Quick answer

Strong Masala Chai is a robust, spiced Indian milk tea made with CTC (crush, tear, curl) black tea and a blend of traditional spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. It's known for its bold flavor, deep amber color, and creamy texture.

What makes it "strong"?

The strength comes from the CTC tea base, which is processed into small, dense granules that release flavor and caffeine quickly during boiling. This creates a full-bodied, malty brew that stands up to milk and spices without becoming weak. Unlike whole-leaf teas, CTC tea is designed for rapid infusion, making it ideal for chai.

Key spices in a traditional masala chai

A classic masala chai blend includes cardamom (elaichi), ginger (adrak), cinnamon (dalchini), cloves (laung), and black pepper (kali mirch). Some variations add star anise, fennel seeds, or nutmeg. The spices are typically crushed or ground to release their oils during simmering.

How to make strong masala chai at home

What ingredients do I need?

You'll need 1 cup water, 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%), 1 tsp loose CTC tea or 1 tea bag, 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste), and a pinch of ground spices (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves). If using a pre-mixed chai like Swachh Tea's Strong Masala Chai, skip the separate spices.

What is the brewing process?

Bring water and spices to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the CTC tea and let it boil for 2–3 minutes until the water turns deep amber. Pour in the milk and sugar, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chai is fragrant and slightly thickened. The longer you boil, the stronger and more concentrated the chai becomes.

How do I serve it?

Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup. For a frothy top, pour the chai back and forth between two cups or use a whisk. Serve hot immediately. For a stronger kick, use less milk or add an extra pinch of ginger.

Product spotlight

  • Strong Masala Chai: Swachh Tea's Strong Masala Chai is a symphony of robust CTC tea perfectly blended with exotic spices to awaken your taste buds and soul. This pre-mixed blend saves you the step of grinding individual spices while still giving you the bold, authentic flavor of a traditional masala chai.

    Strong Masala Chai

    Strong Masala Chai