How to Make One Cup of Indian Ginger Chai
Indian Ginger Chai
Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon loose black tea leaves
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly crushed ginger
Instructions
- Pour ¾ cup water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves and let it boil for about 1 minute.
- Add 1 teaspoon of crushed ginger and continue boiling for another 1–2 minutes so the ginger flavor infuses into the tea.
- Add ¼ cup milk and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Let the chai come to a gentle boil. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Turn off the heat and strain the chai into a cup.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness, milk, or tea strength according to your preference.
Enjoy!
Chai, Conversation, and Community: Discussion Questions
- What beverages do you associate with comfort, home, or family traditions? Why?
- When and where do people typically drink tea in your culture or family?
- Do you have any memories connected to tea, coffee, or another favorite drink?
- In India, chai is often offered to guests as a sign of hospitality. How do people welcome guests in your culture?
- What role does food or drink play in bringing people together?
- If you could share a cup of tea with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
- How does the process of making tea differ across cultures and countries?
- What do you think people can learn about a culture through its food and drinks?
- After tasting Indian ginger chai, what flavors, ingredients, or aspects of the experience surprised you the most?
- If you could create your own tea flavor, what ingredients would you include?
Chai, Chats & Crunchy Snacks
Join us for a cozy afternoon of South Asian chai, conversation, and community! Discover the story behind India’s favorite drink, watch a live ginger chai demonstration, and enjoy tasting freshly brewed chai with popular North Indian snacks. Come sip, snack, share stories, and connect with others while exploring South Asian culture through one of its most beloved traditions.
No prior knowledge needed, just bring your curiosity and appetite!
