Bored Of Masala Chai? 5 Ingredients You Can Add To Your Chai To Zhuzh It Up

It’s a fact that chai is the lifeline of India. It’s also a fact that Masala Chai is one of the most popular brews in the country that often gets unanimous love. But if you’re one of the few that aren’t a fan of Masala Chai, or just need a change in tea-time rituals, then we have just the fix for you. Here’s our list of 5 ingredients that you can add to your chai to zhuzh it up and elevate your chai game. They’re not commonly part of the discourse, but each ingredient has a herby, floral, peppery tone to it that you might find highly interesting.

5 Ingredients To Elevate Your Chai Game

1. Mint

While ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom are popular ingredients that make it to your milky brew, mint deserves your attention too. The punchy herb is known to aid digestion, drive away nausea and soothe those mid-day headaches, a result of work stress. Crush a few mint leaves and add them to your evening chai and you can thank us later!

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is beloved in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Thai preparations. But the fragrant herb has a citrus-y and lemon-y fragrance and flavour that packs your steaming cup of chai with brightness. Adding lemongrass to your brew will instantly awaken your senses and palate.

3. Dried Rose Petals

There’s no better way to add a hint of bougie-ness to your chai than brewing it with a dash of dried rose petals. Emitting subtle sweet notes, and a distinct perfume, rose chai could be your love language, a romantic gesture for your S.O! Moreover, rose petals have calming and soothing properties that will help you relieve stress, one sip at a time.

Also Read: 10 Best Bubble Tea Places In Delhi NCR You Need To Try Right Now!

4. Black Pepper

If a sore throat and flu is beating you down, and adrak wali chai is not your jam, then don’t fret! Because an equally good potion for your throat is simple black pepper. Crush black pepper with a mortar and pestle, brew your chai with the coarsely ground powder. The anti-inflammatory properties in the black pepper chai will help reduce congestion.

5. Kaffir Lime Leaves

Like lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves is another fabulous ingredient to pack your tea with zesty aroma. The tart lime notes in the kaffir lime leaves will make the hot drink refreshing and even exotic, if we might say! After all, it may remind you of distinct Southeast Asian fragrances that are bright and citrus-y. An added bonus is the herb’s benefits of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Also Read: 5 Best Herbal Teas For Stress And Anxiety Relief

So chai lovers, which of our 5 ingredients are you most interested to experiment with? We’d suggest you start with lemon grass and rose petals!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Olga Kriger