India is a country of diversity, with its own unique set of traditions and customs. One of these traditions is the national drink of India – a fantastic beverage that people have enjoyed for centuries! Learn about this drink in this article, including what it is and why it has earned the National Drink of India title.
What is the National drink of India?
The national drink of India is Tea, also called ‘Chai.’ Tea is a refreshing and energizing beverage that people have enjoyed for centuries. It is rich in antioxidants and has many health benefits.
Tea is the perfect drink for any occasion, whether you want to relax or energize yourself. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, with many different varieties. Whether you prefer black Tea, green Tea, or herbal Tea, there is a type of Tea that will suit your taste.
Tea is an integral part of Indian culture and tradition. It plays a significant role in social interactions and is often used as a gesture of hospitality. When visiting someone’s home, you must offer your host Tea as a sign of respect.
India is one of the largest producers and exporters of Tea in the world. The country is responsible for about 25% of global tea production. Indian tea plantations are located in some of the most beautiful places in the country, such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri Hills.
If you are ever in India, try some delicious local teas. You might find that it has become your new favorite beverage!
What is Chai Tea?
Chai tea is a spiced Indian tea that has become popular worldwide. It is usually made with a black tea base, milk, and spices such as cardamom, cloves, and ginger.
The word “chai” actually comes from the Hindi word for “tea,” so in essence, chai tea means “tea.” While there are many variations of chai recipes, the traditional version is said to have originated in India over 5,000 years ago.
So What Makes Chai Tea so Special?
For starters, the combination of black Tea and spices provides a unique, sweet, and savory flavor. But beyond its taste, chai tea is also known for its many health benefits.
For example, the spices in chai tea can help boost metabolism and aid digestion. Additionally, the black tea base contains antioxidants that can help to protect against cell damage and promote healthy skin.
So, whether you’re looking for a delicious way to start your day or want to enjoy a cup of something warm and comforting, give chai Tea a try!
How Does Chai Tea Taste?
When it comes to Tea, there are many different options out there. But, if you want to experience the national drink of India, then you need to try chai tea. This type of Tea is made with a combination of black Tea and spices, giving it a unique, sweet, and savory flavor.
You might wonder how it tastes if you’ve never tried chai tea. In general, chai tea has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. The spices in the Tea can give it a bit of a kick, but overall,l it is a very smooth and enjoyable drink.
Whether you’re looking for something new or just curious about India’s national drink, chai tea is worth trying. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious and unique cup of Tea.
How to make Chai Tea in 5 easy steps
Assuming you would like a content section for the subheading “How to make Chai Tea in 5 easy steps” of the blog article “The National Drink Of India: Here’s What It Is And Why”:
Chai tea is a delicious, aromatic drink that originated in India. Although it can be made using different ingredients and methods, some critical steps exist to create the perfect chai tea cup. Here are five easy steps to make your chai tea at home:
1. Start by heating milk on the stove. You can use any milk, but whole milk will create a richer flavor.
2. add water and tea leaves (or a teabag) to a pot or teacup once the milk is heated. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Add the sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.) and spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir well.
4. Pour the chai tea into cups and enjoy!
Why drink chai tea every day?
Chai tea is the national drink of India for a reason – it’s delicious! But beyond that, there are many reasons to drink chai tea daily. Here are just a few:
1. Chai tea is packed with antioxidants. These nutrients help to protect your cells from damage and may reduce your risk of some chronic diseases.
2. Chai tea may boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. One study showed that people who drank four cups of chai tea daily burned more calories than those who didn’t drink any chai tea at all!
3. Chai tea can help improve your digestion. The spices in chai tea can help to stimulate your digestive system and keep things moving smoothly.
4. Chai tea is a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine without having to resort to coffee or energy drinks. Plus, the added spices in chai tea can give you an extra boost of energy that lasts longer than a cup of coffee.
5. Chai tea is naturally sweetened with honey or sugar, so you don’t have to add anything extra if you don’t want to. This makes it an excellent choice for those trying to reduce sugar intake.
Where is Tea grown in India?
Tea is grown in many parts of India, with the highest quality teas from the Darjeeling and Assam regions. Other popular tea-growing regions in India include Nilgiri, Kerala, and Karnataka. Indian Tea is also exported to many countries around the world.
Tea is grown in India from the foothills of the Himalayas to the plains of Assam, in states like Darjeeling, Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and more. India produces over 1 million tonnes of Tea each year.
Types of Chai (tea) in India
| Type of Chai | Region/State | Key Ingredients | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masala Chai | Nationwide | Black tea, spices (ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, pepper), milk, sugar | Aromatic blend of spices for a warm, soothing drink |
| Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea) | Nationwide | Black tea, fresh ginger, milk, sugar | Spicy and invigorating, often enjoyed for its health benefits |
| Tulsi Chai | Nationwide | Black tea, holy basil (tulsi) leaves, milk, sugar | Herbal and refreshing, known for its medicinal properties |
| Elaichi Chai (Cardamom Tea) | Nationwide | Black tea, cardamom pods, milk, sugar | Fragrant and slightly sweet, a popular choice for special occasions |
| Kashmiri Kahwa | Kashmir | Green tea, saffron, almonds, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, sugar | Delicately flavored with saffron and almonds, often enjoyed during winter |
| Irani Chai | Maharashtra, Hyderabad | Black tea, condensed milk, sugar | Creamy and rich, often served in Irani cafés |
| Noon Chai (Pink Tea) | Kashmir | Green tea, baking soda, milk, salt, sometimes garnished with pistachios or almonds | Salty and pink in color, traditionally enjoyed with bread or pastries |
| Tandoori Chai | Maharashtra | Black tea, spices, milk, sugar, served in a clay cup | Unique smoky flavor from being heated in a clay oven (tandoor) |
| Sulaimani Chai | Kerala | Black tea, lemon, cardamom, sometimes spiced with ginger or mint | Light and refreshing, often consumed after meals |
| Lemongrass Chai | Assam, West Bengal | Black tea, fresh lemongrass, milk, sugar | Citrusy and aromatic, offering a refreshing twist to traditional chai |
| Cutting Chai | Maharashtra | Black tea, spices, milk, sugar, served in small glasses | Strong and quick to make, a popular street-side beverage |
| Gud (Jaggery) Chai | Bihar, Uttar Pradesh | Black tea, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), milk, spices | Sweetened with jaggery for a rich, caramel-like flavor |
| Methi Chai (Fenugreek Tea) | Rajasthan | Black tea, fenugreek seeds, milk, sugar | Slightly bitter and nutty, known for its health benefits |
| Bombay Chai | Maharashtra | Black tea, condensed milk, spices | Rich and creamy, with a hint of condensed milk sweetness |
Each type of chai reflects regional tastes and cultural influences, making Indian chai not just a beverage but an experience deeply rooted in tradition and community.
Conclusion
The national drink of India, Chai (Tea), symbolizes the country’s vibrant culture and heritage. It’s an integral part of everyday life, especially during festivals and other celebrations. The selection process for determining the National Drink was based on its availability in different regions across India and its ability to unite people.
With this article, we hope you better understand what India’s National Drink is and why it is vital to the people who call it home.