Kashmiri Tea, Kashmiri Noon Chai, often recognized by its enchanting pink color and comforting creaminess, is a traditional Kashmiri beverage enjoyed especially during winter mornings and festive gatherings. Unlike regular chai, this tea is prepared through a longer simmering process that deepens flavor, strengthens aroma, and helps create its signature rosy shade.
The combination of Kashmiri tea, spices, milk, and a pinch of baking soda produces a drink that is rich, earthy, and soothing. Whether served with nuts or plain, this tea brings warmth and elegance to every cup.
Ingredient Breakdown of Kashmiri Tea
The ingredients for Kashmiri Tea work together to build depth, color, and creaminess. Kashmiri tea leaves act as the base, releasing strong tannins needed for the pink transformation.
A pinch of baking soda intensifies the reaction that helps develop the color, while whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise infuse aroma and warmth. Full-fat milk adds a smooth, creamy texture, and sugar or salt can be added depending on whether you enjoy the sweeter version or the authentic salty “Noon Chai.” Each ingredient contributes subtly yet essentially to the final flavor.
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Required Tools & Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan
- Whisk or ladle for aeration
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Serving cups or mugs
Prep Work before Cooking of Kashmiri Tea
- Gather all ingredients: Kashmiri tea, spices, baking soda, milk, and sugar or salt.
- Lightly crush cardamom pods to release their aroma while keeping other spices whole.
- Warm the milk slightly or bring it to room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Set aside a whisk or ladle for aeration during the color-developing stage.
- Keep extra cold water ready in a small bowl for the aeration step.
- Place your strainer and serving cups near the cooking area for easy access.
Tea-Making Timeline
| Step | Duration | Description |
| Initial simmering | 20–25 mins | Tea deepens, tannins release |
| Baking soda stage | 1–2 mins | Color reaction begins |
| Aeration | 3–5 mins | Helps develop pink color |
| Adding milk | 5–7 mins | Produces smooth creaminess |
| Final steep | 2–3 mins | Balances flavor |
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide of Kashmiri Tea
- Bring 4–5 cups of water to a boil and add the Kashmiri green tea along with cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the water turns deep reddish-brown.
- Add a pinch of baking soda; the tea will foam and darken—stir gently and carefully.
- Pour in a small amount of cold water and whisk rapidly to help create the signature pink tone.
- Repeat whisking once or twice until the tea reaches a purplish-pink shade.
- Slowly add warm milk and continue simmering on low heat to allow color and flavor to develop.
- Add sugar for a sweet version or a pinch of salt for traditional Noon Chai.
- Strain into cups and garnish with crushed pistachios or almonds.
How to Serve It Best
- Serve hot in glass cups or traditional Kashmiri bowls
- Top with crushed pistachios, almonds, or a pinch of cardamom
- Pair with plain biscuits or Kashmiri breads like Lavasa or Girda
- Serve during winter evenings, gatherings, or teatime
- Enjoy as a festive drink for special occasions
Helpful Tips & Flavor Variations
- Use authentic Kashmiri green tea for the best color and taste.
- Don’t add too much baking soda—use only a pinch to avoid bitterness.
- Aeration (whisking) is essential for achieving the correct pink hue.
- Full-fat milk produces the richest, creamiest texture.
- For a sweeter tea, add sugar; for traditional flavor, add salt.
- Add saffron for an aromatic festive twist.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
| Kashmiri Green Tea | 2 tbsp | Provides color & flavor |
| Water | 4–5 cups | Brew base |
| Baking Soda | A pinch | Color reaction |
| Full-Fat Milk | 1.5–2 cups | Creaminess |
| Cardamom Pods | 4–5 | Aroma & warmth |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 small | Flavor |
| Star Anise | 1 | Traditional spice note |
| Sugar or Salt | To taste | Sweet or salty finish |
Nutritional Info (Approx. per cup)
- Calories: 130–150
- Protein: 4–6g
- Carbs: 10–12g
- Fat: 6–8g
- High in antioxidants from green tea
Final Thoughts
Kashmiri Pink Tea is more than just a beverage, it’s a soothing ritual that brings warmth, fragrance, and beauty to your cup. The careful simmering, aeration, and milk infusion create a creamy and aromatic drink perfect for winter moments or special gatherings.
Its elegant color and rich flavor make it a standout choice for anyone who enjoys meaningful, slow-cooked teas.
Conclusion
By following this step-by-step recipe with the correct balance of brewing, whisking, and simmering, you can easily recreate authentic Kashmiri Noon Chai at home.
With practice, your tea will develop a deeper pink hue, smoother texture, and richer aroma each time. Serve it fresh, enjoy it warm, and savor the timeless tradition in every sip.
