The Cultured Chai

The ‘Sanskari Drink’ is here. It is our beloved Chai, The heartthrob of our nation. We would never have believed that an accident from North Asia and a custom from Europe has brought us to this. Our Country is a Chai lover. Yes, Coffee & Green tea Clans are growing day by day, Yet Chai has a majority overall. This Beverage is medicine when taken within limits. It refreshes your mind and energizes you from inside, Fatigue is gone, and as you can see, a cup of Chai including milk & sugar consists of 200 calories per cup, which is like a short mini-meal for you. So are you hungry? then have Chai.

In India, You will mainly find Tea plantations in South regions like Tamil Nadu & Karnataka. And in Northeast Regions like Assam, Darjeeling, West Bengal & Munnar. Thanks to The English Men who Planted The seeds and cultivated them here. And After that, you know what just happened. Taking up a sip in the morning and complementing it with a ‘Waah’ is only a small gesture we can show to our favorite drink. But getting the right taste was still yet to happen when the brits started cultivating it. If you drink English tea, you will know that it will taste a bit Smooth and Strong at the same time. So how did the Chai became "Sanskaari "?

It had to go through countless experiments and an enormous amount of time, Where our Dadi’s(Grandmother’s), Amma’s(Mother’s), and the Chaiwala(local Teaseller) evolved the Tea into Chai and gave it some culture. So whenever it happens to you, you don’t want to leave it. You will cherish every moment with your infinite moods with the Chai.

They say about 8-11 types of Chai are available that suit the Indian Palette. Chai’s like the Masala Chai(Spiced Tea), Adrakwali Chai (Ginger Tea), Haldiwali Chai( Turmeric Tea), Ilaychiwali Chai(Cardamom Tea)& Tulsiwali Chai (Tulsi Plant tea) are popular among people, created in the Indian origin. Other popular Teas are Jasmine green Tea, Lemongrass Tea & Earl Grey Tea which are served and enjoyed. As all our Amma’s(Mother’s) did. People are still experimenting with Chai and are creating more flavors to it. There are Many in the Market, But my top selections are The Caramel Chai, Almond Chai, Chocolate Chai, Orange Chai, Vanilla Chai & The Saffron Chai. They do sound Yumm. But there is one chaotic Exception that can create Chaos amongst these two clans. You might have guessed till now. It’s the Coffee Chai Combo. But before saying anything, try it once.

As we have gone through this Chai ride, I agree that this Drama will never end. But the people will keep consuming what they love. The Indefinite drink which when defined as a Hot Beverage, is a definite emotion in our hearts. The Breakfasts; The office breaks; The College bunks, the Senior Citizen meetings, and the Lone Rain Chai will always be appreciated. It’s like a Chai Civilization in itself. Whenever we begin to create the Pour, twist, boil and serve, We continue ‘Surrping’ our drinks. That’s our cultured Chai for you.