Traditional Step-by-Step Indian Chai

i there!
I'm Drishti, founder of All About Chai  and if you're here, I’m guessing you love a good, soulful cup of chai just as much as I do.
So let’s get straight to it. Here's the simplest, most authentic way to make real Indian chai, just like it's been done for generations (with a tiny dash of my own style, of course :) )

What Exactly is Masala Chai?

Masala chai is a staple in many Indian homes, combining black tea with warm spices and milk for a comforting, energizing drink. This step-by-step guide walks you through how to make authentic Indian chai just like it’s made in Indian households daily.

Ingredients You'll Need 

• 1.5 cups water

• 1–1.5 teaspoons All About Chai Masala (or fresh ginger, elaichi, cinnamon, cloves)

• 1–1.5 teaspoons black tea leaves

• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• ½ to 1 cup milk (depending on how creamy you like it)

Follow these Steps to Relish the Perfect Chai

Step 1: Water First, Always

Grab a pan (any small one will do) and pour in some water, about one and a half cups. Before it even thinks about boiling, toss in All About Chai Masala.
No masala handy? Fresh ginger, a few pods of elaichi (cardamom), a stick of cinnamon, or a couple of cloves will do the trick too.

Step 2 : Cheeni Kitni Lenge ?

Once the water starts warming up, add sugar. How much? Honestly, however much your soul needs.
(For the record, I usually go for one and a half teaspoons.)

Step 3 : Here Go the Tea Leaves

Not dust, not random supermarket bags but  good strong black tea leaves. About 1 to 1.5 teaspoons should be perfect.
(If you’re using our All About Chai blend, you’re already winning.

Step 4: Time for Milk

I like doing half water, half milk , but you can go full milk if you want that creamy, dreamy richness.
This is the part where your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.

Step 5: Boil, Baby, Boil

Don’t rush it. Let the bubbles rise and the color deepen. 

Once it’s boiled nicely, strain and pour into your favorite cup. 

And there you have it :

Real Indian Chai, made the old-school way: simple, soulful, and absolutely perfect.
If you want to make it even easier (and yummier), our All About Chai Masala has everything perfectly balanced because good chai should be effortless. Go on, make yourself a cup.

Chai Variations

• Adrak Chai (Ginger Chai): Use only crushed ginger for a sharper taste.
• Elaichi Chai (Cardamom Chai): Use only cardamom for a floral aroma.
• Kadak Chai: Use less milk and let it simmer longer for a stronger flavor.
• Vegan Chai: Substitute dairy milk with oat, almond, or soy milk.
• Jaggery Chai: Replace sugar with jaggery for a richer, earthy sweetness.

And remember: there’s no wrong time for chai.

Love and chai,
Drishti