BEST PLACES FOR A CUP OF CHAI

Drinking a hot cup of tea is common in not only just Asian households, but homes across the UK.

An authentic Indian Chai is very rich and milky, deeply coloured, sweet and full of flavour. It’s a heavenly concoction made of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns and ginger, which is then boiled together with tea leaves and sugar in a pot of milk and water.

chai

It’s then served fresh, steaming hot, usually in mini clay pots or small glasses. The aroma of the chai will leave your taste buds watering.

The word chai just means tea, and is commonly shouted out in the streets of India by “chai wallas” (tea servers), where you can get a cup of steaming tea from any street corner.

cup of indian tea

We’ve put together a list of all the best places in the UK, where you can get an authentic tasting cup of chai.

Chaiiwala

Chaiiwala began 90 years ago, where the recipe remains the same and is a family secret.

Chai in Chaiiwala

There are a few dotted around the country, so taste the authentic spiced tea for yourself!

Tamatanga

Tamatanga is a quirky Indian Street Food restaurant, that can be found in Birmingham and Nottingham.

Tamatanga

Not only do they serve great authentic food, their version of the aromatic, spiced, milky tea will go down a treat!

Dishoom

Dishoom is an Indian restaurant that can be found in multiple locations in London as well as Edinburgh.

The restaurant offers authentic Indian food, that will transport you back to the heart of India.

Chai in Dishoom
Chai in Dishoom

Their chai is made the way you would find in India, and will satisfy your taste-buds

Zindiya

If you’re looking for a quiet one with a few delicious cocktails, an afternoon chai, or just want to experience an authentic meal – Zindiya is a place to visit.

Chai in Zindiya

They have a range of chai’s to choose from and you are definitely spoilt for choice!

Home

Nothing beats making your own cup of chai, and enjoying it in the pleasure of your own home.

authentic cup of chai

To make the perfect cup of chai, follow the recipe below.

Ingredients 

  • whole cloves
  • cardamom pods
  • cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
  • cups water
  • 1teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1cup milk
  • tablespoons granulated sugar
  • tablespoons black tea (decaf is best)

Method

  1. In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon, or use a coffee grinder.
  2. Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water, ginger and pepper and bring to a boil.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil.
  5. Remove from the heat and add the tea.
  6. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes.
  7. Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.

Then, enjoy!

By Amy Lehal

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