What Is Chai, Really?

The day after Labor Day, I enter what I like to call “Fall Mode.” I’m busting out the sweaters even when it’s 90 degrees outside. I’m giving every pumpkin I see a strong, hearty smack. And I am brewing up more pots of tea than a New England witch in the 1600s. In my attempt to sample all teas this fall, I’m starting off with chai, perhaps the best autumn drink you can have.

What does chai mean?

The word chai means tea in Hindi. It’s a traditional Indian hot beverage made from black tea brewed in water and milk with the addition of sugar. An important word that is often left out of the Western perception of chai is masala, which means mixed spice in Hindi. Masala is a broad term used to describe many different kinds of mixed spices, from dried to paste, and they are used throughout Indian cuisine.

The most common spices included in masala chai are cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorn, but there are many other ingredients used depending on the region of origin. The result is a warming, spiced tea blend that is a cultural staple throughout India.

Once the tea and the nomenclature were imported to America, the word “chai” became the all-encompassing definition for tea with masala spices in it. Chai exists as its own flavor in the tea bag aisle, in the same way that Earl Grey tea has come to represent teas blended with bergamot. 

What is chai tea?

Essentially, chai tea is “tea tea,” since that’s what the word chai means. It’s a redundancy that happens in the West, mainly to indicate that the tea is flavored with the same kind of masala spices you would find in the traditional Indian chai. 

What does chai taste like?

The flavor of chai is milky sweet with a powerful punch of warm spices. The heat from the liquid matches the warmth of the blend so that you can feel the liquid all the way down your esophagus into your stomach. On a cold day, the sensation is incredible. 

Does chai tea have caffeine?

Yes, chai tea does have caffeine. Because it is a tea blend, the base is tea leaves. It’s often black tea, but there are versions in India and beyond that use assam, darjeeling, and nilgiri teas. There are decaf versions of chai tea you can get in the store, but even decaffeinated teas have trace caffeine still in them.

What is a chai latte?

A chai latte is primarily a Western term used to describe a mix of chai tea and steamed milk with foam on top. It exists under the same umbrella as other latte drinks.


About the Author

Luke Field

Luke Field is a writer and actor originally from Philadelphia. He was the former Head Writer of branded content at CollegeHumor and was also a contributing writer and actor to the CollegeHumor Originals cast. He has extensive improv and sketch stage experience, performing both at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and with their Touring Company. In addition to writing, he also works as a Story Producer, most recently on season 4 of Accident, Suicide, or Murder on Oxygen. Keep your eyes peeled for his brief but impactful appearance as Kevin, the screaming security guard, in the upcoming feature The Disruptors, directed by Adam Frucci.