The Chanui chai cultural convoy rolls into India, a land where tea, or ‘chai', is an essential part of daily life. With a population that drinks millions of cups of tea daily, India's tea culture is as diverse and rich as its history.
For a country that produces around a quarter of the world’s tea, they only rank 29th on the list of countries by tea consumption per capita, just behind Slovenia.
A brief history
Tea has ancient roots in India, with wild tea plants growing in the northeastern regions long before British colonisation. However, commercial cultivation of tea began in the early 19th century when the British East India Company established large tea plantations in Assam to break China’s monopoly on tea.
The early years
Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer, discovered wild tea plants in Assam in the 1820s. This discovery eventually led to the establishment of India’s commercial tea industry. The British wanted to reduce their dependence on Chinese tea, and India's climate and fertile land provided the perfect solution.
Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its wildlife, archaeological sites and tea plantations.
Expansion and influence
The success in Assam led to the establishment of tea gardens in Darjeeling, Nilgiris, and other regions. Each area developed unique tea varieties, celebrated globally for their distinct flavours. Tea became ingrained in Indian culture, not just as a drink but as a symbol of hospitality as is the custom the world over.
The world-famous Darjeeling region.
Chai culture
In India, tea is ubiquitously known as 'chai'. Chai is not just a drink; it's a ritual, a gesture of hospitality, and a daily indulgence for millions. The preparation and consumption of chai varies across regions, reflecting local tastes and traditions.
Masala chai
Masala chai, a spiced tea, is perhaps the most iconic Indian tea. The word "masala" means a mixture of spices. It is made by brewing black tea with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Different households in India often have their own unique blend that varies from home to home.
Common ingredients include ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Some go further down the complexity rabbit hole by including star anise, fennel seeds, or nutmeg.
Preparation involves boiling the spices with water to release their flavours, then adding black tea leaves and letting the mixture simmer. Milk and sugar are typically added to balance the strong flavours of the spices and tea. Sugar adds sweetness to counteract the bitterness, while milk adds fat in which the volatile organic compounds within the spices are soluble, enhancing the overall flavour of the chai.
Street chaiwala
Street vendors, known as chaiwalas, are a common sight in India. They serve piping hot tea in small cups, often accompanied by lively conversation and theatre to set them apart from the strong competition.
Regional tea rituals
Assam
In Assam, strong black tea is brewed with minimal additives, often enjoyed with milk and sugar. The tea gardens of Assam produce robust and malty teas, which are a staple in many Indian households. Our Irish breakfast and nova teas are prime examples.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling tea, often called the "Champagne of Teas," is enjoyed without milk to savour its delicate and floral notes. Afternoon tea sessions in Darjeeling often include light local specialty snacks like "nimki" (savoury pastries) and "shingara" (a type of samosa).
Shingara
Nilgiris
The Nilgiri region in southern India produces fragrant and aromatic teas, typically enjoyed with a dash of milk and sugar. The tea is often paired with local snacks like vada or pakoras.
Chai preparation
Indian chai preparation is an art form. Here's a basic recipe for making traditional masala chai:
Ingredients:
- Water
- Black tea leaves
- Fresh ginger (grated)
- Cardamom pods (crushed)
- Cloves
- Cinnamon stick
- Black peppercorns
- Milk
- Sugar
Method:
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add the spices and let them simmer for a few minutes to release their flavours.
- Add Chanui black tea leaves and simmer for another minute.
- Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add sugar to taste.
- Strain the tea into cups and enjoy.
Etiquette
Offering tea
In India, offering tea is a gesture of hospitality. When a guest arrives, it is customary to offer them a cup of chai. Refusing tea can be seen as impolite unless there is a valid reason.
Serving elders
Respecting elders is a cornerstone of Indian culture. When serving tea, it’s polite to serve the eldest person first.
Ancient legend of tea in India
Buddhist monk Bodhidharma
One of the most popular legends about the origins of tea in India involves the ancient Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. According to legend, Bodhidharma was a prince who became a Buddhist monk and travelled from India to China in the 6th century to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
As the story goes, Bodhidharma was determined to meditate facing a wall for nine years without sleeping. In a moment of frustration, he plucked off his own eyelids and threw them to the ground. Legend has it that tea plants sprouted from the spot where his eyelids landed, symbolising eternal wakefulness and alertness.
We estimate it would take 26 cups of strong tea drunk extremely quickly to achieve a similar effect.
Diwali: Teatime togetherness
The Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant celebrations in India and globally. Dating back over 2,500 years, it’s observed by millions of people across various religions including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists.
Friends and families gather to exchange food, light lamps, and celebrate all that is good in the world, represented by the victory of light over darkness.
As you might expect having read this far, offering tea to guests is a common gesture of hospitality, making it a central part of Diwali gatherings.
Many families will make their family spiced chai recipe as detailed above to be served with sweets like laddoos and kaju katli.
Final thoughts
So there you have it. Hopefully you now know your assams from your darjeelings and your nilgiris from your nimki.
India's tea culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, tradition, and colonial influence.
Make the recipe for masala chai. It is a completely different drink from what I’m used to but well worth a go if you’re looking for a new way to introduce our favourite drink to your day.
Until next time, happy drinking!