Best Homemade Masala Tea Recipe | Indian Chai with Spices
Masala Chai, also known as Indian spiced tea, is more than just a beverage – it’s a comforting ritual for millions. Made with black tea, milk, and warming spices like ginger, cardamom, and cloves, this flavorful tea is a daily indulgence in many Indian households. Whether you enjoy it in the morning or as an evening refreshment, a cup of homemade Masala Chai is soothing and energizing.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make traditional Masala Chai from scratch using everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Masala Chai
- Rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Customizable spice levels
- Better than store-bought chai blends
Subscribe and follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram for regular updates.
For more recipes you might like, please do check
breakfast & snacks Recipes
Healthy Recipes
Soups & Salad
Sweets & Desserts
Curry & Dal
Watch the latest YouTube video 🎥🎞
Essential Ingredients for Masala Chai Recipe
Black Tea Leaves: Preferably Assam or CTC tea for a strong, rich base.
Milk: Whole milk for creaminess, or plant-based alternatives for vegan chai.
Water: To balance the milk and brew the spices.
Sugar: Optional, adjust to taste (white sugar, jaggery, or brown sugar).
Fresh Ginger: It adds warmth and depth of flavour.
Cardamom Pods: A must-have spice for traditional aroma.
Cloves: For a bold, earthy flavour.
Cinnamon Stick: Adds a sweet-spicy note.
Black Peppercorns: For subtle heat and spice.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Tips for a Perfect Masala Chai Recipe
- Use fresh whole spices for the best aroma and flavour.
- Crush the spices lightly to release their essential oils—don’t use them whole or powdered directly.
- Balance the milk and water (typically 1:1 or 2:1 ratio). Adjust according to your like it.
- Don’t boil for too long after adding tea leaves to avoid bitterness.
- Add sugar to taste—some prefer no sugar, while others like it sweet and strong.
- Strain well to remove all spice particles and tea leaves before serving.
- Always serve hot, ideally with Indian snacks for the best chai experience.
FAQs – Masala Chai Recipe
Which tea is best for Masala Chai?
Use strong black tea like Assam or CTC tea for a bold and robust flavour.
Can I make Masala Chai without milk?
Yes, you can skip milk for a lighter version or use plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy.
Variations
- Vegan Masala Chai: Use almond or oat milk
- Without sugar: Skip or use jaggery, stevia, or coconut sugar
- Spice mix: Make a dry masala chai mix for quick brewing
🥣 Storing Suggestions
- Chai Masala Powder: Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. Stays fresh for up to 1 month.
- Brewed Masala Chai: Store leftovers of Masala Chai for up to 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot in ceramic or steel cups.
- Pair with Indian snacks like Samosas, pakoras, or mathris.
- Enjoy with biscuits, rusk, or jaggery for sweetness.
- Perfect for breakfast or evening tea-time.
- Great for festive gatherings with a variety of snacks.
Don’t forget to Subscribe & share this recipe with your friends & family!
🧾Recipe Card
Masala chai Recipe | How to make Masala Tea-Indian Tea
Materials
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Full-fat milk Can substitute with dairy-free milk
- 2 tsp Black tea leaves Preferably Assam or Darjeeling
- 2 tsp Sugar Or to taste
- For Masala Chai/Tea:
- 1 inch Ginger Crushed or grated
- 2 Green cardamom pods Crushed
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick Small piece
- 8-10 whole black peppercorn
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds optional
Instructions
- Boil Spices: Add water, crushed ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, fennal seeds and cinnamon stick to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil.
- Add Tea: Stir in the black tea leaves. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Milk & Sugar: Add milk and sugar. Let it come to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Let the chai simmer for 2–3 minutes more for a richer flavor.
- Strain & Serve: Strain into cups using a fine sieve. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use whole spices for the most authentic flavor.
- Adjust spice and sweetness to your preference.
- You can make a dry chai masala mix in advance and use ½ tsp per cup.
- For a vegan version, use almond, oat, or soy milk.
Final Thought
Masala Chai is more than a drink—it’s a hug in a cup. With this simple homemade recipe, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian tea right at home. Customize it to suit your taste and make it a part of your daily routine.
If you try this recipe and love it, Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments below