tea is mostly served in small clay cups (in most regions) known as ‘chullarhs’ that are smashed on the ground once the tea is finished. An eco-friendly method if you might take note.

The cup, comes with a blend of pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and other spices. This was an inspiration for our version of Srilankan Spiced Chai. So, even if you aren't in Sri-Lanka or India, brew yourself a pot, and experience a feel of the chai straight from the Chai Wallahs!