We concur it’s teatime

NT Features

Chayi is a Chinese word that means “the art of drinking tea”. Simply ch’a means “tea”. But this brew has interesting mythological origins. Legend says that some 1500 years ago, Bodhidharma, a Zen Buddhist priest, who had travelled from India to China, was meditating in his cave when he began to feel sleepy. In an attempt to stay awake he ripped off his eyelids, which fell to the ground and became tea plants. So now we know why tea is associated with keeping awake. Here we list some chais to savour.

Irani chai

This chai is made in big pots and allowed to brew for a really long time. Perhaps some secret ingredients are put in it. This has lots and lots of milk. It is creamy, light brown in colour, and super sweet. Kesar or saffron Chai This version of tea is made with tea and an ample amount of saffron or kesar. Milk is added just before it is served. The tea has a unique flavour and is pure luxury.

Ice tea

This is the modern version of chai served in cafes. It comes in fruity flavours like peach and lemon. On a hot summer day, this can not only quench your thirst but refresh you too.

Oolong tea

This is the lightest possible tea and is for those who don’t like their tea to be harsh. You just have to put a teabag in a cup of hot water and allow it to brew. Your cup is ready.

Kahwah

This Kashmiri tea is a mild and flavored with spices and dry fruits like walnuts, almonds, and saffron. As there is no milk used, people in such cold regions can have as many cups as they want. It is like sipping spicy flavoured hot water.

Tandoori chai

This is the latest craze in tea. It is made in a kulhad (earthen pot) that is heated over coals so that it can capture the flavour of the clay pot as the tea bubbles inside it. The result is a tea that has the earthy taste of the pot.

You don’t need to be a tea connoisseur to know that good tea takes time — to prepare and to drink. So sit back, relax and sip.