Tea, chai, or cha - whatever you call it, it's an integral part of Indian culture! From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene hills of Darjeeling, tea is a beverage that unites people across regions, languages and cultures. It's the first thing most Indians reach for in the morning and the last thing they savour before going to bed.
But what makes tea so special in India? Perhaps it's the way it brings people together, from the chaiwallahs on the streets to the elite tea connoisseurs in high-end tea rooms. Or maybe it's all in the brewing - with spices, herbs and milk - creating a symphony of flavours that tantalise the taste buds.
Whatever the reason is, there is no denying that one of the biggest reasons for Indians' love for tea is the tea varieties in India. India is known for its diverse tea varieties, each with its unique flavour, aroma and texture.
So, sit back, buy gourmet tea online and brew a cup while our tea experts take you on a journey through Indian states and the different varieties of tea in India.
Tea varieties in India
Butter Tea
Butter tea, also known as "po cha" or "gur gur cha", is a traditional beverage that is popular in the Indian region of Ladakhp, as well as in Tibet and Bhutan. It is made by churning tea leaves, yak butter, salt and water together until a frothy mixture is formed. The tea has a unique taste and is often described as being salty and slightly bitter, with a creamy texture due to the butter. It is traditionally served in small bowls and is an important part of social gatherings and ceremonies in the region.
While butter tea may not be a widely consumed beverage in other parts of India, it is an important part of the cultural and culinary traditions of the people living in the Himalayan region.
Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmiri kahwa tea is a traditional tea beverage from the Kashmir region in northern India. The tea is famous for its unique flavour and aroma, which is derived from a blend of delicate green tea leaves, and natural ingredients like saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. This combination gives the tea a unique flavour profile that is both refreshing and comforting. The tea is often served hot, making it a popular beverage during cold winters.
The Kashmiri Kahwa tea is also steeped in tradition and culture. It is often served at special occasions and social gatherings, and is a symbol of hospitality and warmth. Buy online green tea today.
Noon chai or Kashmiri Pink chai
Also known as pink tea, noon chai is a traditional tea from the Kashmir Valley region of India. The tea is made with black tea leaves, milk, special spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, saffron and a specific type of green tea leaves known as gunpowder tea. The tea also has a pinch of baking soda due to which the tea gets its distinctive pink colour. Usually served hot, pink tea has a creamy texture and rich savoury taste with a slightly salty flavour. This tea is typically served during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.
Kangra Tea
Grown in one of the oldest tea-producing regions in India, Kangra tea is a type of black tea. The tea bushes are grown at an altitude of around 4,000-6,000 feet above sea level on steep slopes. This helps to ensure that the leaves receive plenty of sunlight and are well-drained. The tea has a mild, delicate flavour that is often described as being slightly floral or fruity. This is due to the fact that the tea is grown in a cool, temperate climate, which slows down the growth of the tea bushes and allows the leaves to develop a complex flavour profile.
Assam Tea
As the name suggests, one of the most popular teas in India is Assam tea! From the lush green gardens of Assam, this tea is loved in and outside India. The tea is known for its bold and malty flavour. Described as full-bodied and brisk, the tea is high in caffeine and has a deep reddish-brown colour. To buy Indian tea online, visit buytea.com.
Darjeeling Tea
Grown and harvested in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling Tea is known for its unique flavour and aroma. The combination of cool temperatures, ample rainfall and well-drained soil creates ideal growing conditions for tea plants. Often referred to as the ‘Champagne of teas’, Darjeeling tea has floral and fruity notes, with a slightly astringent taste and a light colour.
Made from a small-leaved Camellia sinensis plant, Darjeeling tea consists of white, black, green, and oolong tea.
Irani Chai
Irani chai is a type of tea that originated in Iran but is now popular in many parts of India, especially in the city of Hyderabad. It is a sweet and milky tea that is brewed with a blend of tea leaves and spices, including cardamom and cinnamon. Typically served in small glass cups, it is often accompanied by Osmania biscuits, a type of sweet and salty biscuit that is popular in Hyderabad.
The preparation of Irani chai involves boiling the tea leaves and spices in a mixture of milk and water, which creates a thick and creamy texture. Sugar is then added to the mixture, giving it a sweet taste.
Nilgiri Tea
One of the most popular tea varieties in India, is Nilgiri tea, black tea grown in the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India. Due to the unique climate and soil conditions of the Hills, the tea has a distinctive aroma that is often compared to that of Darjeeling tea. The tea is also known for its smooth, mellow flavour that is often described as being slightly fruity or floral. This flavour is due to the high altitude at which the tea is grown, which results in slow growth and a high concentration of flavour compounds in the leaves. If you're a tea lover, it's definitely worth trying!
Masala Tea
Masala tea is a traditional Indian beverage that is made by brewing black tea with a blend of spices and herbs, which typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. The word "masala" refers to the mixture of spices that is used in the preparation of tea.
Masala tea is a popular drink in India and is often served in small clay cups known as "kulhad". It is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, whether it's a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon refreshment. One can either buy instant tea online which has pre-made masala tea blends or create their own by mixing the spices and herbs of their choice. Simply brew a pot of black tea and add the masala blend to it, along with some milk and sweetener if desired. It's a delicious way to enjoy a warm and comforting beverage. Want to buy instant masala tea online? Do it today on buytea.com.
Herbal tea
Also known as tisane, herbal tea is a popular beverage in India that includes different types and flavours. Starting from tulsi tea which is made by steeping fresh or dried tulsi leaves in hot water to ginger tea made by steeping fresh or dried ginger root in hot water. It also includes refreshing mint tea, flowering Chamomile tea, fragrant Lemongrass and rose tea. Overall, herbal teas are a delicious alternative to traditional tea and coffee, and are a great way to enjoy different herbs and spices in a beverage.
Where to buy such tea varieties in India?
So, if you're someone who typically sticks to one type of tea, it's worth branching out and trying different tea varieties in India. There are countless flavours and blends to choose from, each with their own unique taste and benefits. One can also buy ice-tea online on buytea.com. Whether it's a classic Earl Grey, a soothing chamomile, or a spicy chai, there's tea out there for everyone. So go ahead, explore and discover your new favourite brew!
