Sunday, April 6, 2014

The Perfect Cup of Tea - Indian Style

In the south we grow up on tea, usually iced. And sweet, VERY sweet.  I'm really lucky to have grown up on "milk" tea, which is hot tea with milk. I've never been one to enjoy all the "chai" offerings in the US but after having my first cup of Masala tea in India, I'm hooked.
Just look at all the ginger, cardamon and other spices floating in the tea.
Chai, (the "ch" is pronounced like "church) as it is pronounced in India, or Shai (pronounced like "shy") as it is pronounced in the Middle East, is simply the word for tea.  

Masala tea is a tea with amazing spices added to black tea, turning it in to an incredible cup of tea. To make the perfect cup of tea, make a cup of tea using assam tea, add hot milk, a small amount of Masala, some sugar, if you must, and you've got a perfect cup of tea. 
Adding the Masala
I was amazed to see the "disposable" teacups used in India.  Each are handmade pottery cups that once used are thrown to the ground to be busted into a million small pieces, so they quickly return to dust (making them biodegradable).  But busting up a handmade piece of pottery just sent me over the edge!
At the potter's house
One of our guides took us by the home of one of the local potters.  He was busy making other dishes that day but it was amazing to see his little shop.  
We then stopped by the best tea stand in Varanasi and were lucky enough to get drive in service. 







5 comments:

  1. that is taking recycling to another level all together!

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  2. The chai tea sounds so yummy and spicy. I enjoyed your beautiful description and presentation, Jojo. Thanks!....Christine

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  3. I really enjoyed reading your posts on India. That must have been quite a trip. I am still hesitant about going there. My youngest daughter married a man (born in Stone Mountain) whose parents emigrated from India. They go back almost each year for 3 months and have invited us to visit them. I am pleased that you took so many photographs and am looking forward to have a look at them.

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  4. What an interesting and wonderful post! JoJo, what a trip, one you'll remember forever! That chai tea sounds really good! Thanks for sharing, loved it!
    Nancy
    xo

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  5. Interesting. Enjoying your posts on India!

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