Definition

• What has come be known as chai tea is actually what Indians refer to as masala chai, or spiced tea in Hindi.
  
  

Cultural Significance

• Chai tea, much like coffee in the U.S., is a big part of Indian culture. Americans take coffee breaks and have particular foods they eat with coffee, while Indians have chai breaks during which they drink chai and enjoy snacks like samosas and pakuras. In India, chai can be bought on the street from chaiwallas (tea vendors).
  
  

History

• Masala chai dates back about 5,000 years ago and was used to combat minor illnesses. The tea now known as masala chai has taken a long journey through the ages. The modern-day version was a result of British settlers farming tea in Assam.
  
  

Ingredients

• Chai is a combination of black tea, spices, milk and some kind of sweetener. Spices usually include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and pepper. Other added flavors may include lemongrass, cumin, fennel, saffron, allspice, tamarind, vanilla beans, nutmeg and star anise.
  
  

Modern Influence

• Modern variations of Indian masala chai include chai tea lattes, green chai tea and chai tea ice cream.