Chai is more than a drink. It is warmth, comfort and tradition in a cup. Whether you are enjoying the bold spice of our Authentic Masala Chai, the velvety indulgence of Assam Chocolate Spice Chai or the soft sweetness of Chai of Madagascar, brewing chai at home is a simple pleasure that transforms an ordinary moment into something ritualistic and restorative.
This guide brings together history, tradition and modern tea craftsmanship to help you make the perfect chai, whether you brew loose leaf, use teabags, prepare a single cup or simmer a pot on the hob.
The Story of Chai
The word chai simply means tea, yet its heritage is beautifully layered. Thousands of years ago, spiced herbal infusions were enjoyed in South Asian courts as part of Ayurvedic practice. Chai as we recognise it today began to take shape during the nineteenth century, when black tea production flourished in India. Workers combined strong Assam tea with spices, milk and sugar, creating the comforting masala chai that spread across the country.
By the 1960s, travellers carried this tradition around the world. Today, authentic chai remains rooted in Assam's bold leaves and India’s fragrant spices, offering a warming, restorative experience far beyond the sweetness of modern café-style lattes.
Meet the Chai Collection
Authentic Masala Chai
A Great Taste Award winner with bold Assam tea, green cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, bay leaf and black pepper. Complex, aromatic and wonderfully traditional.
Chai of Madagascar
A caffeine-free honeybush blend with orange, cocoa, spice and floral notes. Softer, fruitier and perfect for evenings.
Assam Chocolate Spice Chai
A luxurious blend of malty Assam, cocoa pieces, ginger, chicory, cardamom and black pepper. Ideal for cold weather and chocolate lovers.
Classic Karak Chai
Inspired by Middle Eastern Karak traditions, this is a creamy, full-bodied chai designed to be brewed with milk and sugar for a deeply indulgent cup.
Essential Chai Equipment
While chai can be brewed in many ways, having a few high-quality tools elevates the experience:
- A small saucepan for traditional stovetop chai
- A glass teapot or teapot with infuser to showcase the rich colour
- A tea strainer for loose leaf blends
- A mug infuser for convenient single cups
How to Brew Chai
Perfect for loose leaf chai blends or Triune teabags.
You will need
- 1.5 to 2 teaspoons (3 to 4 g) chai per 200 ml, or one Triune teabag
- 200 ml freshly boiled water at 100°C
- Milk of your choice
- Sweetener if desired
Method
Place your loose-leaf chai in an infuser, teapot, or use a Triune teabag.
- Pour freshly boiled water over the chai.
- Steep according to the blend recommendations below.
- Remove the infuser or teabag.
- Enjoy black or add milk and sweetener to taste.
Recommended Brewing Times by Blend
These timings help you get the best flavour from different chai types.
Masala Chai - 3 to 5 minutes
A classic blend that benefits from a slightly longer infusion for full spice release.
Chai of Madagascar - 3 minutes
A lighter, more delicate profile. Steeping too long can mute the vanilla notes.
Assam Chocolate Spice Chai - 4 to 5 minutes
Allows the Assam base and cocoa notes to fully develop.
Rooibos Blends - 5 minutes
For Organic Rooibos Teas and blends such as Vanilla. These Naturally caffeine free teas need a longer steep brings out their warmth and depth, including the triune teabag option.
Green Tea Based Chai - 2 to 3 minutes
Green tea becomes bitter if steeped too long, so keep the infusion shorter.
Best Ways to Enjoy Each Chai
Authentic Masala Chai
Delicious with cow’s milk or creamy oat milk. A little sugar enhances the spice.
Chai of Madagascar
Beautiful without milk or lightly milked. Wonderful as an evening treat.
Assam Chocolate Spice Chai
Perfect with a splash of milk. Enjoy alongside pastries or dark chocolate.
Classic Karak Chai
Traditionally thick and sweet. Ideal with dates or cardamom biscuits.
Enhance Your Ritual
- Add fennel seeds or star anise to your simmering chai for a more aromatic finish.
- Serve in a glass cup to showcase the deep amber infusion.
- Store your chai in a sealed caddy to preserve freshness and aroma.
A Final Sip
Brewing chai at home is an indulgence that invites stillness and warmth into your day. With its rich Assam base and timeless spices, chai is not only delicious but deeply comforting. Whether you choose a traditional stovetop method, quick teabag convenience or a refined teapot infusion, each cup becomes a moment to savour.
