If you’ve ever taken a sip of chai and gone, “Wait, is this meant to be spicy?” — you're not alone. A lot of people try chai for the first time and aren’t quite sure what to expect. It smells warm and inviting, but then there’s that little kick at the back of your throat that makes you pause.
So let’s clear things up: Is chai spicy? And what exactly makes it taste the way it does? As someone who drinks chai almost daily (and has tested way too many blends), let me break it down for you.
Is Chai Supposed to Be Spicy?
Yes – but it’s not spicy in the same way a curry or hot sauce is. Chai is spiced, not hot.
The “spice” in chai comes from a traditional blend called masala, which means spice mix in Hindi. This is what gives chai its iconic aroma and warming flavour. But instead of chilli or anything that burns your tongue, chai uses warming spices that is full of nutrition like:
-
Cloves
These chai spices create a gentle heat that warms your body from the inside out. It’s comforting, not overwhelming.
A lot of the confusion comes from café-style chai lattes, which are often made with pre-sweetened syrups. These can be overly sugary or too mild, so people think chai is meant to taste like warm milk with cinnamon. But that’s not the real deal.
Why Is Chai Tea Spicy?
So, why is chai tea spicy at all? The secret’s in the spice blend. Each ingredient plays a role:
-
Ginger adds a gentle burn and is great for digestion.
-
Black pepper gives chai that sharp edge you feel on the tongue.
-
Cardamom brings a floral note and helps balance the stronger flavours.
-
Cloves add depth and warmth.
-
Cinnamon sweetens it out.
That balance of spice and sweetness is what gives chai its depth. And here’s a bit of science: many of these spices are known to be thermogenic, meaning they raise your body temperature slightly — which explains why chai feels so warming, especially in winter.
Chai blends vary from region to region (and even family to family), so not all chai is equally spicy. For example, masala chai from northern India might be quite peppery and strong, while southern blends are often milder and more cardamom-heavy.
So, What Does Chai Tea Taste Like?
At its best, chai tea tastes warm, rich, and a little bit sweet, with layers of flavour depending on the blend.
If you're drinking chai made from a black tea base (like Assam), it’ll have a bold, malty flavour. Add milk and spices to that and you get something creamy, full-bodied, and comforting.
-
Is chai strong? It can be — especially if the black tea is steeped for a while. But the strength also depends on how much spice is used and whether milk or water is added.
-
Is chai bitter? Usually not. Chai isn’t meant to be bitter, but it can be if the tea is overbrewed or too much spice is added without balancing sweetness or milk.
For more details: What Does Chai Tea Taste Like? A Flavour Guide for First-Time Drinkers
Are Other Chai-Infused Drinks Spicy?
You’ve probably seen chai popping up in everything from smoothies to espresso drinks. But are they actually spicy?
If you’ve only tried chai from a café, chances are you’ve had a sweetened version with less spice. That’s not a bad thing — but it’s a different experience to brewing it fresh at home with real spices.
Is Chai Latte Spicy?
A chai latte is essentially masala chai made with steamed milk — but the spice level depends entirely on how it’s made.
Most cafés in Australia use a chai syrup or concentrate, which can taste more like vanilla and cinnamon than actual spice. It’s creamy, comforting, and often very sweet. If you want more spice, ask if the café uses real tea leaves or masala chai powder.
How about other drinks?
-
Matcha chai latte: More earthy than spicy. The matcha tends to mellow out the spice.
-
Dirty chai: A shot of espresso with chai. Bold and slightly spicy, depending on the base.
-
Chai cold brew: Iced coffee with chai spices. Refreshing, lightly spiced, and often sweetened.
Most of these drinks are more about the chai experience than a truly authentic taste — but they’re a fun way to explore the flavour without going all in.
Finding the Right Chai for Your Taste
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to chai — and that’s kind of the beauty of it. If you're just starting out or you’ve only ever had chai from a café syrup, it’s worth trying a proper small-batch blend. It makes a massive difference when you can actually taste the spices — not just sugar.
Monk’s Chai - one of the best chai tea providers in Melbourne, Australia - is a great place to start if you're keen to explore chai that’s balanced, thoughtfully made, and full of flavour — without being over the top. We offer wet chai concentrates, and it’s all brewed right here in Australia. Check them out here if you’re curious.
Whether you like it strong or mellow, spiced or smooth — there’s a chai for you. Just gotta find your blend.