World Tea Day: Decoding India's Many Varieties Of Tea

India’s love affair with chai is a saga that has brewed over centuries, evolving from a humble beverage to a cultural emblem. On World Tea Day 2025, we celebrate these deeply ingrained traditions and stories that come with it
World Tea Day 2025: types of chai
There are many variations of tea recipes in India, but masala chai (pictured here) is the most widely prevalent. Shutterstock
Updated on
5 min read

International Tea Day 2025 | "Chai peeni hai? ('Do you want to drink tea?')"

This phrase is as familiar as it is inescapable if you live in an Indian household. Tea is an indispensable part of being an Indian. Tea is not just a beverage in India; tea is an emotion. 

In all our memories rooted in our inherent Indianness, chai has been an intrinsic part of them all. Be it those rainy evenings stuck inside the house having endless cups of masala chai with pakoras, or lazing on a hot summer afternoon when the refreshing lemon tea would come to our rescue. Whether it was skipping classes in college to sit at the roadside tapri ("small roadside tea stall") clutching a kadak kulhad of chai ("strong, brewed tea served in a clay cup") and talking about politics or the shrill call of the chaiwalla ("tea vendor") on trains waking you up at the crack of dawn, this sweet concoction has always had a permanent spot in the lives of Indians. Girls would be judged on their tea-making skills by in-laws, and although times have now changed, the way you make your tea can either win someone's heart or invite their ire. You cannot visit an Indian household without being asked for a cup of tea, the only correct answer for which is whether or not you take it with milk and sugar.

India is a land of chai and chaiwalas, and on World Tea Day 2025, celebrated annually on May 21, we honour the country's beloved beverage by diving deeper into our cups to explore the diverse varieties of tea enjoyed across the nation.

History of Tea: Chai, Culture, And Beyond

With a history that spans over 5,000 years, chai has a rich and storied past that harkens back to its medicinal roots. Today, it has blossomed into a beloved beverage which is consumed all across the world. The International Tea Day, earmarked for May 21 by United Nations, aims to promote and foster collective action for sustainable production and consumption of tea. This follows the call from the Intergovernmental Group on Tea to expand demand in tea-growing nations, where per capita consumption is relatively low.

Colonial Roots of Tea in India

Chai culture in India shares its roots with British colonisation. During the era of the British East India Company, tea from Assam became a major commodity. As a result, tea consumption in India soared. Indians put their unique twist on the British preparation of tea—black tea with milk and sugar—by adding an array of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Tea garden in Assam
The tea gardens of Assam are globally famous.Shutterstock

Health Benefits of Tea

The health benefits of chai are abundant, making it more than just a delightful beverage. Its ingredients hold remarkable therapeutic properties. Black pepper and ginger in chai aid digestion, while cloves soothe abdominal pain. Cardamom contributes to mood regulation, and cinnamon promotes heart and lung health.

India's Diverse Varieties of Tea

India, with its diversity and multicultural preferences, couldn't have gone with just a single variety of tea. As varied as its culture, the preparation of tea also follows the same rules. Here are some of the popular types of tea in India:

Butter Tea (Gur Gur Chai), Ladakh and Sikkim

Traditional Ladakhi butter tea
Traditional Ladakhi butter tea is made using yak milk. Shutterstock

Butter tea, known as Gur Gur Chai, enjoys popularity in Ladakh and Sikkim (in fact, Sikkim even has a tea festival! Check it out here). Traditionally crafted from tea leaves, yak milk butter, water, and salt, this hearty brew is cherished by Himalayan nomads who consume over 30 cups daily. It is also made with cow butter and served in small cups that leave you craving more.

Kahwa, Kashmir

Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmiri Kahwa is brewed with saffron and dried rose petals, among other spices.Shutterstock

Hailing from the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, Kahwa is an exotic chai bursting with rich flavours. Preparing this concoction is surprisingly simple—just boil water and add cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, dried rose petals, and green tea leaves for the desired strength. Top it off with honey and almond slivers for a truly indulgent experience. Kahwa is the perfect companion on a chilly winter day.

Noon Chai (Sheer Chai), Kashmir

Kashmiri pink tea or noon chai
Noon chai is tinted pink because of a pinch of baking soda Shutterstock

Noon Chai, also known as Sheer Chai, stands out with its distinct pink hue. Brewing tea leaves with cardamom and a pinch of baking soda results in this vibrant colour. It's usually served with milk and a touch of salt, and you can elevate the experience by adding almonds, pistachios, and a hint of cinnamon.

Lebu Cha, Kolkata

Lebu Cha, or spiced lemon tea
Lebu Cha, or spiced lemon tea, is Bengal's twist on classic lemon teaShutterstock

Lebu Cha, or spiced lemon tea, is Bengal's answer to flavourful street-style chai. This zesty infusion of black tea combines the essence of lemon with a unique blend of spices curated by each street vendor. A final squeeze of lemon adds a tangy kick to this delightful chai. It's reminiscent of classic lemon tea but with a distinct desi twist, making it a must-try when in the city of joy.

Kangra Chai, Himachal Pradesh

Kangra tea
Kangra Chai is famed for its subtle, pungent tastekangravalleytea/ Instagram

Himachal Pradesh's Kangra region reigns as North India's tea capital. The lush, green gardens of Palampur offer a haven for tea enthusiasts. Kangra chai, both green and black, has been cultivated here since the mid-19th century. It boasts a fresh, vegetal aroma and a subtle pungent taste, making it a tea lover's dream.

Masala Chai, Nation-wide

Masala chai
Masala chai includes an infusion of diverse spicesShutterstock

India's status as the world's leading tea exporter traces back to its colonial history. Yet, the country's diverse culinary traditions birthed masala chai—a beloved concoction of black tea simmered with milk, sugar, and an array of fragrant spices like ginger, clove, cardamom, and cinnamon. Each Indian household boasts its exclusive masala chai recipe.

This story was first published on September 21, 2023; and it has since been updated.

World Tea Day 2025: types of chai
A Guide To The Tea Ceremony Experience In Tokyo, Japan

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
Outlook Traveller
www.outlooktraveller.com