Transform your ordinary tea time into an extraordinary experience with this authentic Kashmiri Pink Chai recipe. Known locally as “Noon Chai” or “Sheer Chai,” this stunning pink-hued tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural tradition that brings warmth, color, and unforgettable flavor to your cup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai offers a unique tea experience that sets it apart from ordinary chai. The distinctive pink color comes from a fascinating chemical reaction between baking soda and green tea, creating an Instagram-worthy beverage that tastes as amazing as it looks. The creamy, slightly salty flavor profile is balanced with aromatic spices, making it a perfect comfort drink for cold days or a delightful conversation starter for guests.
The recipe combines the health benefits of green tea with warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon, while the addition of milk creates a rich, satisfying texture. Unlike regular chai, this pink tea has a subtle complexity that’s both refreshing and comforting, making it an ideal afternoon or evening beverage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea or other green tea
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1-2 Star anise
- 2 Cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Whole milk
- Sugar or honey to taste
- Crushed nuts (e.g. almonds) for garnish (optional)
How to Make Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tea Base Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the green tea leaves, star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes to extract the flavors.
Step 2: Create the Pink Color Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling tea. You’ll notice the tea will foam up and gradually turn from green to a beautiful reddish-pink color. This is the magic moment! Continue boiling for another 5-7 minutes until the color deepens.
Step 3: Strain and Season Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all the tea leaves and whole spices. Return the strained tea to the pot and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The salt enhances the unique flavor profile of this traditional chai.
Step 4: Add Milk and Sweeten Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar or honey according to your taste preference, typically 2-3 teaspoons work well.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish Pour the hot pink chai into cups or traditional glasses. Garnish with crushed almonds or other nuts if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.
Helpful Tips
The key to achieving the perfect pink color lies in the quality of green tea and the timing of adding baking soda. Use authentic Kashmiri green tea if available, as it produces the most vibrant color. Don’t skip the baking soda—it’s essential for the color transformation and contributes to the tea’s unique alkaline taste.
When adding baking soda, be prepared for vigorous foaming. Use a large pot to prevent overflow, and maintain medium-high heat throughout the process. The longer you boil after adding baking soda, the deeper the pink color becomes.
For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, use whole milk rather than low-fat alternatives. The fat content helps create the characteristic smooth, velvety mouthfeel that makes this chai so special.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
The distinctive pink color develops through a chemical reaction between the tannins in green tea and baking soda. This process, called oxidation, is what gives Kashmiri Pink Chai its signature appearance and slightly alkaline taste that pairs beautifully with the warming spices.
Notes
Traditional Kashmiri families often prepare large batches of this tea and keep it warm throughout the day, as it’s commonly served to guests as a sign of hospitality. The tea can be reheated gently without losing its color or flavor.
If you can’t find Kashmiri green tea, regular green tea works as a substitute, though the color may be slightly less vibrant. Avoid using tea bags, as loose-leaf tea produces better results for both color and flavor extraction.
The salt in this recipe isn’t optional—it’s a crucial component that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile, creating the authentic taste that makes this chai so unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why isn’t my tea turning pink? A: The pink color depends on the quality of green tea and proper use of baking soda. Make sure you’re using loose-leaf green tea and add baking soda while the tea is actively boiling. Some teas may produce a more reddish or brownish hue rather than bright pink.
Q: Can I make this tea without baking soda? A: Baking soda is essential for both the color and the authentic taste. Without it, you’ll have regular green tea with spices, but not true Kashmiri Pink Chai.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free? A: You can substitute coconut milk or cashew milk for whole milk, though the texture and traditional flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the tea base (steps 1-3) in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and add milk and sweetener.
Storage Instructions
Fresh Kashmiri Pink Chai is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, you can store leftover chai in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a covered container.
To reheat, pour the chai into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid using the microwave as it can cause the milk to separate. You may need to add a splash of fresh milk if the chai has thickened during storage.
The concentrated tea base (before adding milk) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week and used as needed by simply adding hot milk and seasonings.
Conclusion
Kashmiri Pink Chai is more than just a colorful beverage—it’s a window into the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir. This recipe brings an authentic taste of the Himalayas to your kitchen, offering a unique tea experience that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
The combination of green tea’s antioxidants, warming spices, and creamy milk creates a perfect balance of health and indulgence. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, explore new flavors, or simply add some color to your daily tea routine, this Kashmiri Pink Chai recipe delivers on all fronts.
Take your time with the process, embrace the beautiful transformation from green to pink, and enjoy this special tea that has been cherished for generations. Each sip tells a story of tradition, hospitality, and the simple joy of sharing something beautiful and delicious with others.