Quick Answer
Masala chai, according to English Wikipedia, is black tea simmered with milk and water and sweetened, then flavored with spices, most commonly cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, often with clove, star anise, black pepper, mint or lemongrass. It became widespread in the early 20th century when the Indian Tea Association promoted tea breaks in factories, mines and textile mills. In Western cafés it’s often called a chai latte, made from spiced tea concentrate and steamed milk, and became common in US coffee shops after Starbucks introduced one in 1998. Bubble tea shops can simmer it with spices or use masala chai powder for speed.
What’s in Masala Chai
| Component | Details (from English Wikipedia) |
|---|---|
| Tea | Black tea |
| Milk | Milk, simmered with water |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Spices | Most commonly cardamom, ginger, cinnamon; also clove, star anise, black pepper and more |
Masala Chai vs Taiwanese vs Hong Kong Milk Tea
| Comparison | Masala chai | Taiwanese milk tea | Hong Kong milk tea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea | Black tea simmered with spices | Black tea or other bases | Blended Ceylon tea |
| Milk | Milk | Creamer powder or fresh milk | Evaporated or condensed milk |
| Character | Spice aroma | Pearls, customizable sweetness and ice | Rich and smooth |
See Hong Kong Milk Tea vs Taiwanese Milk Tea.
Two Shop Methods
1. Simmer with Spices
- Simmer water, black tea and spices together.
- Add milk, keep simmering and sweeten.
- Strain and keep warm or chill.
Most authentic flavor, but takes time and labor.
2. Masala Chai Powder
- Dissolve in hot water in the pack ratio.
- Serve iced or hot.
- Add tapioca pearls or cheese foam if you like.
Fast and consistent, well suited to bubble tea shops. See Milk Tea Powder or Freshly Brewed Tea?
Tang Sugar’s Masala Chai Products
Tang Sugar supplies masala chai powder (1kg per bag, 20 per carton) and black teas such as Assam and Ceylon. Request samples.
Products in this article
All 8 Tea Leaves →
FAQ
What is masala chai?
Black tea simmered with milk and water, sweetened and spiced with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and more.
Is a chai latte the same as masala chai?
According to English Wikipedia, chai latte is the Western café name for a drink made from spiced tea concentrate and steamed milk, based on masala chai.
Does masala chai have caffeine?
Yes, because it’s made with black tea; Taiwanese chains must label caffeinated freshly made drinks.
How do bubble tea shops make masala chai?
Either simmer black tea with milk, water and spices such as cardamom, ginger and cinnamon and then sweeten, or mix masala chai powder to the pack ratio for faster service.
Further Reading
- Hong Kong Milk Tea vs Taiwanese Milk Tea
- Milk Tea Powder or Freshly Brewed Tea?
- What Is Assam Black Tea?
Sources
- Wikipedia: Masala chai
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
