Chai - The India Explorer

Have you ever heard of a salty pink tea that looks and tastes just as delicious? Well, the Kashmiri noon chai is this unique pink tea that plays music on your taste buds. Freezing winters call for this perfect cup of tea that soothes your soul and makes for a great addition to your Kashmir bucket list. But what if you want the tea now? Fret not – this blog is for you. We will dive deeper into the cups of this pink tea with every information you ever need. The History and Cultural Significance of Kashmiri Noon Chai As the first snowfall of the season gently covers the valley and tempts locals to wrap their hands around hot mugs of midday chai, step into the beautiful embrace of Kashmir. In this place, tea is more than simply a drink; it's a ritual, a ceremonial, and a romantic relationship that permeates everyday existence. Imagine holding a warm cup in your hands while the crisp, chilly air dances with the perfume of it. However, this isn't just ordinary tea—this is noon chai, a special mix that perfectly embodies Kashmir. Because the word "noon" is derived from the word "salt," the name alone suggests the unique flavour you'll be in for. Imagine enjoying a brew that is extraordinary and has a colour similar to the pink tones of a sunset. The pink version of Kashmiri noon chai is a visual treat, a symphony of colour in a cup, in addition to being a feast for the senses. The flavours emerge as soon as you take that first sip; they are hearty and energising, with a faint tinge of salt that enhances the whole experience. Tastes dance together, a harmony of sensations that lingers on your tongue, transporting you through Kashmir's rich gastronomic tapestry with every sip. Furthermore, the ceremony is more important than the tea itself. A soothing companion in the morning and afternoon, midday tea elevates routine times to exceptional ones. Imagine yourself enjoying each drink while you relax in a warm nook with a view of the snow-covered scenery outside the window. image source: wallpapers.com Midday tea is typically served with tschot or naan bread to round out the experience, bringing a little bit of tradition to your gastronomic journey. Midday Chai extends an invitation to partake in this ageless celebration of warmth, flavour, and culture, regardless of your level of experience with tea or your curiosity. Go into the heart of Kashmir, where the fragrant swirls of midday tea and the snow-covered surroundings create a sensory symphony that beckons you to lose yourself in the wonder of the present. Kashmiri Noon Chai Ingredients Explore the process of making Kashmiri noon chai, a drink that perfectly captures the spirit of the region's vibrant cultural fabric. The meticulously chosen mixture has a symphony of components, including baking soda, tea, and a variety of fragrant spices. Although conventional green tea may be utilised, gunpowder tea—whose roots are in China—is the recommended option. Young tea leaves are painstakingly rolled into tiny pellets that resemble gunpowder. Most teas have a distinctive brownish colour that is due to natural tannins; however, Kashmiri noon chai has a captivating colour change. Enhanced with baking soda, the tea turns a gorgeous pink, changing in colour when milk is added. A feature of traditional Indian recipes, this extraordinary touch defies normal proportions, enabling a personalised brewing experience. Its charm is increased by the smokey flavour it frequently has, which is the result of gentle roasting. For individuals who are not familiar with its savoury taste, sugar can be used to counterbalance the traditional hint of salt. To further enhance the experience, the texture and richness of the tea are enhanced by the addition of almonds, edible rose petals, and sometimes malai. Kashmiri noon chai, served from elaborate samovars, a fixture in Kashmiri households, is more than just a drink; it's an invitation to partake in a cultural ritual, with each sip telling a story of warmth, history, and the complex flavours that characterise Kashmir's culinary legacy. Comprehensive List of Kashmiri Noon Chai Ingredients: Water Cardamom Milk Green Tea Leaves Cloves Cinnamon Ice Cold Water Baking Soda Star Anise Sugar Pistachios Kashmiri Noon Chai Recipe- What You’ll Need 2 cups water 2 cardamom pods 1 cup milk 2-3 teaspoons green tea leaves 4 cloves 1-inch cinnamon Half cup ice cold water 1 teaspoon baking soda Half-star anise Sugar as per taste Chopped pistachios for garnish How to Make Noon Chai · Boil green tea leaves in water in a pan · Add the spices – cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and star anise and let it boil · Add 1 teaspoon baking soda and keep stirring for 10-12 minutes on a low to medium flame · Stir till the mixture turns half of the original quantity · Add the cold water and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir continuously. Strain the mixture in a bowl. · Add the milk to another pan and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat off and pour the mixture into the milk. · It will turn light pink. Now, you can add the sugar or any sweetener of your choice. · Add to a cup and garnish with pistachios. The recipe for the Kashmiri noon chai is quite simple and can be made at home easily. It has many health benefits as well. Let’s take a look. Kashmiri Noon Chai Benefits · It helps lower cholesterol levels, aiding in heart problems and lowering the risk for cardiovascular diseases. · The main ingredients of pink tea help in fighting many diseases. They also help in maintaining the health of your skin. · Kashmiri noon chai has polyphenols. They aid in weight loss by fastening your metabolism and lowering fat absorption. · It aids in improving and maintaining bone health as it contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin C. · It also helps improve digestion. If you have digestion issues, you should have this tea. The baking soda neutralises stomach acid and provides relief from indigestion. · It also provides stress relief due to the L-theanine found in the tea. Conclusion As we conclude our thoughts on Kashmiri noon chai, we are engrossed in a cultural encounter that goes beyond a simple drink. The infusion of aromatic spices, the subtle dance of gunpowder tea leaves, and the transforming effect of baking soda create a canvas that reflects the vibrant vistas of the Kashmir Valley. Noon tea is more than just a warm beverage; it's a living custom, a representation of the friendliness of the area, and a link to Kashmir's rich history, with each sip carrying the weight of centuries-old customs. The distinct fusion of salt, smokiness, and the captivating pink hue become stitches in the fabric of Kashmir's culinary tradition when the elaborate samovars release their fragrant elixir. Beyond its tastes, midday tea transports us to a slower-paced realm that fosters camaraderie, conversation, and a mutual appreciation of life's better pleasures. We experience not only tea but the sheer soul of Kashmir in every subtle note of this olfactory symphony—an invitation to enjoy the beauty of tradition in a cup.