Print

Kashmiri Chai

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Kashmiri Chai, also known as Noon Chai or Pink Tea, is a traditional tea from Kashmir made with green tea leaves, baking soda, milk, and spices. Its creamy texture, subtle spice, and signature pink hue make it a unique and soothing beverage perfect for cozy moments.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Kashmiri green tea leaves or gunpowder tea
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/4 tsp salt or 1–2 tsp sugar (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 tbsp crushed pistachios and almonds (for garnish)
  • 1/2 tsp rose water or crushed dried rose petals (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil green tea leaves in 3 cups of cold water with baking soda for 30–40 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate.
  2. Aerate the mixture by pouring it back and forth between two containers for a few minutes to develop color and texture.
  3. Shock the tea by adding 1 cup of ice or cold water to help set the pink hue.
  4. Add milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, simmering until a rich pink color appears and the tea becomes creamy.
  5. Stir in salt or sugar and ground cardamom.
  6. Strain the tea into cups and garnish with crushed nuts and optional rose petals or rose water.

Notes

  • Use Kashmiri or gunpowder green tea for authentic color and flavor.
  • Aerating the tea is crucial for developing its signature pink hue.
  • Sweeten or salt the tea based on preference — both are traditional in different contexts.
  • Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.
  • Store the tea base without milk for convenience and add milk before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/kashmiri-chai/