India is remarkably diverse in terms of both culture and geography. Different climatic conditions are highly favourable for a tea market, as dramatically distinct tastes can be fostered in the tea produced. For this reason, you should definitely go through the list of Indian teas we have curated specially for you.
24 Popular Varieties of Tea in India
1. Masala Tea
This Indian brew is a cult classic. Sharp spices such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns are infused with black tea, milk, and sugar to make a steaming cup of Masala Tea, or Masala Chai as it is locally known.
2. Bombay Cutting Tea
Tea stalls, or “tapris” on the streets of Bombay, India, are insanely famous for their Cutting Chai. A brew beaming with sweet, robust flavours of cardamom and ginger, the Bombay Cutting Tea gets its unique name from the quantity in which it is served. Half a glass, the equivalent of a small teacup, is just the right amount to pump up and get re-energized.
3. Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmir is known as the Heaven on Earth. So naturally, expect nothing less than divine taste when you are about to get a sip of the Kashmiri Kahwa. It is a fragrant brew of mild green tea that is deliciously dotted with whole spices, saffron, and almonds.
4. Sulaimani Tea
Sulaiman is an Arabic name that means “man of peace.” Evolved from the Ghava, an Arabic beverage featuring dates and black pepper, Sulaimani Tea is an excellent digestive drink extremely popular in India’s southern Malabar region. Accented with local spices and a touch of sugar, this tea is a must-try.
5. Zafrani Tea
Zafrani Chai, also known as Zafrani Tea or Saffron Tea, is a golden brew that is as pleasing to look at as satisfying to drink. Infused with crushed cardamom and delicate strands of saffron, this tea is made using whole cream milk and aromatic tea leaves.
6. Ginger Tea
Ginger Tea is known as ‘Adrak wali chai’ in India and is one of the country’s most beloved brews. Rightly so, for it has multitudes of health benefits along with having a hauntingly inviting aroma and taste. Ginger Tea is prepared using crushed ginger, and ingredients such as lemongrass, cardamom, etc., are often added to the brew.
7. Lemon Tea
Lemon juice is infused with either black or green tea for the preparation of Lemon Tea. This drink is absolutely refreshing and acts as a soothing agent for the throat, especially when one is ridden with cough and cold. Lemon Tea is also a helpful addition to the diet if one aims to reduce their weight.
8. Malai Tea
Malai Tea, or ‘Doodh Cha’ as fondly known in Bengal, India, is a rich, creamy concoction that fits a king. It has a complex development of flavours from spices such as cloves, cardamom, and ginger, along with strong tea, milk, and sugar, making it a must-try.
9. Kashmiri Pink Tea
This tea is known by a few more names, such as Noon chai, Shir chai, and Gulabi chai. Traditionally hailing from Kashmir, the Pink Tea includes brewed green tea leaves, baking soda, and milk, which gives it a distinct pink hue. Garnished with crushed nuts, this beverage is aesthetically too pleasing for words.
10. Chocolate Tea
If you think nothing tops a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening, wait until you try a piping cup of Chocolate Tea. This heavenly drink is an absolute blessing and potentially the solution to the whole coffee versus tea debate. Chocolate Tea has an infusion of cocoa powder, tea leaves, and milk that develops a taste that pleasantly lingers for hours.
11. Cardamom Tea
Cardamom Tea, or Elaichi Tea, is an incredibly therapeutic brew starring crushed cardamom seeds. These seeds are boiled in water, and on occasion, tea leaves are also added. Cardamom Tea is rich in antioxidants, enhances heart health, aids in digestion, and is a great detox drink.
12. Mint Iced Tea
India’s perpetually hot weather calls for a truly refreshing cold beverage, and the Mint Iced Tea is just made for that. A brew consisting of tea leaves and mint leaves along with a hearty squeeze of lemon, this drink is served chilled.
13. Tandoori Tea
Tandoori Tea, also sometimes referred to as Tandoori or Kulhad Chai, is an iconic street-find in India. This tea is prepared in a hot clay pot, making it tastefully absorb the smoky hints of flavour. Tandoori Chai is, thus, a flavorful twist on the regular masala chai that you cannot miss out on.
14. Irani Tea
Irani Tea is a beverage introduced to Indians by the Persians. Unlike other Indian teas, Irani Chai is a unique blend of black tea and khoya. It has a pleasing, creamy texture, edged with hints of cinnamon and cardamom.
15. Herbal Tea
If the world were Hogwarts, India would be the potions master. The brews in this country are nothing less than magical, and Herbal Tea is the perfect example. With ingredients such as basil, mint, lemongrass, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and so on, the Herbal tea combinations here are not only tempting for the tongue but also rich in medicinal properties.
16. Mangalorean Tea
Mangalorean Tea is a herbal concoction accented with complex flavours developed from coarsely powdered spices and the addition of Misri, a type of rock candy. This tea is caffeine-free and has a surprisingly rejuvenating effect.
17. Black Tea
Indians love bold flavours, and the Black Tea they have is a testament to that. Tea leaves are simmered in boiling water along with a touch of sugar to make this potent brew. It is one of the most energizing teas you will ever have, and it also works great for building immunity.
18. Rose Tea
This is a truly divine beverage that is sure to please all of your senses. Rose Tea is made from petals and buds of rose blossoms. At times, hibiscus is also added to the brew. Rose Tea has a delicate pink colour and is extremely soothing. It is also believed to aid the process of losing weight.
19. Paan Tea
Another aromatic jewel, Indian Paan Tea, is a must-try. It is a unique blend of green tea, betel leaves, and an assortment of spices. Paan, or betel leaves, are anti-inflammatory and aid in digestion. The tea is also rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants.
20. Green Tea
This is a light, rejuvenating drink made from either dried or fresh green tea leaves. Orange zest or lemon juice are common additions, but nothing beats a simple cup of green tea with a dollop of golden honey added as a sweetener.
21. Moringa Tea
Moringa is a plant known by the name drumstick tree or benzolive tree, which is native to the Indian subcontinent. Moringa Tea is made by simmering the leaves of this plant in boiling water. Often paired with honey and ginger, this brew works wonders in regulating blood pressure.
22. Jasmine Tea
Another splendidly aromatic beverage, Jasmine Tea, is trendy among tea enthusiasts in India. Typically, it has a green tea base, but on occasion, black tea is also used. The brew is scented with jasmine blossoms, thus beautifully transforming the whole tea-drinking experience.
23. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric Tea is sunshine in a cup. It is a golden brew that stars elements such as ground turmeric, freshly chopped ginger, and honey. Occasionally dusted with ground cinnamon, the tea helps boost the immune system and has several other health benefits such as managing cholesterol levels or easing the symptoms of arthritis.
24. Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling Tea is a heavenly beverage that you just cannot miss out on if you are a tea-lover. It is made from Camellia sinensis and has a flavour combination that is delightfully light and mild, compared to other black or green teas.
Hence, India has a truly magical assortment of hot beverages that can make anyone fall hard for the absolute wonder tea is.
