Bangladeshi Chai
From $17.50
What’s In The Packet?
vegan. gluten free. 100% natural. organic ingredients.
no preservatives or additives. artisanal. hand-milled. hand-blended. hand-packaged
Feel
Cheerful.
Energised.
Recharged.
Tastes
Smooth.
Spiced.
Refreshing.
Smooth and full-bodied with well-balanced spiced notes, finished with a refreshing eucalyptus-like flavour.
Experience It
Morning, Noon & Early Afternoon.
Hot or Iced. Sweet.
Solo or With Your Fav Treat.
Best Enjoyed
The traditional way – hot off the stove, with the aromatic spices rising to greet you with each sip. In the midst of summer, iced Bangladeshi Chai is an undeniably tasty treat. Purists can delight in this spiced wonder in its natural state, while those who are after a traditional experience might like to add a touch of sugar or a generous helping of it, as the Bangladeshis do! Any sweetener works to lift the flavour of the spices, so feel free to go with your favourite.
Best Served
Serving Bangladeshi Chai in glass cups will allow you to recreate the joyous atmosphere of the streets of Bangladesh. Locals also love using decorative porcelain teacups or fine china when serving family and friends at home, so if you have these on hand, they will beautifully set the scene. There’s also something to be said for wrapping your hands around a warm mug of chai, so if you’re after those cosy vibes, feel free to serve your Bangladeshi Chai in your favourite mug.
Pairs With
With so many subtle notes of flavour, Bangladeshi Chai is a treat on its own. For a traditional experience, however, you can’t beat the local treats. Look for Bangladesh’s famous chanachur (Bombay mix), muri makha (puffed rice mix), and other deep-fried snacks like samosas and pakora. If you’re feeling adventurous, try traditional rice crepes (pithas), papor (Bengali papadams), nimki (crispy deep-fried bread), or puri (puffed deep-fried bread). For lovers of all things sweet, the crunchy goodness of Bangladesh’s fried dough sticks (murali) and rice puffs (murki) will hit the spot. If these traditional treats aren’t available, your favourite bickie will match beautifully.
Tea Time
Bangladeshi Chai is so ingrained in the local culture that you can tell the time by noting when the magical beverage flows. Tea is served all throughout the day and night. However, if you’re caffeine sensitive, an evening sip is a commitment to being awake well into the night!
Caffeine Level
High
For a shot of vitality
Taste Strength
Strong
For a punch of lively flavour
Known For
Focused Energy. Digestion. Immunity
Brewing Guide
Brew It the Simple Way
-
Leaf
1 tsp
-
Liquid
200 ml (7 fl oz)
-
Method
Steep
-
Temp
100°C (212°F)
-
Time
2 – 3 min
To Make 1 Cup:
- Add 1 tsp of tea to a teapot, infuser pot, or tea maker.
- Pour in 200 ml (7 fl oz) of water boiled to 100°C (212°F).
- Steep for 2 – 3 min.
- Strain into cup.
- Enjoy pure or sweeten to taste.
This Brewing Guide details how we recommend brewing your chai. But taste is a very personal thing, and we all have our own quirks and preferences. So feel free to experiment and have fun finding your tea brewing groove! You can then refer back to this Brewing Guide anytime you want a refresher on the best tools to use, the ideal brewing method, the magic leaf-to-water ratio, and the perfect water temperature and brewing time.
Brew It the Traditional Bangladeshi Way
Unleash a symphony of flavours by brewing Bangladeshi Chai the traditional way.
-
Leaf
1 tsp
-
Liquid
250 ml (8.5 fl oz)
-
Method
Stovetop brew
-
Temp
Rolling boil
-
Time
2 – 3 min
Tea Tools
All the specialised utensils you’ll need for the traditional brew:
-
Measure
You will need 1 tsp of tea per cup (250 ml / 8.5 fl oz) of water. For best results, use freshly drawn ambient filtered water.
-
Brew
Bring the water to a rolling boil in your saucepan. Next, add your tea. If sweetening with sugar, add it at this point and allow it to simmer with the tea to create greater depths of flavour. Reduce the heat and gently simmer uncovered for 2 – 3 min or until the aroma of the spices fills the air and the tea develops a copper red liquor colour.
-
Serve
Whether you’re enjoying tea alone or with friends, you can pour directly into the teacups or transfer the brew to a teapot first. Either way, it’s best to strain it through a mesh strainer to prevent the tea leaves from flowing out. If sweetening with honey or any sweetener other than sugar, now is the time to add the desired amount.
-
Drink
If you are drinking from a traditional handle-less cup, hold the rim with your thumb and index finger. Not only is this the traditional way, but it is also the best method for ensuring you do not burn your fingers.
Before taking your first sip, savour the aroma of the tea in the teacup to experience greater depths of flavour. The brew may be piping hot, so make your first sip small and take it slow, testing the temperature of the brew so that you don’t burn yourself. If you’re not in a rush, you can also let your brew cool for a while as you savour its comforting aroma, building up anticipation for that first satisfying sip.
This Brewing Guide details how we recommend brewing your chai. But taste is a very personal thing, and we all have our own quirks and preferences. So feel free to experiment and have fun finding your tea brewing groove! You can then refer back to this Brewing Guide anytime you want a refresher on the best tools to use, the ideal brewing method, the magic leaf-to-water ratio, and the perfect water temperature and brewing time.
Brew It the Chilled-Out Way
To enjoy this tea iced, simply follow the Quick Brew steps, adjusting the leaf-to-water ratio based on the volume of your cup. After straining, cool the tea uncovered so it reaches room temperature faster. Add your favourite garnishes to give it an extra refreshing kick. If you need some inspiration, Bangladeshi Chai is delicious with freshly squeezed lemon. Serve chilled over ice.
Want to make a big batch of tea to fill a glass jug or pitcher? In this case, it’ll be easier to prepare a tea concentrate first. Follow the Quick Brew steps, adding the amount of leaf you’ll need for the total volume of your jug or pitcher. However, instead of adding the full amount of water, only add 1 cup (250 ml / 8.5 fl oz) per litre (34 fl oz) of iced tea you’re making. After straining the concentrate into your vessel, simply top it up with the remaining volume of ambient water. No need to cool your tea – the ambient water will naturally do the job for you! Add your favourite garnishes and serve chilled.
Tips
If you wish to make the tea sweet, it’s best to add your desired sweetener after straining but while the brew is still hot. This ensures it’s able to fully dissolve and beautifully sweeten your tea.
Ice is infamous for diluting drinks, but you can harness its power to water things down by brewing your tea a little stronger than you otherwise would. To get it just right, try doubling the tea leaf quantity provided under Quick Brew. You many need to experiment a little to find your perfect balance.
This Brewing Guide details how we recommend brewing your chai. But taste is a very personal thing, and we all have our own quirks and preferences. So feel free to experiment and have fun finding your tea brewing groove! You can then refer back to this Brewing Guide anytime you want a refresher on the best tools to use, the ideal brewing method, the magic leaf-to-water ratio, and the perfect water temperature and brewing time.
