How to Make Chai

Chai, in the context of Indian cuisine, refers to tea made from boiled black tea with spices and boiled and aerated milk. Learn why tea type selection matters and how to properly brew, spice, and rest the perfect cup of chai.

Masala Chai Shortbread

Swapped at the SE Cookie Swap by James Boo.

Channa Masala

As one of the most popular dishes in the world, channa masala—chickpeas cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato-based sauce—is the kind of dish that stirs passions.

Chai Ice Cream

Masala chai in ice cream form, with strong notes of black pepper, ginger, and star anise.

Chaat Masala (Indian Street Snack Spice Blend)

This funky, salty, spicy, and sour spice blend is all you need to transform anything into a chaat (a type of street snack popular throughout South Asia). It's great for traditional chaat recipes, such as for papri chaat and panipuri, but can also be sprinkled over fruit or vegetables or used as a spice for snack foods.

Dinner Tonight: Chana Masala

[Photograph: Blake Royer] Chana masala, more than anything else, speaks to the wondrous things Indian cuisine can do with vegetables. I don't think any other cuisine can make dishes as hearty, rich, filling, and, well, meaty with nary an animal...

Garam Masala

This essential spice mixture can be used to flavor a variety of curries, braises, and other Indian dishes.

Spiced Indian Yogurt (Chaas)

Chaas or Indian buttermilk is a mild drink that uses spices which are known for their digestive properties. It's a must-have after an indulgent meal and takes all of five minutes to rustle up.

Teh Tarik (Sweet and Frothy Malaysian Milk Tea)

Teh Tarik (Sweet and Frothy Malaysian milk tea) consists of boiled black tea, evaporated creamer and condensed milk that is "pulled" until frothy and well combined. The result is a rich, sweet, and slightly tannic hot tea drink.

Warm Cardamom Honey Milk

Lightly sweet and infused with floral, aromatic spices, Cardamom Honey Milk is a wonderful way to unwind at the end of a long day.