If you have grown up in India, you already know that chai is not just a drink. It is a feeling. And when someone says kadak masala chai, they are talking about something even deeper — a strong, spiced, full-bodied cup that wakes you up, warms you from the inside, and makes everything feel a little better.
At Chaiolic, we have been making and serving kadak masala chai in Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata since 2021. Our team has tested hundreds of tea-spice combinations, served thousands of cups to IT professionals and chai lovers across the city, and shipped freshly packed chai to homes across India. This article is based on that hands-on experience.
In this guide, we will explain what kadak masala chai actually is, which spices go into it, how to brew it perfectly, what health benefits it offers, and how to choose the best one when buying online.
Table of Contents
- What Is Kadak Masala Chai?
- Difference Between Regular Chai and Kadak Masala Chai
- Spices Used in Kadak Masala Chai
- How to Make Kadak Masala Chai at Home
- Health Benefits of Kadak Masala Chai
- How to Choose the Best Kadak Masala Chai Online
- Why Chaiolic Kadak Masala Chai Stands Out
- Common Mistakes When Making Masala Chai
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Kadak Masala Chai?
The word kadak comes from Hindi and means strong or bold. Kadak masala chai is a robust version of Indian milk tea that is brewed with a blend of aromatic whole spices. Unlike a light cup of tea, kadak masala chai is simmered longer, uses a higher ratio of tea leaves to water, and gets its bold flavour from spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
It is the kind of chai you find at roadside stalls across North India, in the offices of Salt Lake Sector V in Kolkata, and in millions of Indian homes every morning. The “kadak” part is not just about strength. It is about depth — a chai that has body, aroma, and a lingering warmth on your palate.
The base of a good kadak masala chai is almost always Assam CTC tea. CTC stands for Crush, Tear, Curl — a processing method that produces small, dense granules of tea. These granules brew faster, release colour and flavour quickly, and hold up well against milk and spices. That is why Assam CTC is the preferred choice for strong Indian chai, not the delicate loose leaf varieties used for black tea.
Difference Between Regular Chai and Kadak Masala Chai
Many people use the terms chai and masala chai interchangeably, but there is a clear difference.
Regular chai is typically made with tea leaves, water, milk, and sugar. Some people add ginger or a single spice. It is lighter in flavour and quicker to make.
Kadak masala chai uses a stronger grade of CTC tea, is simmered for a longer time, and includes a blend of multiple whole spices. The result is a richer, more aromatic, and full-bodied cup. The colour is deeper, the taste is layered, and the aroma fills the room before you even take your first sip.
Here is a simple comparison:
- Tea leaves: Regular chai uses standard tea. Kadak masala chai uses premium Assam CTC for boldness.
- Spices: Regular chai may have none or one. Kadak masala chai uses four to six spices.
- Brewing time: Regular chai is quick. Kadak masala chai needs a slow simmer to extract spice flavours.
- Flavour: Regular chai is mild. Kadak masala chai is rich, warm, and complex.
- Aroma: Regular chai has a basic tea smell. Kadak masala chai fills the room with spice fragrance.
Spices Used in Kadak Masala Chai
The spice blend is what makes kadak masala chai different from every other type of tea. Each spice brings a specific flavour and health benefit. Here are the traditional spices used:
Cardamom (Elaichi)
Cardamom is the most essential spice in masala chai. It adds a sweet, floral aroma that balances the strength of the tea. It also aids digestion and freshens breath naturally.
Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger gives the chai its signature warmth and slight sharpness. It is excellent for sore throats, cold relief, and digestion. Fresh ginger works best, but dried ginger powder is commonly used in pre-mixed blends.
Cinnamon (Dalchini)
Cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness and woody depth. It pairs well with cardamom and has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory support.
Cloves (Laung)
Cloves are strong and should be used sparingly. They add an intense, slightly numbing warmth. Cloves are known for their antiseptic and pain-relieving properties.
Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)
Black pepper adds a mild heat that cuts through the sweetness of milk and sugar. It also improves the bioavailability of other spices, meaning your body absorbs their benefits more effectively.
Optional Additions
Some regional variations include fennel seeds (saunf) for a slightly sweet, anise-like flavour, star anise for a more complex aroma, or nutmeg (jaiphal) for a warm, earthy note. The exact blend varies from household to household and brand to brand.
