Why is tea in India famous with a name called Chai?
Originating in India the beverage has gained worldwide popularity, becoming a feature in many coffee and tea houses, with many using the term chai latte or chai tea latte for their version to indicate that it is made with steamed milk, much like that used to make a caffè latte but mixed with a spiced tea concentrate. Legend has it that the origin of chai dates back more than 5,000 years, when a king in what is now India ordered a healing spiced beverage be created for use in Ayurveda, a traditional medicinal practice in which herbs and spices are used for healing. Originating from India, Chai is widespread with many household and regional variations. The folklore surrounding Chai dates back to between 5000 and 9000 years ago to an ancient royal court – either India or Siam. It was said that the reigning king created the recipe as a healing Ayurvedic beverage. Before long, tea became a staple of Chinese culture. Another legend has it that it was a king in ancient India (most likely Harshavardhana, under whose patronage Nalanda University reached its zenith) who developed chai to remain alert during long court hour.
When tea or as we say chai comes in our mind, there's only one place that I visit from last one and half years. If you are asking about tea in general, the process of making tea, from the leaves of the tea plant, it was discovered in China. The leaves and the drink are called Cha in Chinese. On most nooks and corners of the streets in India, the beloved Indian chai wallahs sell their unique personal blends. The British brought the tea plants to India from China, as they had taken a liking to the drink In India, the style of the drink changed with addition of milk and sugar. This is called Chai in Hindi - a modification of the original Chinese word. In India, 'Masala Chai “ blend is amongst the popular teas. It is a blend of freshly ground Indian spices; cardamom, ginger, paired with black tea & milk. Each of its ingredients has its own unmistakable flavor, aroma and taste.
Here is why it is so famous:
1) The spices like ginger & cardamom and the black tea helps boost metabolism and keep you energised.
2) The blend of Indian spices in Chai tea may boost metabolism and help in breakdown of fat. It may be a perfect weight loss drink.
3) The spices encourage movement through the gastrointestinal system and thus chai may work in relieving bloating and gassiness.
4) Chai is synonymous to social bonding! On the “chai tapri”, people end up talking, relaxing, relieving the day’s mental stresses. When guests visit, the first instinct in Indian families is to prepare chai.
5) No one in India says no to Chai .
6) It instantly freshens and wakes you up. Chai is a perfect pick against morning blues or afternoon drowsiness.