Authentic Pakistani Chai

Name: Authentic Pakistani Chai
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup water; 1 cup* whole milk or 2% reduced-fat milk (whole milk will result in a slightly richer, creamier chai); 1 1/2 tsp loose tea-leaves (I use Tapal Danedar or Ahmad Tea) (or more to taste); 1-2 cardamom pods (slightly broken or a pinch of cardamom powder (optional)); sweetener (to taste)

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This Authentic Pakistani Chai recipe can be prepared quickly and easily over the stovetop. With just a few ingredients that you likely have on hand, you can experience the household chai (or tea) of Pakistan and India. Tips and tricks included for the perfect cup!

Pouring Authentic Pakistani Chai into a white teacup with a silver spoon on the saucer.

“Just got back from Pakistan and was hankering for a cup and this simple recipe hit the spot! Tastes just like the 4-5 daily cups I’d have in the office there. Thanks for sharing!”
Kenny

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Pakistani Tea

Every household is different, but the daily cup of chai the average Pakistani family drinks bears little resemblance to the chai tea latte you find at your local coffee shop.

Top view of white teacups with Authentic Pakistani Chai and a place of cookies.

As cliché as it sounds, chai is more than a drink. It’s a daily ritual that infuses calm and a heightened sense of the moment. It’s something I look forward to and delight in. My elixir.

And then there’s the social drinking aspect. It’s the surprise ending that follows a good meal. It says, “wait, there’s more.” More chatter, more laughter. We’re not done yet.

Chai story time!

In a 2009 trip to Pakistan, we stopped for some chai at a tea stall on the way to Nathia Gali. The place was heavenly but that chai was unforgettable. Luckily I had observed the process – I remember the chai wala (tea vendor) used a ladle to repeatedly scoop up and pour back the chai. I’ve tried this technique and can attest that it does enhance the flavor. I also use this same technique to make Kashmiri Chai.

Authentic Pakistani Chai in white teacups and a plate of cookies.

How to make Authentic Pakistani Chai (Doodh Patti)

Making chai is incredibly simple and quite forgiving. To make it, you simply:

Bring the water to a boil and add the tea and cardamom pods. Allow this to simmer.
Add milk and let it come to a boil. Continue to boil, removing from heat as needed or simmer to desired strength. If desired, use a ladle to aerate the chai.
Pour into cups and sweeten as desired.

Close up of Authentic Pakistani Chai in a white teacup.

Tips for the perfect cup of chai:

Once you add the milk and raise the heat to high, remain standing overhead! If you decide to step away even for a second, the chai will take the cue and use this opportunity to boil over. If you’d rather not stand overhead, once it begins to boil, you can lower the heat to low-medium and let the chai simmer. Then proceed with the rest of the process. Simmering will result in a stronger cup but will also reduce the quantity.
Use a ladle to repeatedly scoop up and pour back the chai. This helps develop the flavor and makes it frothy.
Some liquid will evaporate while you’re making the chai, so the amount of liquid you begin with will be more than the end amount.
I’ve given the ratio of 1 1/2 teaspoon of tea leaves (or 2 teabags) for 2 small cups (8 oz), but you can adjust to taste depending on the type of tea. Like with any drink, you’ll discover your preferences over time.

How to serve Authentic Pakistani Chai

I love serving any type of milky tea with baked goods, cookies (or biscuits as many South Asians call them), or cake rusk.

If you try it, please let me know in the comments, tag me on Instagram, or simply message me! I’d love to hear your feedback. Thank you!

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