Nepali Masala Tea (Chiya) नेपाली चिया
Nepali Masala Tea, also known as Chiya, is a quintessential part of Nepali culture, with its warm and comforting aroma filling households across the country each morning. The mountainous landscape of Nepal, with its varying altitudes, provides an ideal growing environment for tea, resulting in a unique and distinctive flavor that is gaining popularity around the world.To make an authentic cup of Nepali Masala Tea, the key ingredient is a blend of spices, each family having their own version. The use of Nepali Bayleaf, which is not commonly found in chai from other parts of the world, gives the tea a floral note that is truly unique.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 teaspoon Black loose tea leaves (One teaspoon per cup)
- 2 teaspoon Brown sugar (One teaspoon per cup)
- 3 Dried Bay Leaf
- 3 Black peppercorn
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Cardamom
- 1 cup Whole Milk (You can substitute with oat milk)
- 2 cup Water
- Pinch Cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Infuse the Spices
- 2
Begin by boiling the water in a pan until it starts bubbling. This step is important as it ensures that the spices doesn't become bitter.
- 3
While the water is boiling, crush the bay leaf, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves using a pestle and mortar.
- 4
Add the crushed spices to the boiling water and let them infuse for 3-4 minutes. As the spices infuse, you'll notice the colour of the water change.
- 5
Bloom the Tea
- 6
Once the spices have infused, add the loose-leaf black tea Allow it to boil on medium heat for 3 minutes. The tea will start to bloom, and the aroma will fill the kitchen.
- 7
Add the brown sugar to the pan and boil for another 1 minute.
- 8
After the tea has brewed, add the milk and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- 9
Pour and Serve
- 10
Once the tea is ready, pour it into your cups, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The cinnamon adds a delightful aroma and taste to the tea.
- 11
Serve the hot tea and enjoy the warm and comforting flavours.