Chai tea isn't just a drink - it’s an experience. If you're new to the world of chai or already a fan, the variety of types of chai out there can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve got your back with a guide to help you choose the perfect chai for your palate. Let’s dive into the world of chai and discover which one you should try next.
Types of chai tea at a glance:
| Chai Tea Type | Main Feature |
|---|---|
| Masala Chai | A balanced mix of black tea, milk, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. |
| Dirty Chai | Masala chai mixed with espresso for a bold, caffeinated drink. |
| Vanilla Chai | Masala chai with a hint of vanilla for a creamy, sweet twist. |
| Delhi-style Chai | A rich chai with more milk and sweetness than typical masala chai. |
| Ginger Chai | A spicy chai with a strong ginger flavor, great for digestion. |
| Honey Chai | Chai sweetened with honey, offering a smooth, floral sweetness. |
| Kashmiri Chai | Green tea-based chai with a salty-sweet taste, often garnished with nuts. |
| Karak Chai | A concentrated chai with a high sugar content and a rich, sweet flavor. |
| Turmeric Chai (Golden) | Chai infused with turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits. |
| Tandoor Chai | Chai brewed in a tandoor oven, giving it a unique smoky taste. |
| Assam Chai | Strong, malty black tea with minimal spice, allowing the tea flavor to shine. |
| Tea with Jaggery (Gur Chai) | Chai sweetened with jaggery for a rich, caramel-like flavor. |
| Lassi Chai | Chai combined with tangy yoghurt for a smooth, refreshing twist. |
| Sulaimani Chai | A refreshing chai made with lemon and spices, perfect as a digestive aid. |
Masala Chai (a.k.a the normal Chai that you’ve already known)
Best for: Lovers of rich, spicy, and traditional flavors.
Masala Chai is the classic chai most people think of when they hear “chai tea.” It's a blend of strong black tea infused with a warming mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, balanced with milk and sugar for that perfect creamy finish.
Explore more: Chai vs Tea: Are They The Same?
Dirty Chai
Best for: Coffee drinkers seeking a spice kick.
Dirty Chai combines masala chai with a shot of espresso, merging the rich spices of chai with the intense kick of coffee. This fusion offers both a caffeine boost and complex flavours, making it ideal for those who need their coffee fix but want a spiced alternative to regular coffee.
But if you wonder whether the chai itself has caffeine or not, check out this blog: Does Chai Have Caffeine?
Vanilla Chai
Best For: Those with a sweet tooth.
Vanilla Chai is masala chai with a hint of vanilla, adding a smooth, sweet undertone that softens the spiced base. It’s perfect for those who like their chai less intense, with a creamy texture and a comforting sweetness that balances the spices.
Delhi-style Chai
Best for: Fans of creamy, bold, and sweet chai.
Delhi-style Chai is a milk-heavy, sweetened version of masala chai. The high milk-to-tea ratio creates a rich, smooth texture, while the sugar makes it sweeter and more indulgent. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a creamy, dessert-like chai experience.
Ginger Chai
Best for: Those who love bold, fresh, and zesty flavors.
Ginger Chai brings fresh ginger to the traditional masala chai blend. The ginger adds a sharp, warming kick, perfect for those who like their chai with an extra spice. It also offers digestive benefits, making it both tasty and practical.
Honey Chai
Best for: People who prefer a natural, milder sweetness.
Honey Chai replaces sugar with honey, offering a smoother, more floral sweetness. It’s a milder, more natural alternative to regular chai, perfect for those who want the richness of chai without the heaviness of refined sugar.
Kashmiri Chai
Best for: Those who enjoy unique, creamy, and slightly salty drinks
Kashmiri Chai, also known as "noon chai," is a distinctive pink tea made with green tea and a mix of spices. What sets this chai apart is the use of baking soda, which gives the tea its signature pink color. The taste is creamy, often salty (though sometimes sweetened), and features a subtle nuttiness from garnishes like crushed pistachios or almonds. It’s a unique, creamy chai that’s perfect for those who want something different from the usual spiced variety, offering a balance of flavors that are both rich and refreshing.
Karak Chai
Best for: Those who like strong, bold, and sweet chai.
