What does masala chai mean?

Chai means tea in Hindi and many other South Asian languages, and masala means a spice mix, so masala chai is spiced tea. It is black tea simmered with milk, sugar and whole spices.

What spices go into masala chai?

Most versions use cardamom and ginger, with cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. This recipe uses 4 cardamom pods, 2 cm ginger, 2.5 cm Ceylon cinnamon, 2 cloves and 4 peppercorns for 2 cups.

Can I use Ceylon tea for masala chai?

Yes. A strong broken-grade Ceylon black tea such as BOP brews dark and full-bodied, and holds its flavour against milk and spice.

Is masala chai the same as chai tea?

In English-speaking countries, chai tea usually means spiced milk tea, so yes in practice. Chai on its own just means tea, and in Sri Lanka everyday tea is plain black tea or unspiced milk tea.