How to Make Masala Chai at Home (Authentic Recipe)

📅 July 22, 2026 ⏱️ 5 min read 🍵 Recipe

Nothing beats a proper cup of masala chai. Here's the authentic recipe – the right spices, the right method, and the little tricks that make it taste just like home.

Ingredients & Method

🍵 Get the full step-by-step recipe

Exact quantities, an ingredient checklist you can tick off while you cook, and direct links to buy everything you need — all on the recipe page.

Open the Masala Chai Recipe →

Short on time? A ready-made chai masala blend replaces the whole spices – just add a teaspoon.

💡 Pro tip: Add the ginger and spices to cold water at the start, not the end – simmering them from cold releases far more flavour into the chai.

Tips for perfect chai

Use loose black tea, not just tea bags – Assam or a strong CTC tea gives the authentic colour and body.
Crush your spices fresh for maximum aroma.
Adjust the milk-to-water ratio to taste – more milk for a richer chai.
Don't rush the simmer – low and slow is what develops the flavour.

🍵 Get your chai essentials

Assam tea, cardamom, chai masala and more – fresh from India, delivered across Germany.

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FAQ

What spices go in masala chai?

The classic base is cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, often with black pepper. Some add fennel or nutmeg. A chai masala blend combines them all.

Which tea is best for chai?

Strong black tea – Assam or CTC tea – gives the deep colour and malty flavour that stands up to milk and spices.

Can I make chai without refined sugar?

Yes – jaggery (gur) or honey both work well, or leave it unsweetened.