Karak Chai is a popular tea in the Middle East and South Asia, known for its rich, spicy flavors. It’s made with a strong black tea base, usually brewed with a mix of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The tea is then mixed with condensed milk, creating a thick, creamy, and indulgent brew. What makes Karak Chai stand out is its intensity and the balance between the spiciness and sweetness, making it a favorite pick for tea drinkers who enjoy robust, warming flavors.
Turmeric Chai (Golden Chai)
Best for: Health-conscious drinkers who enjoy earthy, warming flavors.
Turmeric Chai, or Golden Chai, combines traditional chai with the benefits of turmeric. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and when mixed with black tea, ginger, and milk, it creates a warming, earthy flavors.
And another thing to know about Turmeric Tea is that they are the best chai to drink before bed among this list, thanks to curcumin content, compound recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality (1)
Explore more: The Best Time to Drink Chai Tea
Tandoor Chai
Best for: Chai lovers who enjoy smoky, bold flavors.
Tandoor Chai is one of the most unique teas out there. It’s brewed in a tandoor (clay oven), which gives it a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. The spices and milk round out the tea, making it rich and full-bodied. It's served in a clay cup (kulhad), which adds to the earthy experience. If you’re into smoky, bold flavors, Tandoor Chai is a must-try.
Assam Chai
Best for: Bold tea lovers who prefer minimal spice.
Assam Chai is made with black tea from the Assam region in India, known for its malty and robust flavor. Unlike some of the spiced varieties of chai, Assam Chai is all about the tea itself. It’s less about the spices and more about that strong, hearty base that pairs perfectly with milk. If you’re someone who likes a straightforward, no-nonsense tea, Assam Chai is your go-to.
Tea with Jaggery (Gur Chai)
Best for: Those who enjoy rich, deep sweetness with earthy tones.
Gur Chai is a traditional chai made with jaggery (unrefined sugar), which adds a rich, caramel-like, earthy sweetness to the tea. The jaggery pairs perfectly with the spices, creating a comforting drink that’s full of depth. Ideal for those who enjoy a less processed sweetener and want a richer, more grounded sweetness in their chai.
Lassi Chai
Best for: Fans of creamy, tangy drinks with a twist.
Lassi Chai is a fun mix of traditional chai and the yogurt drink, lassi. Instead of milk, you mix spiced chai with yogurt, making it creamy and refreshing. It’s perfect if you want something cooler and lighter than regular chai, with just a hint of tang from the yogurt. It’s a great option for a hot day or if you want a refreshing chai experience without being too heavy.
Sulaimani Chai
Best for: People who want a light, citrusy tea that’s not too sweet.
Sulaimani Chai is a refreshing, light tea from Kerala, India. Unlike most chai, it’s served without milk. Instead, it’s brewed with spices like cardamom and cloves, and often a squeeze of lemon. It’s usually a little sweetened with jaggery or sugar, making it a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. If you’re not a fan of heavy, creamy chais and prefer something lighter and more refreshing, Sulaimani Chai is a great choice.
Where to Shop for the Best Chai Tea in Australia?
If you’re a chai lover in Australia - or anywhere in the world - look no further than Monk’s Chai, home to the best chai in Australia. Based in Melbourne, Monk’s Chai is renowned for its premium "sticky chai" blends that combine the rich flavors of traditional chai with the modern convenience of ready-to-brew blends. Crafted with 100% organic, specialty-grade ingredients like Assam black tea, Ceylon cinnamon, and bold cardamom, each blend is packed with high-quality spices sourced from sustainable farms worldwide.
Whether you’re a cafe owner looking for a premium offering or simply a chai lover at home, Monk’s Chai guarantees consistency, flavor, and a deep respect for the craft
Ready to experience the perfect cup of chai? Explore their full range of sticky chai blends at Monk’s Chai and bring home a brew that stands out.
Reference list:
(1) Lin YF, Zhu JF, Chen YD, Sheng JL, He JJ, Zhang SY and Jin XQ (2020) ‘Effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue, sleep quality and depression in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial’, Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 40(8):816-820, https://europepmc.org/article/med/32869588