Description
This authentic Kashmiri Pink Chai recipe, also known as Noon Chai, is a warm, creamy and spiced green tea with a rosy hue. Made with green tea leaves, baking soda, and milk, it’s a comforting beverage that’s perfect for cozy evenings. Learn how to make the perfect cup with traditional methods for a truly soothing tea experience.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons green tea leaves
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups water
1 cup cold water or ice cubes
2 cups whole milk
4 cardamom pods, crushed
Salt to taste
Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional: 1 tablespoon slivered almonds and pistachios
Instructions
1. Add green tea leaves and baking soda to 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Boil for 10–15 minutes until reduced by half.
2. Add 1 cup cold water or ice cubes. Whisk or ladle vigorously for 5 minutes to create froth and trigger oxidation.
3. Add 1/2 cup water, boil again for 5 minutes. Repeat the aeration step to intensify color and flavor.
4. Pour in whole milk and add crushed cardamom. Let it simmer gently until the tea turns pink.
5. Add salt to taste. Strain into cups and garnish with cream and nuts if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use only unflavored green tea like gunpowder for the best color results.
Vigorous whisking is essential for aeration and color development.
The tea turns pink only when milk is added after proper brewing and oxidation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg