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Adrak Masala Chai, step by step on video
See when to add the milk, when to grate in the ginger, and how many boils the chai needs.
3:57 · Recipe video · Cooking with Siddhi
Adrak Masala Chai is the best way to start your day. Tea leaves are brewed with water, sugar, crushed cardamom and chai masala, milk is added, and fresh ginger is grated straight into the boiling tea.
With the rainy season on, there is nothing better than a cup of adrak ki chai, the spicy Indian version of ginger tea.
Every recipe on Cooking with Siddhi is cooked in my own kitchen before it goes live.

Why you will love this adrak chai
- Fresh ginger: grated straight into the boiling tea.
- Masala flavour: cardamom and chai masala.
- Perfect for the monsoon: a warming cup on a rainy day.
- Quick: ready in a few boils.
Ingredient notes
- Milk: 1 cup, full-fat or low-fat.
- Ginger: 1 inch, peeled, washed and grated into the boiling tea.
- Cardamom: 2 pods, crushed.
- Chai masala: 1/4 tsp.
Adrak Masala Chai Recipe
Spicy Indian ginger tea: tea leaves brewed with cardamom, chai masala and sugar, boiled with milk and freshly grated ginger.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, full-fat or low-fat
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp tea leaves
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and washed
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp chai masala
Instructions
- Heat a vessel. Turn on the flame and place a vessel on it.
- Brew. Add the water, tea leaves, chai masala, sugar and crushed cardamom.
- Add milk. As the water begins to boil, add the milk. Let the tea come to a boil on full flame.
- Add ginger. At the first boil, lower the flame and grate the ginger into the boiling tea. Mix well with a spoon.
- Boil. After 3 to 4 boils, turn off the flame.
- Strain and serve. Strain the tea and pour it into cups.
Nutrition Facts
2 servings per recipe
Serving size1 serving (½ recipe)
| Nutrient | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 4 g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat 2 g | 10% |
| Cholesterol 12 mg | 4% |
| Sodium 56 mg | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrate 14 g | 5% |
| Dietary Fibre 1 g | 4% |
| Total Sugars 12 g | |
| Protein 4 g | |
| Vitamin A 198 IU | |
| Vitamin C 1 mg | 1% |
| Calcium 146 mg | 11% |
| Iron 1 mg | 6% |
| Potassium 183 mg | 4% |
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Values are approximate and calculated from the ingredients listed. The actual amounts depend on the brands you use and whether you use full-fat or low-fat milk.
Recipe by Siddhi Panchal.
Tips for perfect adrak chai
- Add the milk once the water starts to boil.
- Grate the ginger in at the first boil, on a lower flame.
- Let the chai come to 3 to 4 boils before you strain it.
What to serve with Adrak Masala Chai
Serve adrak chai hot. It goes perfectly with monsoon snacks like my Chinese Pakoda and Crunchy Paneer Pakora.
Adrak Masala Chai FAQs
When should I add ginger to chai?
At the first boil. Lower the flame and grate the ginger into the boiling tea.
How many boils does masala chai need?
After adding the ginger, let it come to 3 to 4 boils, then turn off the flame.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes. Use 1 cup of full-fat or low-fat milk.
What spices go into adrak masala chai?
Fresh ginger, crushed cardamom and chai masala.
How many does this recipe serve?
It serves 2, at about 107 kcal per serving.
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