20 Types of Chai in India: A Complete Guide for Tea Lovers
India’s love for chai goes beyond a simple beverage—it’s a cultural ritual, a moment of connection, and an integral part of daily life. From bustling streets to serene hill stations, chai is everywhere, and each region adds its unique twist. But with so many varieties, it can be hard to know how many types of chai are in India and which one to try first.
In this guide, we explore different types of chai across the country, their flavours, origins, and why they stand out. For brewing the perfect cup, check out our Best Indian Tea Powder guide to choose the right tea leaves.
20 Types Of Chai in India
1. Masala Chai – The Spiced Icon
Renowned for its aromatic spices like ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
Taste: Spicy, sweet, aromatic
Best with: Samosas, butter toast
Region: Pan-India
Why it stands out: The most popular chai, customizable to family recipes. Learn how to serve it in your café with our Tea Shop Business Ideas.
Check: Indian Masala Chai Recipe
2. Cutting Chai – The Street Favourite
Half-glass servings of strong, energising tea for quick refreshment.
Taste: Bold, strong, sweet
Best with: Vada pav, bhajiyas, biscuits
Region: Mumbai, Gujarat
Why it stands out: Affordable and perfect for on-the-go chai lovers. Ideal for roadside setups—see our Tea Shop Design Ideas for inspiration.
Check: Cutting Chai Recipe
3. Irani Chai – Hyderabadi Delight
Creamy, slightly sweet tea traditionally paired with Osmania biscuits.
Taste: Mild, creamy, slightly sweet
Best with: Osmania biscuits
Region: Hyderabad
Why it stands out: Legacy of Persian influence in Hyderabad. Great addition to a premium café menu.
Check: Irani Chai Recipe
4. Kashmiri Kahwa – Saffron Infusion
Green tea brewed with saffron, almonds, and aromatic spices.
Taste: Floral, aromatic, slightly sweet
Best with: Dry fruits
Region: Kashmir
Why it stands out: Perfect celebratory winter drink. Learn how to attract customers with exotic teas in Creative Ways to Attract Customers.
Check: Kashmiri Kahwa Recipe
5. Nilgiri Tea – The Southern Charm
Fragrant tea from the Nilgiri hills is known for its brisk taste.
Taste: Brisk, slightly fruity, refreshing
Best with: Light snacks or plain
Region: Tamil Nadu
Why it stands out: Clean and refreshing flavour profile.
6. Assam Tea – The Bold Brew
Renowned for its strong and malty flavour, commonly enjoyed with milk.
Taste: Strong, malty, robust
Best with: Milk and sugar
Region: Assam
Why it stands out: Hearty start to the day.
7. Darjeeling Tea – The Champagne of Teas
Delicate black tea with muscatel flavour, usually consumed without milk.
Taste: Floral, delicate, aromatic
Best with: Plain or light snacks
Region: West Bengal
Why it stands out: Premium tea for connoisseurs. Ideal for high-end tea shops.
8. Sulaimani Chai – Refreshing Lemon Tea
Black tea infused with lemon and spices is often consumed after meals.
Taste: Tangy, refreshing, slightly spicy
Best with: Light snacks
Region: Kerala
Why it stands out: Aids digestion and refreshes the palate. Include in your menu to increase chai business profit.
Check: Sulaimani Chai Recipe
9. Tandoori Chai – Smoky Twist
Tea poured into a glass preheated in a tandoor for a smoky flavour.
Taste: Smoky, strong, slightly sweet
Best with: Served as a novelty experience
Region: Pan-India
Why it stands out: Unique preparation method that attracts customers. Great for modern tea cafés.
Check: Tandoori Chai Recipe
10. Mint Tea/Pudina Chai – Minty Refreshment
Tea infused with fresh mint leaves is perfect for summer days.
Taste: Refreshing, cool, aromatic
Best with: Light snacks
Region: Rajasthan
Why it stands out: Cooling properties, ideal for hot climates.
Check: Mint Tea Recipe
11. Adrak Chai – Ginger Kick
Black tea brewed with fresh ginger for warmth and spice.
Taste: Spicy, warming, invigorating
Best with: Biscuits or savoury snacks
Region: Pan-India
Why it stands out: Popular in winters for its warming effect.
Check: Adrak Chai Recipe
12. Elaichi Chai – Cardamom Delight
Tea flavoured with green cardamom pods for aroma and sweetness.
Taste: Sweet, aromatic, slightly spicy
Best with: Pastries or plain
Region: Pan-India
Why it stands out: Widely loved for its fragrance and taste.
Check: Elaichi Chai Recipe
13. Tulsi Tea – Holy Basil Brew
Tea infused with tulsi leaves, known for its medicinal benefits.
Taste: Herbal, aromatic, slightly spicy
Best with: Light snacks or plain
Region: Pan-India
Why it stands out: Excellent for immunity and health.
14. Kesar Chai – Saffron Infusion
Black tea brewed with saffron strands for luxury and aroma.
Taste: Rich, aromatic, slightly sweet
Best with: Dry fruits
Region: Gujarat, Maharashtra
Why it stands out: Luxurious taste for festive occasions.
Check: Kesar Chai Recipe
15. Kangra Tea – Himachali Brew
High-altitude black tea with floral and slightly astringent notes.
Taste: Mild, floral, refreshing
Best with: Light snacks
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Why it stands out: Unique high-altitude flavour.
16. Butter Tea – Ladakhi Speciality
Tea made with yak butter, salt, and tea leaves is perfect for cold climates.
Taste: Salty, creamy, rich
Best with: Traditional breads
Region: Ladakh
Why it stands out: Provides warmth and energy in harsh winters.
Check: Butter Tea Recipe
17. Lebu Cha – Kolkata Lemon Tea
Black tea with a splash of lemon juice for a tangy flavour.
Taste: Tangy, refreshing
Best with: Light snacks
Region: Kolkata
Why it stands out: Popular for its refreshing taste.
18. Phalap Tea – Tribal Brew
Traditional tea is prepared by tribal communities in Assam.
Taste: Earthy, robust, smoky
Best with: Traditional snacks
Region: Assam
Why it stands out: Prepared using traditional tribal methods.
19. Lappet Tea – Shan Influence
Tea influenced by the Shan tribes of Burma is earthy and robust.
Taste: Earthy, smoky, robust
Best with: Traditional snacks
Region: Northeast border regions
Why it stands out: Reflects cultural exchange with Burma.
20. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea – Floral Twist
Tea made from dried butterfly pea flowers with vibrant blue colour.
Taste: Mild, earthy, slightly floral
Best with: Lemon or honey
Region: Northeast India
Why it stands out: Colour-changing and visually appealing tea.
Check: Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe
Also, read: FSSAI new guidelines on Herbal Tea.
Conclusion
India is home to an incredible diversity of types of chai, from the classic masala chai to unique regional specialities like Kashmiri Kahwa and Ladakhi butter tea. Each type of tea tells a story of local culture, climate, and culinary tradition. Whether you prefer strong and malty flavours or delicate and aromatic infusions, exploring the different kinds of tea in India is a journey worth taking.
