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Frothy and warm, spicy yet sweet, who doesn’t love a freshly brewed cup of chai? Chai, meaning tea in Hindi, blends different herbs and spices often sweetened with sugar or milk.
This beloved beverage comes in many varieties, according to Food & Wine,. From India to Africa, go on a flavor adventure with these chai recipes from around the world.
Kenyan Chai Recipe
According to a recipe on Africa I Blog You, Kenyan chai contains Ketepa black tea leaves brewed to a warm copper color with a sweet, malty flavor, earthy undertones, and subtle notes of baked bread, dates, and dark raisins. Many Kenyans enjoy it strong with milk and sugar. Some prefer it spiced with masala, cinnamon, or even lemon!
Indian Masala Chai
In India, they brew masala chai steeped with a blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. According to a recipe on the Yummy Yummy Aarthi blog, masala chai has intense flavors thanks to its combination of warm spices. This slightly sweet tea pairs perfectly with biscuits during cooler weather or as a cozy evening ritual.
Sri Lankan Ceylon Chai
Sri Lankan Ceylon tea offers a lighter, fragrant take on chai. According to a recipe on the Food Corner blog, warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves complement the naturally bright, citrusy notes of Ceylon black tea. Unlike the heavier Indian style, Sri Lankan chai tends to be less creamy, highlighting the tea’s delicate flavors.
Moroccan Khunjul Chai
Over in Morocco, they serve a potent infusion of ground spices rather than tea leaves called Khunjul. According to the Maroc Mama blog, you’ll find vendors in the streets of Marrakech during the winter brewing it in large copper vats. The spice mix typically includes cinnamon bark, galangal, cardamom, cloves, madder root, white pepper, mace, dry ginger, a tiny red chili, and sometimes white cumin. The result? A warm, spicy, and intense brew perfect to warm up on a chilly day.
Omani Karak Chai
In Oman, karak chai has become a cultural staple, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. According to the Muscat Times, what started as an imported tradition has evolved into a daily ritual, with roadside tea stalls and cafés across the country serving this warming brew. It blends strong black tea with cardamom (sometimes cloves or other spices), plenty of sugar, and milk, creating a rich, comforting drink that reflects the region’s history and communal spirit.
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