Nepalese Masala Chai: Making and Tasting the Traditional Beverage

Nepalese tea, particularly the traditional version known as masala chai, is a flavorful and aromatic beverage that combines black tea with a variety of spices, milk, and sugar. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of making masala chai and provide a detailed description of its taste profile.

How to Make Nepalese Masala Chai

Ingredients

2 cups water 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (preferably Assam or a local Nepalese variety) 1-2 tablespoons sugar (to taste) 1 cup milk (whole or evaporated) Spices (common choices include cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and black pepper)

Instructions

Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add Spices: Add your chosen spices, crushed or whole, to the boiling water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences. Add Tea Leaves: Once the water is boiling, add the black tea leaves and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Add Milk and Sugar: Pour in the milk and add sugar. Stir to combine and bring the mixture back to a boil. Simmer: Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into cups and enjoy hot.

Taste Profile

Nepalese masala chai has a rich and aromatic flavor profile that is uniquely comforting and invigorating. The taste can be described as follows:

Spicy

The spices used, such as cardamom and ginger, impart a warm and slightly spicy taste that adds depth to the tea. The aromatic qualities of these spices are an important part of the masala chai experience.

Sweet

The addition of sugar balances the spices, giving the drink a pleasant sweetness. This sweetness not only counteracts the spiciness but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making the masala chai more enjoyable.

Creamy

The milk adds a smooth and creamy texture to the tea, which softens the boldness of the tea. This creamy quality is essential for creating a velvety taste that complements the other flavors.

Earthy

The base of black tea provides a robust and earthy flavor that complements the spices. This earthy note adds a complexity to the masala chai that is unique to this traditional Nepalese beverage.

Overall, Nepalese masala chai is a comforting and invigorating drink that reflects the rich cultural traditions of Nepal. This traditional beverage is perfect as part of a social gathering or as a soothing drink at any time of the day.

A Historical Perspective: Lunar Dates and Gurkha Tea Customs

Interestingly, I recall reading about the way some Gurkhas made tea during the Second World War Burma Campaign in a memoir by George MacDonald Fraser, the author of the Flashman books. While Fraser was a lowly corporal with a Cumbrian regiment, he observed various units from all over Britain and the Commonwealth bartering for tins of condensed milk. The Gurkhas would substitute this for ordinary milk to drink with their tea.

This practice, while not typical of Nepalese people today, highlights the versatility and adaptability of this traditional beverage. It also demonstrates the significance of tea culture in the lives of Gurkhas during wartime conditions, where resources were scarce and creativity was at a premium.