How to Make Kadak Masala Chai at Home
Making a proper kadak masala chai is not complicated, but it does require patience. Rushing the process gives you a weak, flavourless cup. Here is a method that works consistently:
Ingredients (for 2 cups)
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 2 teaspoons Assam CTC tea (or Chaiolic Kadak Masala Chai)
- 2-3 crushed cardamom pods
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger, crushed
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- Sugar to taste
Method
- Boil the water. Add the crushed ginger and all the whole spices. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is important because spices need time in hot water to release their essential oils.
- Add the tea leaves. Stir and let it boil for another 2 minutes on medium heat. The water should turn a deep reddish-brown colour.
- Add the milk. Reduce the heat slightly and let the chai simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not rush this step. The slow simmering is what makes the chai kadak.
- Add sugar to taste and give it one final boil.
- Strain and serve immediately in a cup or kulhad.
Tip from our kitchen: If you are using a ready-made masala chai blend like Chaiolic Kadak Masala Chai, you can skip adding separate spices. The blend already contains the right proportion of Assam CTC tea and whole spices. Just add the blend to boiling water, then add milk and simmer.
Health Benefits of Kadak Masala Chai
Kadak masala chai, when consumed in moderation (2 to 3 cups per day), offers several health benefits thanks to its spice content. These benefits come from the natural compounds present in the spices, not from the tea alone.
- Improves digestion. Ginger, black pepper, and cardamom are well-known digestive aids. They help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion. This is why many people prefer masala chai after meals.
- Boosts immunity. The combination of ginger, cloves, and black pepper has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. During cold and flu season, a cup of kadak masala chai can provide genuine relief.
- Provides antioxidants. Assam CTC tea is rich in polyphenols and catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. Combined with the antioxidants in cinnamon and cloves, masala chai offers solid protection against oxidative stress.
- Supports metabolism. Cinnamon and ginger have been shown to support healthy metabolism. Black pepper improves the absorption of beneficial compounds from other spices.
- Reduces inflammation. Ginger and cinnamon both contain anti-inflammatory compounds. Regular consumption may help reduce joint pain and general inflammation.
- Enhances mental alertness. The caffeine in Assam CTC tea, combined with the invigorating effects of ginger and black pepper, provides a natural energy boost without the jitteriness of coffee.
It is worth noting that adding excessive sugar reduces the health benefits. If possible, try reducing sugar gradually or switching to jaggery for a more natural sweetener.
How to Choose the Best Kadak Masala Chai Online
With so many brands selling masala chai online, choosing the right one can be confusing. Here are the things to look for based on what actually matters for taste and quality:
1. Check the Tea Base
The best kadak masala chai uses Assam CTC tea as the base. Assam tea is naturally malty, bold, and stands up to milk and spices. Avoid blends that use generic “black tea” without specifying the origin. The tea base determines at least 60% of the final taste.
2. Look for Real Spices, Not Flavouring
Many cheaper brands use artificial spice flavouring or spice extracts instead of real whole spices. Check the ingredient list. It should mention actual spice names — cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper — not “natural flavouring” or “spice extract.”
3. Freshness and Packaging
Tea loses its aroma and flavour quickly when exposed to air. Look for brands that pack their chai fresh after ordering or use airtight, resealable packaging. Avoid chai that has been sitting on warehouse shelves for months.
4. FSSAI Certification
In India, any food product must have an FSSAI license number on the packaging. This ensures the product meets basic food safety standards. Avoid buying from sellers who do not display this certification.
5. Source Transparency
Trustworthy brands tell you where their tea comes from. Whether it is Assam, Darjeeling, or Dooars, knowing the source helps you judge quality. Brands that are vague about sourcing are usually using low-grade blends.
6. Price vs Value
Extremely cheap masala chai (below Rs 100 for 250gm) is almost always made with dust-grade tea and artificial flavouring. A quality kadak masala chai with real Assam CTC tea and whole spices typically costs between Rs 250 and Rs 400 for 250gm. That is roughly Rs 3 to Rs 5 per cup — far less than any cafe.
Why Chaiolic Kadak Masala Chai Stands Out
We started Chaiolic in Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata in 2021. What began as a small chai kiosk serving IT professionals in the tech hub has grown into a brand that ships premium chai, tea, and coffee across India.
Here is what makes our Kadak Masala Chai different from what you will find elsewhere:
- Garden-fresh Assam CTC tea. We source directly from tea gardens in Assam and Dooars. No middlemen, no warehouse storage. The tea goes from garden to our blending facility to your home.
