Elaichi Chai (Cardamom Tea)

Elaichi Chai is the most common and beloved preparation of tea in Indian households. Unlike the fiery Adrak Chai, Elaichi Chai is floral, sweet, and deeply aromatic. The green cardamom pods are crushed to release their oils, creating a drink that is both refreshing and comforting.

At a Glance

•Smells like home.
•A gentle, floral lift.

When People Drink This

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Evening tea time

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Guest arrival

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Post-nap wake up

Often part of rituals

Crushing cardamom pods just before brewingServing with biscuits or namkeen

Who Keeps This Drink Alive

People behind this drink

Home Cooks

Hosts

Every family has a specific ratio of milk to water to cardamom.

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How This Drink Feels

The sensory experience

floral and sweet and creamy, with notes of green cardamom and sweet milk ending with a aromatic and refreshing finish

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Smells like home.

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A gentle, floral lift.

Why This Drink Matters⌄

It is the scent of welcome. If you visit an Indian home, you will likely be served Elaichi Chai. It represents the simple, everyday luxury of taking a break.

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Select the moment that resonates with you most.

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Origin Story

Rooted in Pan-India

📍 IndiaPan-India

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Perfect for the Holiday Season

Holiday Pick

Even during the holiday season, this drink finds its place — between long conversations, travel days, heavy meals, or quiet pauses away from the noise.

🧑‍👩‍👧 Everyone-friendly
🔥 Best served warm

Explore the Holiday Season

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Places & Everyday Rituals

Where this drink feels most at home

📍Indian living rooms📍Offices📍Train stations

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Moments Like This

The standard 4 PM ritual across India, often accompanied by a light savory snack.

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Did You Know?

Adding the cardamom skins to the tea container infuses the dry leaves with aroma over time.

🎈Fun Facts

🤓India is one of the world's largest consumers of cardamom, largely due to chai and desserts.

Cultural Beliefs⌄

Cardamom is a mood lifter and mouth freshener.

How This Drink Is Made⌄

⏱6 minutes

📊easy

Ingredients

The Base

Green Cardamom Pods
Black Tea (CTC)
Milk
Sugar
Water

Instructions

"The cardamom must be crushed (including the skin) to release the full aroma. It should be boiled with the tea, not just steeped. "

1. Crush 2-3 green cardamom pods. 2. Boil water with the cardamom and sugar. 3. Add tea leaves and boil for 1-2 minutes. 4. Add milk and bring to a boil. 5. Strain and serve.