Tea is more than a beverage in India—it's a way of life. Whether you're savouring a quite solitude tea cup on a rainy evening or enjoying a loud “chai with rishtedaar” gathering, tea holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Indian tea is as diverse as its culture, ranging from robust Assam chai to fragrant Darjeeling brews. If you've ever wondered how to elevate your tea-making skills, this guide by TE-A-ME will help you brew like a pro.
The Legacy of Indian Tea
India is one of the world's largest producers of tea, with a history that stretches back centuries. Though daily tea drinking in India became widespread during British colonial rule, the practice of brewing herbal infusions with spices dates back to ancient Ayurvedic traditions. Today, Indian tea is renowned globally, not just for its flavour but also for its cultural and social significance.
Types of Indian Tea
Before you master the art of brewing, it's essential to understand the various types of Indian tea:
Assam Tea
Known for its bold malty flavour with deep amber hue, Assam tea is grown in the northeastern state of Assam. It's perfect for strong, morning “wake-up” brews or traditional “Kadak” masala chai.
Darjeeling Tea
Referred to as the "Champagne of Teas," Darjeeling tea has a delicate, floral flavour profile. This tea is best enjoyed without milk to appreciate its nuanced notes.
Nilgiri Tea
From the blue hills of Tamil Nadu, Nilgiri tea is known for its bright colour and balanced flavour. It brews well with milk and can be paired with light snacks and desserts.
What is Masala Chai?
Masala Chai is the quintessential Indian Tea. Chai is a preparation style that blends black tea or “Chai Patti” with aromatic spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon and is boiled with milk and sugar. It’s a quintessential Indian experience, best enjoyed in collectivity and in social contexts - be it at home or on street “chai tapris”.
Tools of the Trade: Essential Equipment
To brew your chai like a pro, you need the right tools:
1. Saucepan: A good-quality saucepan is ideal for chai. Saucepan size depends on how much tea you prepare on the daily basis and the number of members in your family. Keep a separate saucepan for chai preparation. Saucepan used for meal cooking may have oil and masala residue in it that may get released in chai.
2. Tea Strainer: A fine-mesh, clean strainer is essential for separating leaves and spices from the tea.
3. Measuring Tools: A teaspoon and a measuring cup can help maintain consistency in your brews. You can also wing once you learn to brew your chai regularly and discover new combinations you enjoy.
Optional Equipment:
1.Tea Infuser: For loose-leaf teas, an infuser allows for easy brewing without the mess or need for strainers. They act just like tea bags where in quantity of tea leaves can be added as per liking.
2. Kettle: Kettle provides you with precise temperature control, especially for brewing green or white teas, which require lower temperatures. Kettle is non essential for brewing Indian Teas or Chai.
The Art of Brewing: Techniques for Every Tea
Classic Black Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon loose black tea leaves or 1 tea bag
- Sugar or sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil water in a saucepan or kettle.
- Add tea leaves and let them steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
- Strain and serve hot.
Alternatively, if you are on the run, grab yourself black tea bags. Tea bags for black tea simply require you to boil water and steep the tea bag for 3-5 minutes for mild to strong brews. Te-A-Me Classic Assam Black tea bags make for a great alternative to loose leaf. You can use sweetener or a few drops of lemon as per preference.
Indian Masala Chai
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed ginger
- 2 crushed cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add spices and simmer for 2 minutes to release their flavours.
- Stir in tea leaves and simmer for another minute.
- Add milk and sugar, then boil on low flame for 2-3 minutes.
- Strain and serve immediately.
Another quick Masala Tea recipe consists of just 1 step - steep in Te-A-Me Masala Tea bag in hot water for just 3-5 minutes! Unlike flavoured tea bags, TE-A-ME Masala Tea is crafted with real spices, and hence come with no compromise on taste and health benefits of the real spice ingredients, in just few minutes!
Darjeeling Black Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Darjeeling tea leaves
Instructions:
- Heat water to about 85°C (185°F). Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavours of Darjeeling leaves.
- Turn off the heat and add the Darjeeling tea leaves.
- Steep the tea leaves for 3 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy plain or with a hint of honey.
Tea bags are more convenient than loose leaf tea, which requires more precise preparation in terms of brewing time and temperature. Darjeeling tea is a black tea known for its complex flavour and aroma. TE-A-ME Darjeeling tea bags brings you convenience, portability and ease of brewing - perfect for a quick and delicious cup bags that keep the taste and aroma of Darjeeling tea profile intact.
Ice Teas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons Nilgiri or Assam tea leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint (optional)
- Sugar or Syrup
Instructions:
- Brew a strong black tea by boiling water and steeping the leaves for 5 minutes.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for an hour.
- Serve over ice with a slice of lemon and fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
- Stir in sugar when hot. Conversely, if using syrups, add it later along with ice.
TE-A-ME Ice Brews are a twist on the conventional iced teas - they are tea bags that brew in cold water! Made with black, green, and floral ingredients, our ice brews are naturally flavourful and free from added sugars or artificial ingredients. Just like the conventional iced teas, TE-A-ME Ice Brews can be experimented with multiple ingredients, syrups, fruits and flavours to make delicious cocktails and mocktails.
Add club soda, crushed mint leaves and a dash of lemon juice to TE-A-ME Lychee Ice Brew to make the refreshing Lychee Sparkler. Whisk together lemon soda, TE-A-ME Wild Berry Ice brew concentrate and top it with cherries and orange slices to make the fresh & bright Shirley Temple. Get creative and mix away your favourite flavour combinations with TE-A-ME peach or lemon ice brew and share with us what you discover!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tea
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Always use fresh tea leaves or tea bags for the best flavour. Spices, if used, should also be fresh.
2. Mind the Water Quality
Tea's flavour depends heavily on the water. Use filtered tap water or bottled water for a cleaner taste. Avoid using hard water.
3. Get the Ratios Right
Experiment with the ratio of tea to water until you find your perfect brew strength.
4. Steep, Don’t Over Steep
Over-steeping can make tea bitter. Stick to the recommended steeping times.
5. Experiment with Flavours
Don’t hesitate to get creative. Add herbs like mint, tulsi, or lemongrass for a unique flavour profile to black teas. Use Indian spices in different proportions to find your most loved brew of Indian Chai.
Pairing Tea with Snacks
Tea is incomplete without snacks. Here are some classic Indian pairings:
- Assam Tea: Goes well with samosas or pakoras.
- Darjeeling Tea: Pairs deliciously with light biscuits or buttered toast.
- Masala Chai: Complements spicy snacks like bhujia or kachori.
- Iced Teas: Best enjoyed with fresh fruit or a slice of cake.
The Ritual of Indian Tea
In India, tea is more than a drink—it’s a ritual. Whether it’s the morning cup that kickstarts the day or the evening chai shared with friends and family, tea fosters connection and relaxation. Pro-level brewing is as much about the experience as it is about the flavour. Chai is an emotion. It is what brings people together. When Indians host visitors, brewing a cup of Chai is a ritual in every household, no matter the region, class or culture. Chai is a must. We at TE-A-ME know this and have crafted our teas to meet all occasions to suite every palette.
Mastering the art of Indian tea is about embracing its diversity and making it your own. So “mastering” may be an oxymoron, for there isn’t any one fixed recipe. With practice, patience and love for flavours, you’ll not only brew “perfect” cup that you and your family enjoys the most but also appreciate the tradition that flow differently in every kitchen of India. So grab your saucepan, choose your tea, and start brewing your tea with TE-A-ME.