- Real whole spices. Our masala blend uses actual cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. No artificial flavouring, no spice extracts, no shortcuts.
- Women-led, FSSAI-certified facility. Chaiolic is led by Supti and run by an all-female team. Every batch is blended and packed in our FSSAI-certified facility following strict hygiene standards.
- Freshly packed after your order. We do not pack large batches and store them. Your chai is packed fresh after you place your order, so it reaches you with full aroma and flavour.
- Trusted by 218+ customers. We have a 4.7 Google rating with 218+ happy reviews from customers across Kolkata and India.
- 7-day refund guarantee. If you do not love it within 7 days, we give you a full refund. No questions asked.
Chaiolic Kadak Masala Chai (250gm)
Premium Assam CTC tea blended with real whole spices. Freshly packed. FSSAI certified. Delivered pan-India.
₹299 ₹399Buy Now on Chaiolic
We also offer other products for different preferences:
- Assam Kadak Chai (500gm) — pure Assam CTC without added spices, for those who prefer plain strong chai. Rs 299.
- Royal Indian Masala Chai (250gm) — our premium masala blend with a richer spice profile. Rs 359.
- Darjeeling 1st Flush Tea (100gm) — for those who enjoy light, floral tea without milk. Rs 499.
- Herbal Detox Tea (100gm) — a caffeine-free herbal blend for health-conscious drinkers. Rs 499.
Common Mistakes When Making Masala Chai
Even with good ingredients, these common mistakes can ruin your cup:
- Not boiling the spices long enough. Spices need at least 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water to release their essential oils. Dropping them in at the last minute gives you weak, flavourless chai.
- Using low-fat milk. Full-fat milk creates a creamier, richer chai. Low-fat or toned milk makes the chai taste thin and watery.
- Over-boiling after adding milk. Once milk is added, simmer on low heat. High heat causes the milk to curdle or form a skin on top.
- Using too many cloves. Cloves are powerful. More than 2 cloves for 2 cups will make your chai bitter and overpowering.
- Not straining properly. Always use a fine strainer. Tea leaf particles in your cup ruin the texture and make the chai taste bitter as they continue to steep.
- Using stale tea leaves. Tea older than 6 months loses most of its flavour and aroma. Always check the packaging date and buy from sources that guarantee freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kadak mean in kadak masala chai?
Kadak is a Hindi word that means strong or bold. Kadak masala chai refers to a strong, full-bodied Indian tea brewed with whole spices. The strength comes from using Assam CTC tea leaves, a longer simmering time, and a higher tea-to-water ratio.
Which spices are used in kadak masala chai?
Traditional kadak masala chai uses a combination of cardamom (elaichi), cinnamon (dalchini), cloves (laung), ginger (adrak), and black pepper (kali mirch). Some recipes also include fennel seeds, star anise, or nutmeg depending on regional preferences.
Is kadak masala chai good for health?
When consumed in moderation (2 to 3 cups per day), kadak masala chai offers several health benefits. The spices contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and digestive aids. Ginger and black pepper support digestion, cardamom freshens breath and aids metabolism, and cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Where can I buy authentic kadak masala chai online in India?
You can buy authentic kadak masala chai from brands that source directly from tea gardens and use real whole spices. Chaiolic, based in Kolkata, offers Kadak Masala Chai (250gm) at Rs 299, freshly packed with FSSAI certification, and delivers pan-India.
What is the difference between regular chai and kadak masala chai?
Regular chai is typically made with tea leaves, milk, sugar, and sometimes ginger. Kadak masala chai uses a stronger grade of CTC tea, is simmered longer for a bolder flavour, and includes a blend of multiple whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. The result is a richer, more aromatic, and full-bodied cup.
How many cups can I make from 250gm of masala chai?
Using 2 teaspoons (approximately 4 to 5 grams) per cup, a 250gm pack of Chaiolic Kadak Masala Chai makes approximately 50 to 60 cups. That works out to roughly Rs 5 to Rs 6 per cup.
Can I drink kadak masala chai during pregnancy?
Moderate consumption of masala chai (1 cup per day) is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it is best to consult your doctor. The caffeine content and certain spices like cloves and black pepper should be consumed in limited quantities during pregnancy.
Does Chaiolic deliver outside Kolkata?
Yes. Chaiolic delivers across India. Every order is freshly packed after purchase and shipped safely. You can order directly from chaiolic.com and Instagram
