Chai: More Than Just a Drink in Pakistan
Different types of tea used in Pakistan Pakistani chai (tea) is the country’s official drink. It may be found at any event, either a campaign or a wedding; no gathering is complete without at least one type of tea. Different sorts of tea have recently been added to the market, and while everyone’s favourite will always be black tea, there’s no reason why people should not be aware of the other options.
The camellia sinensis plant is the source of all tea. Tea comes in thousands of different variations depending on where it was produced when it was harvested, and how it was processed. Each tea has its distinct flavour and health benefits.
Black Tea:
Most of us have grown up drinking black tea, which is the most common type of tea. Black tea, which is full-bodied and powerful, is delicious on its own or with milk and honey.
Green Tea:
Green tea is also a popular one, and many Asians like it. Certain loose green teas are scented with flowers or blended with fruits to make scented or flavoured teas. Green tea, in its purest form, has a fresh, delicious flavor.
Doodh Patti:
The primary ingredient in tea remains the same. However, the proportion of milk to water varies. Milk with tea leaves is referred to as Doodh Patti. As a result, more milk is used in this sort of tea. After brewing the tea with a modest amount of water, a large amount of milk is poured over the tea leaves and cooked. Many people also add cardamom to their sugar. To find out if this type of tea is right for you, you must give it a try.
Chocolate Tea:
Chocolate Chai is a rare sweet treat that tastes similar to Masala Chai. It is popular during the winter months. The chocolate chai recipe is easy. Simply combine the standard Chai ingredients with cocoa powder or a tiny piece of a dark chocolate bar, chocolate chips, and whipped cream to make Chocolaty Chai. Peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, ginger powder, maple syrup, and any other spice to taste can be added to make a fancy and tastier Chocolate chai. For all the chocoholic tea fans out there, the Chocolate Chai is undoubtedly a delight.
What did the chai say to the coffee? “I don’t mean to be un-tea, but you’re not my cup of tea.” 😜
Butter Tea:
Butter Tea is a traditional tea flavour. It contains butter, as the name says. This type of tea is well-known for its distinct flavour. The tea is boiled for several hours and is a typical Baltistan tea. It’s not a sweet tea, but a salty one. This tea can only be tasted if you travel to the region and ask someone (a native) to prepare it for you.
Kahwa:
Kahwa is a Kashmiri and Peshawar-style green tea. It’s the kind of green tea that’s simple to prepare and instantly refreshes your head! There are several varieties, but they all contain loose herbal tea leaves and a calming spice blend. When sugar or honey is added to sweeten it, people consume it happily.
What did the chai say when it saw a donut? “I donut want to be without you!” 😜
Masala Tea:
Pakistanis couldn’t stop at cardamom when it came to adding spices to tea. They are well-liked drinks that have recently gained national prominence. Clay pots are commonly used to serve tea. Black pepper, ginger powder, green cardamom, cinnamon, green tea leaves, sugar, tea, milk, and water are just a few of the ingredients that go into Masala Chai. Simply grind all of the spices together and add to the boiling water along with the freshly ground masala and tea leaves. Before pouring everything into your cup, the ginger powder is added to the milk. Expect a sweet liquid dusted with aromatic and flavorful spices if you sip this tea.
Kashmiri Tea:
Kashmiri Chai is an essential component of the Kashmiri culture, and it is known for its brilliant pink color. It has a salty and sweet flavor. Because the baking soda reacts with the tea leaves, the tea turns pink. Saffron, dry fruits, and other spices are also included. During the winter, pink tea becomes extremely popular in cities.
Karak Tea:
Karak chai is a popular drink. The essential ingredient is the same, but the tea leaves have a more incredible flavor. It’s a more potent mixture than others, combining a powerful dosage of loose tea leaves with evaporated milk to create a cup unlike any other. It has more caffeine and a less milky flavor. In most tea places, sugar is added, but you can ask for it to be left out so you can season it to your liking.
How do you know when chai is feeling sick? It starts to feel tea-rrible! 😜
Cinnamon Tea:
When a Pakistani household is troubled with the flu, a cold, or other illnesses, the elders make Daar Cheeni Chai or cinnamon tea. The bittersweet flavor of hot Cinnamon tea fills us with a positive vibe and strength. Cinnamon Chai has many health benefits, including enhancing heart health, fighting harmful microorganisms, and providing a lot of antioxidants. In just one night, Cinnamon tea’s medicinal powers demonstrate the astonishing cure for sore throats and burning foreheads! If you’re a health cautious person, then here’s an interesting truth: Cinnamon Chai can help you lose weight. These advantages are certainly enough to persuade anyone to taste this tea and adopt a healthy lifestyle. So, Pakistani families are still brimming with cinnamon barks. Toss a little piece of cinnamon bark into the heating water, and bingo! This is the ideal herbal remedy for your flu and cold.
Final words:
Chai is a crucial element of Pakistani culture, and food experts constantly experiment with it to create something new and better. Of course, no other tea can compare to the classic flavour of Dhoodh Patti, and no Chai can match the comforting sweetness of chocolate chai. All sorts of tea appear to have their unique place in Pakistani society due to their different tastes and precious scent. So, I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you like to drink chai as much as I do, give these top sorts of tea a try.
