There’s something absolutely magical about sipping on a warm cup of Kashmiri Pink Chai. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. The vibrant pink hue, the delicate fragrance of cardamom and saffron, and the creamy richness of this tea make it a truly special treat. Whether you’re curled up on a cold day or serving guests, this tea will transport you to the heart of Kashmir.

Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll become your go-to for cozy moments. Ready to experience the magic? Let’s dive into this simple yet luxurious recipe.

Why You’ll Love Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai

Name: Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 tsp Kashmiri green tea leaves; ¼ tsp baking soda; 1 cup cold water; 2 cups whole milk; 2-3 tbsp sugar (or to taste); ¼ tsp cardamom powder; 2 tbsp chopped pistachios & almonds (for garnish); A pinch of salt (optional)

Versatile This tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening.

Budget-Friendly With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a luxurious drink at home.

Quick and Easy While it may seem fancy, this chai is surprisingly easy to make, and it comes together in no time.

Customizable Add extra spices like cinnamon or ginger, or sweeten it to your liking with honey or sugar.

Crowd-Pleasing This tea’s unique flavor and stunning color will be a hit with anyone who tries it. It’s the perfect drink to share with friends or family.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai

Kashmiri Pink Chai is all about simplicity, but the magic lies in the details. Here’s what you need to make this delicious chai:

Green Tea Leaves The base of the chai. They give the tea its depth and subtle bitterness, balancing the sweetness.

Water To bring everything together. You’ll need enough to brew the tea and create the rich base.

Cardamom Pods Adds warmth and fragrance to the chai, making every sip feel like a hug.

Cinnamon Stick A touch of cinnamon enhances the chai’s comforting aroma.

Baking Soda This little secret helps achieve the signature pink color. Trust me, it works wonders!

Saffron A dash of saffron imparts a gorgeous golden hue and a rich, slightly floral flavor.

Milk Full-fat milk is preferred for that rich, creamy texture that’s a signature of this chai.

Sweetener (Optional) Sugar or honey, depending on how sweet you like your chai.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Boil Water and Tea Start by bringing water to a boil in a pot. Add the green tea leaves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Add Baking Soda Here comes the secret to that beautiful pink color. Add a pinch of baking soda to the tea. Stir well, and watch the color change! The baking soda helps the tea release its natural anthocyanins, giving it that distinct pink hue.

Add Saffron Drop in a few strands of saffron to add a touch of luxury and a subtle floral flavor.

Add Milk Pour in the milk and bring the chai to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The milk will help create that rich, creamy texture.

Sweeten Your Tea Taste and add your sweetener—sugar or honey—according to your preference. Stir until it dissolves completely.

Serve and Enjoy Pour the tea into cups and serve hot. Enjoy the beautiful pink color and soothing flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: Approx. 120 kcal (depending on the amount of sweetener used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai

This chai is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve with snacks like samosas, biscuits, or pakoras for a traditional Kashmiri tea-time experience.
Pair with a light dessert such as shortbread cookies or fruit cake to complement the chai’s rich flavor.
Garnish with extra saffron strands or crushed pistachios for added elegance.

Additional Tips

Make it vegan by using almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy.
For a spicier chai, add a pinch of ginger powder or a couple of whole cloves while boiling the tea.
Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer the tea simmers, the more intense the flavor and color.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking, whether you prefer a more subtle sweetness or a richer one.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and color, as the chai may lose its vibrant pink hue over time.

FAQ’s

1. Why does Kashmiri Pink Chai turn pink?
The addition of baking soda helps release natural compounds from the tea leaves, giving it that beautiful pink hue.

2. Can I make this chai without saffron?
Yes, but saffron adds a distinct floral note and a gorgeous color. You can skip it, but it won’t be quite the same.

3. Can I use black tea instead of green tea?
Green tea is traditional for this chai, but black tea will work in a pinch. It will change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

4. Is baking soda necessary for the pink color?
Yes, baking soda is the key to achieving the pink color. Without it, the chai will stay a darker brown.

5. Can I use almond milk for a dairy-free version?
Yes! Almond milk works beautifully and makes the chai lighter while still creamy.

6. How sweet should this chai be?
Sweetness is a personal preference, so feel free to add more or less sugar or honey based on your taste.

7. How long can I store Kashmiri Pink Chai?
It’s best served fresh. However, you can store it in the fridge for a day or two and reheat it. The pink color may fade a bit.

8. Can I make this chai in advance for a group?
Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure to keep it warm until serving.

9. Can I add other spices like cloves or nutmeg?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices for a more personalized flavor profile.

10. Why is my chai not turning pink?
Make sure you’re using enough baking soda and that the tea is simmered long enough. If the tea is too light, it might not develop the pink color.

Conclusion

There you have it—the beautiful, aromatic, and oh-so-delicious Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai. Whether you’re savoring it alone or sharing it with friends, this tea is sure to warm both your body and your heart. The vibrant color, rich flavors, and creamy texture make it a standout beverage. Enjoy the experience, and trust me, you’ll be brewing up more cups of this chai in no time!

Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Chai, is a traditional tea from Kashmir made with green tea leaves, milk, and baking soda, which gives it a unique pink color. This creamy, aromatic tea has a rich, slightly salty, and nutty flavor, often garnished with crushed nuts for an authentic touch.

Instructions

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add Kashmiri green tea leaves and baking soda.
Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the tea turns a deep reddish-brown.
Add 1 cup of cold water and continue stirring briskly to develop the pink hue.
Pour in the milk and stir well. Add sugar and cardamom powder.
Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes until the tea is rich and creamy.
Strain the tea into cups and garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds.