What is CHAI, as in “Chai tea”?
Chai is the Spice Tea of India! Chai in America is known as Chai Tea, but the problem is that Chai in Hindi means tea, so it is actually not necessary to use the word tea after chai! Masala Chai is the proper name for chai in India. Masala means a combination of spices and chai means tea, so when we add the two together, we get Spice Tea! Chai is virtually the mainstay of Indian culture. Even when fresh cold water is not available, you will inevitable encounter a chai wallah, or chai vendor yelling “Chayee! Chayee! Believe it or not, Masala Chai or Chai has been consumed in India since the 1800’s! What are the spices used in Chai you may wonder… It really depends on what part of India you are. Each Chai Wallah or chai vendor has its own recipe. However, there are some spices that whether you are in the North of India or in the South, you will definitely taste in your cup of chai and those spices are Cardamom and Ginger. Besides those two, Cinnamon and Cloves are also added to the bas
