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    Home / Blog / Masala chai at home: a simple ritual with Ami’s Original Chai

    Masala chai at home: a simple ritual with Ami’s Original Chai

    In Hindi, “chai” simply means tea. Masala chai is black tea simmered with spices, milk, and a little sweetener. The result is creamy, fragrant and warming — exactly the kind of cup that turns a short break into a small ritual. At PraveBio you’ll find the classic Ami’s Original Chai as a loose-leaf blend, so it only takes a few minutes at home.

     Steaming pot of chai on a wooden counter with an Ami's Chai tin, spices, honey, and a red mug with strainer.

     

    Contents

    Why masala chai is “simmered”

    Masala chai is built on strong black tea (often CTC) and whole spices. A short simmer releases the aromatics as well as the drink’s “body” — which is why it tastes fuller than a standard infusion.

    CTC refers to a method of tea processing. Specifically Crush-Tear-Curl, where the leaves are crushed, rolled into small pellets and then fermented. This style of processing is commonly used for tea from India.

    Which spices are in a traditional masala chai blend

    The number and choice of spices vary by region, season and even by family. A basic recipe typically uses four spices:

    • ginger
    • cardamom
    • cinnamon
    • clove

    Other additions can include pepper, fennel, or nutmeg.

    Tip: Lightly crush the spices in a mortar — the aroma will be cleaner.

    How to make it – a ritual that scents the day

    1. Put 250 ml of water into a small pan, add 2–3 teaspoons of Ami’s Original Chai from Madn and a piece of fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes.

      • From the Madn Chai collection you can try, for example, Special Chai — a blend with rose petals, star anise and lemongrass. 

    2. Add 200–250 ml of milk (full-fat or plant-based) and, to taste, sugar/honey. Bring back to a brief simmer for 1–2 minutes.

    3. Strain into cups. If you prefer it stronger, keep it at a gentle simmer for another minute.

    Madn tip: for a lighter cup, shorten the simmering time and add more milk; for a more “wintery” version, add a pinch of pepper.

    Effects of spiced tea 

    Masala chai is typically based on a blend of spices — ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and clove. Across different cultures, spices are used for their traditional properties and aromatic effects. Some spices are chosen specifically for their long-standing tradition or their culinary role in warm drinks.

    Studies suggest a positive effect on lipid profile, digestion or glycaemia. More information is needed for effects confirmed under legislation.1,2,3

    In any case, drinking this kind of tea can be a pleasant addition to your diet as part of everyday eating. In autumn, it also gives you a lovely sense of warmth.

    Masala chai vs chai latte – do you know the difference?

    Although the terms masala chai and chai latte are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.

    • Masala chai is a traditional Indian tea simmered with spices, black tea, milk and sugar.
    • Chai latte is a quick Western version, usually made from an instant syrup or powder and frothed milk.

    Proper masala chai, thanks to simmering, delivers an intense, authentic flavour lifted by aromatic spices that support energy and digestion. 

    When chai works best

    In the morning as a kick-start (black tea wakes you up), or after lunch as a little extra pause.

    For the evening, we recommend switching to relaxing blends — so you keep the tea ritual, but without the caffeine. On PraveBio you’ll find them under Madn Chamomile, Mint. You can also try the collection inspired by traditional Ayurveda Relax, Balance, Energy. 

    Ingredients that matter

    Madn represents the continuation of family traditional recipes and the experience of Naina’s grandmother. They are passed on to you in loose organic blends that are hand-mixed. There are also refill packs to reduce waste — which helps keep chai fragrant and consistent across batches. At PraveBio you’ll find different sizes and refill options, so you can set up a home ritual with less plastic.

    Masala chai is more than just a drink. It’s a traditional home recipe for comfort, the scent of Christmas and a quieter mind. It brings together the aroma of faraway places with the warmth of home. When it’s snowing outside and the world slows down, a cup of this winter tea scented with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger can turn ordinary moments into a small kind of magic.

    Making masala chai is, in itself, a soothing ritual – the gentle bubbling, the warming scent of spices and the slow steeping create a calm moment you can enjoy at any point during winter days.

    Whether you drink this fragrant tea on your own or share it with loved ones by candlelight, it brings warmth to your hands and a sense of inner calm and gratitude.

    Try making it at home and let yourself be carried away by its charm.

     

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    Under EU regulations, we cannot link from the blog directly to pages with a promoted product. You can, of course, find the products on our website Pravé Bio.

    Sources used

    1. Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients. 2014. Rev Diabet Stud. Online. Available here.
    2.  The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Dietary Spices in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: An Overview. 2022. Nutrients. Online. Available here. 
    3. Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients. 2015. Rev Diabet Stud. Online. Available here.
    4. Madn official website. Available here. 

     

    Šárka
    Šárka

    She has dedicated her education and professional life to gastronomy and nutrition. After studying hospitality and human nutrition, she completed her training with a qualification as a nutritional therapist, which gave her a holistic view of the connection between food and health.

     

    She now uses this knowledge primarily while caring for her children.

     

    She embraces challenges and opportunities, believes in new beginnings, and values a sustainable way of life. Outside her work, she enjoys gardening, hiking and, above all, her family — which remains her strongest foundation.