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A warm, comforting cup of authentic Indian masala chai, with a cinnamon stick and star anise on the side | SPICE ROOM Denver
chai
tea
beverage
spiced tea
warming
DRINKS

Authentic Masala Chai

ByCulinary TeamLast updated

India's beloved spiced tea - a warming blend of black tea, milk, and aromatic spices.

Easy
Prep: 5 minsCook: 10 minsServes: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 tbsp loose black tea (Assam or CTC)
  • 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, crushed
  • 2-3 tbsp sugar or to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add water and all spices to a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Add tea leaves and boil for 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add milk and sugar. Bring back to a boil.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to rise and fall.

  5. 5

    Strain into cups and serve immediately.

Chef's Notes

Chai is not just a beverage in India; it’s a ritual, a welcome, a pause in the day. This authentic masala chai recipe brings together the perfect balance of strong tea, warming spices, and creamy milk.

SPICE ROOM Kitchen, Culinary Team at SPICE ROOM Denver

SPICE ROOM Kitchen

Culinary Team

The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.

Indian Cuisine
Himalayan Cuisine
Home Cooking

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Authentic Masala Chai

Authentic Masala Chai

Prep: 5 mins · Cook: 10 mins · Serves: 2 cups

Key ingredients: 2 cups water, 1 cup whole milk, 3 tbsp loose black tea (Assam or CTC), 4 green cardamom pods, crushed, 4 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick…

Get Full Recipe →

Recipe by SPICE ROOM Denver

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<img src="https://denverspiceroom.com/food/masala-chai.webp" alt="Authentic Masala Chai" style="width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;" />
<div style="padding:16px;">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:18px;color:#1A1A2E;">Authentic Masala Chai</h3>
<p style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:13px;color:#666;">Prep: 5 mins · Cook: 10 mins · Serves: 2 cups</p>
<p style="margin:0 0 12px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Key ingredients: 2 cups water, 1 cup whole milk, 3 tbsp loose black tea (Assam or CTC), 4 green cardamom pods, crushed, 4 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick…</p>
<a href="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/authentic-masala-chai?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:inline-block;padding:8px 16px;background:#D4A853;color:#1A1A2E;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;">Get Full Recipe →</a>
<p style="margin:8px 0 0;font-size:10px;color:#aaa;">Recipe by <a href="https://denverspiceroom.com?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" style="color:#D4A853;">SPICE ROOM Denver</a></p>
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</blockquote>