Explore different types of chai enjoyed across India. From masala chai to kulhad chai, learn what makes each one unique in taste and preparation.

Let’s be honest, chai isn’t just tea. It’s comfort in a cup. It’s that familiar aroma floating through your home every morning, the clinking of steel cups on train journeys, and the warm welcome you get at any Indian home. For many of us, chai is a ritual, a mood-lifter, and a must-have after every meal.

But here's the fun part: there’s no one way to make chai. From spicy blends to creamy concoctions, India is home to an incredible variety of chai types, each with its own fan following and flavour story. This guide is your one-stop sip-through of the most beloved kinds of chai, along with the chai meaning, origin, and how you can recreate that tapri-style taste right at home.

What Does 'Chai' Actually Mean?

First things first: what is chai, really?

The chai meaning is simple: it’s the Hindi word for tea. Yep, just tea. So when someone says “chai tea,” they’re technically saying “tea tea” (yes, we’re giggling too). But in India, chai has evolved into so much more than just brewed leaves. It’s become shorthand for spiced, sweet, milk-laced deliciousness that brings people together.

The deeper chai meaning in English goes beyond just a dictionary translation. It means connection. It means taking a break. It means standing around a street stall with friends, sipping from tiny glasses and letting time slow down just a little.

So the next time you hear someone ask what is chai, you’ll know: it’s not just a drink, it’s a feeling.

Popular Types of Chai in India

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the chai types you’ll find across India are as diverse as the people sipping them. Some are spicy, others sweet. Some use milk, while others are made only with water and herbs. Here’s a breakdown of the most loved chai types, including some that Mewaz brings right to your mug.

Masala Chai

Ah, the OG of Indian chai! Masala chai is a bold, spiced brew made by simmering black tea leaves with milk, sugar, and a fragrant mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and ginger. It’s warming, tasty, and comforting, like a hug in a cup.

Want to taste the real deal? Try the Assam Masala Chai from Mewaz. It blends traditional Assam black leaf tea with classic spices for a punchy, aromatic experience. Craving something even bolder? Mewaz’s Masala Blast Spicy Chai cranks it up with star anise, fennel, and herbs for a fiery sip that hits all the right notes.

Cutting Chai

This one’s pure Mumbai magic. Cutting chai is served in half-glasses so you can grab a quick sip and keep moving, ideal for busy city streets. It’s strong, sweet, and milky with just enough cardamom or ginger to give it a little zing.

To bring the street-side tapri vibe home, try Mewaz’s Bombay Cutting Chai, a strong Assam blend with cardamom, ginger, and fennel seeds that captures the soul of Mumbai’s favourite sip.

Adrak (Ginger) Chai

Looking for a little spice and warmth in your cup? Adrak chai, made with fresh or crushed ginger, is perfect during chilly winters or rainy days. The ginger adds a peppery kick that clears your throat and warms you from the inside out.

For an easy, no-fuss option, try Mewaz’s Ginger Kadak Chai: a bold Assam CTC blend infused with dried ginger. One sip and you’re curled up with a blanket, listening to raindrops on your window.

Kesariya Chai

Feeling fancy? Kesariya chai is your go-to. Made with saffron strands and strong tea, it’s rich, luxurious, and fragrant. This blend screams celebration or self-care Sundays. One whiff of that delicate saffron aroma, and it instantly feels like a warm, golden hug in a cup. Each sip melts smoothly on your tongue, leaving behind a subtle sweetness that lingers just long enough to make you want more. 

For a truly special treat, try Mewaz’s Kesariya Chai: a flawless blend of Assam CTC tea and real saffron that brings royal flavours right to your home.

Elaichi (Cardamom) Chai

Soft, floral, and gently sweet, elaichi chai is a household classic that never goes out of style. The crushed cardamom pods infuse the tea with a fragrant lift, making each cup feel light yet luxurious. It's the kind of chai that pairs perfectly with rainy mornings, old Hindi songs, and your favourite snack. With every sip, the soothing aroma of cardamom wraps around you like a cosy shawl, making simple moments feel a little more special. 

Kulhad Chai

Sometimes, it’s not just about the chai, it’s about how you drink it. Kulhad chai, served in unglazed clay cups, carries a smoky, earthy flavour that instantly transports you to a bustling roadside dhaba. The porous clay soaks up just enough heat and aroma to make each sip feel like an old-school indulgence. It’s chai with character: bold, rustic, and totally nostalgic. 

How to Choose Your Chai Type

With so many options, how do you pick the chai that’s right for you? Start by asking yourself: Do you like your tea strong or mellow? Creamy or light? Spicy or subtle? If you enjoy a bit of heat and boldness, masala or adrak chai might be your jam. Prefer floral and sweet? Go for elaichi or kesariya.

You can also play around with spice levels at home, add more ginger, throw in a cinnamon stick, or try a pinch of fennel. There’s no one-size-fits-all here. The joy of chai is in the customisation.

Whether you stick with one blend or switch it up daily, remember, chai’s meaning in English might be simple, but its experience is anything but.

That’s All About Chai for Now

At the end of the day, what is chai if not a mirror of your mood? Some days call for a fiery masala punch. Others ask for soft, fragrant elaichi notes. Whether you’re sipping a half-glass in Mumbai or enjoying kulhad chai in the hills, each cup tells a story. 

The many chai types across India prove that there’s no single definition of the perfect brew. And that’s the beauty of it. So go ahead — explore, taste, and find the blend that feels most like home in a cup.

And remember, every time you ask yourself what is chai, think of it as a pause, a ritual, and a delicious reminder of life’s simpler pleasures.