Welcome to the world of Kadak Chai, where every sip tells a story of warmth, tradition, and aromatic bliss.

Originating from the bustling streets of India, Kadak Chai is not just a beverage but a cultural experience, deeply ingrained in the fabric of everyday life. Its name, “kadak,” meaning strong or robust, perfectly encapsulates the bold flavors and invigorating essence this tea offers.

Crafted with a blend of bold black tea leaves, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness, Kadak Chai awakens the senses and rejuvenates the soul. Its preparation is an art form, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

While Kadak Chai may seem simple at first glance, its preparation requires attention to detail and a gentle hand. Yet, fear not, for mastering the art of Kadak Chai is within reach for any aspiring home cook.

Expert Tip: Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the chai to simmer slowly ensures that the flavors have time to meld together harmoniously.

Ingredients

Tea Leaves (Black): The star of the show, black tea leaves lend a robust flavor and deep color to the chai, creating a rich and satisfying brew.

Ginger (Fresh, thinly sliced): Adds a warm, spicy kick to the chai, enhancing its depth of flavor and providing a subtle heat.

Cloves: Infuse the chai with a bold, aromatic flavor, complementing the other spices and adding a hint of sweetness.

Cardamom Pods (Green): Contribute a delightful floral aroma and subtle sweetness to the chai, elevating its overall flavor profile.

Black Peppercorns: Offer a gentle heat and peppery undertone, balancing the sweetness of the chai and adding complexity.

Cinnamon Stick: Imparts a warm, comforting flavor to the chai, reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fire.

Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the chai, creating a smooth texture and mellowing out the bold flavors of the spices.

Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness, balancing the spices and enhancing the overall flavor of the chai.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different varieties of black tea leaves to find your perfect blend of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy Kadak Chai alongside your favorite breakfast dishes for a comforting start to the day.
• Pair it with savory snacks like samosas or pakoras for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Serve it hot in small cups or mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth and aroma.

Expert Tip: For an extra kick of flavor, crush the whole spices slightly before adding them to the chai.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is Kadak Chai?

Kadak Chai is known for its robust and bold flavor profile, making it a strong and invigorating beverage.

Can I adjust the sweetness of Kadak Chai?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.

Can I use powdered spices instead of whole spices?

While whole spices are traditionally used for Kadak Chai, you can use powdered spices if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the quantities accordingly.

Is Kadak Chai served hot or cold?

Kadak Chai is typically served hot, but you can enjoy it cold over ice during warmer months for a refreshing twist.

Can I use non-dairy milk in Kadak Chai?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of Kadak Chai.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Masala Chai
• Desi Chai
• Ajwain Tea
• Green Tea
• Bubble Tea

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Kadak Chai

by Nabeela Kauser

Brew yourself a comforting cup of Kadak Chai to soothe your soul. This spiced Indian tea doesn't just tickle your taste buds; it wraps you in warmth and nostalgia.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 2

Calories 38 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 ml Water
• ▢ 10 g Tea Leaves Black
• ▢ 10 g GInger Fresh, thinly sliced
• ▢ 2 Cloves
• ▢ 2 Cardamom Pods Green
• ▢ 2 Black Peppercorns
• ▢ 1 Cinnamon Stick About 5 cm
• ▢ 10 ml Milk
• ▢ 10 g Sugar adjust to taste

Instructions

• In a saucepan, add water, ginger, cloves, cardamom pods, black peppercorns, and the cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, add the loose black tea leaves and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add the milk to the simmering tea. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
• Now, add the sugar according to your taste preferences. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the sugar to your liking.
• Turn off the heat and strain the tea into cups or mugs.
• Serve your “Kadak Chai” hot and enjoy!

Notes

“Kadak Chai” translates to strong tea, so adjust the strength and sugar level to suit your taste.

You can adjust the ginger and spices to make the tea milder or stronger as per your preference.

Be cautious while adding sugar; it’s best to start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.

Feel free to experiment with the milk-to-tea ratio to achieve your desired level of creaminess.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 64mgFibre: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 42mgIron: 0.5mg

Keyword Chai, Kadak, Kadak Chai, Recipe, Tea

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