Chai – A World of Flavours to Delight Your Senses

Have you ever considered swapping your cappuccino or mocha coffee for something a little bit different, like a refreshing cup of Chai?  Imagine relaxing at home with a freshly made cup of Chai tea with its unique flavour. The Chai marketplace has opened up and there is a world of offerings out there for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

We've taken a deep dive into the world of Chai tea and produced an essential guide on what you need to know:

• What is Chai Tea?

Chai tea is a flavoursome hot drink usually made by blending black tea with a range of spices, milk and honey, although herbal-based, caffeine-free options are also available. Chai has long been regarded as an important part of Eastern medicine, and a great source of antioxidants, and may have several benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting your immune system, and more. Its origins are thought to come from the royal courts of India, but nowadays it’s available in modern-day cafes around the world or to buy for making that perfect drink at home. Despite what you might think, Chai comes in a variety of flavours so there is one for every palate and a cup of Chai is sure to delight your senses.

• Where to Buy The Best Chai

When you’re looking for somewhere to buy the best Chai there are a few things to consider. The best suppliers will stock a wide variety of Chai, opening up a world of different and exciting flavours for you to enjoy. You might prefer the convenience of Chai in tea bag form or for those days when you want to relax and indulge yourself, you might want to make a brew using loose leaf Chai, and the best suppliers will have you covered. Look for a supplier who has an easy-to-use online store, making browsing and purchasing simple and quick, with a range of low-cost or free delivery options as well as click-and-collect. If you want to go beyond Chai tea, the best suppliers will offer a full range of products including black tea, green tea, fruit tea, Matcha, Oolong tea, as well as teawares, gift sets and gift cards for all tea lovers.

• Which Chai Tea is For You?

Chai can come in a variety of interesting and exciting flavours, and the best suppliers will have a collection of Chai tea which is filled to the brim with a unique combination of spices and ingredients for you to experience. Simply enjoy your favourite Chai or take your time to work your way through a range of tempting flavours, including sticky honey, sticky pie spice, gingernut, chocolate chip, and more. As well as the flavour, there is a “style” to Chai tea. You may be a traditionalist who likes to spend time over the brewing process using loose-leaf Chai tea, or you may prefer, or at times need, the convenience of a more modern variation such as Chai tea bag or powder to create a decadent Chai latte in a hurry.

• Making a Traditional Cup of Chai Tea

Whilst you can enjoy the authentic taste of Chai tea using tea bags that have been created to recreate traditional methods for those on the go, you may want to turn your Chai drinking into more of an experience by following the traditional methods using loose leaf Chai over a stove in a copper pot. The best Chai tea is made from a slow, methodical brewing process which involves simmering at medium-high heat to release more intricate flavours from its mix of spices.

• Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to many people, and the best suppliers will ensure that all their teas are 100% sustainably sourced. In addition, they will be fully committed to reducing their carbon footprint by using environmentally friendly packaging wherever possible, with recyclable, reusable or compostable solutions for many products.

So, whether you want a slow-brew alternative to your usual hot drink or want something in a hurry, be sure to explore the world of Chai, with its unique and exciting flavours and fragrances.