Classic Homemade Milk Tea Recipe (Indian-Style Chai)

Milk tea, also lovingly called chai, is one of the most comforting and popular beverages enjoyed across homes. Whether it’s a slow morning, a rainy afternoon, or a moment shared with family and friends, a cup of hot milk tea instantly refreshes the mind and body. This simple yet flavorful recipe uses basic ingredients and a traditional method to give you a perfectly balanced cup of chai with a rich colour, strong aroma, and soothing taste.

This recipe is easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and does not require any special equipment. With a few small tips, you can customise it according to your taste and make café-style milk tea at home.

Classic Homemade Milk Tea Recipe (Indian-Style Chai)

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 1 people

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup water
• 3 teaspoons sugar adjust to taste
• 2 teaspoons tea leaves black tea
• 1 cup milk
• Serves 1–2 cups depending on cup size

Method

 

1. Start by placing a saucepan on the stove. Add ½ cup of water to the pan and turn the flame to medium heat. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. This step is important because properly boiled water helps extract the full flavor from the tea leaves.
2. Once the water starts boiling, add 3 teaspoons of sugar to the saucepan. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Now add 2 teaspoons of tea leaves to the boiling water.
3. Lower the flame slightly and let the tea cook on low to medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, the water will change color and release a strong tea aroma.
4. Cooking tea leaves directly in water allows their flavor, color, and caffeine to release properly before milk is added.
5. Now add 1 cup of milk to the tea mixture. Stir well so that the milk and tea blend evenly. Keep the flame on low heat and allow the tea to slowly heat up.
6. Do not increase the flame at this stage, as high heat can cause the milk to burn or overflow.
7. When the tea begins to rise and comes to a gentle boil, reduce the flame to very low. Let the tea simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking process enhances the flavor and gives the tea a rich, creamy texture.
8. You will notice a deeper brown color, a thicker consistency, strong, pleasant aroma.
9. Once the tea is well cooked, turn off the flame. Using a strainer (chhalni), strain the hot tea directly into cups. This removes the tea leaves and gives you a smooth, clean cup of chai.
10. Serve the milk tea hot with biscuits or cake. It pairs wonderfully with simple snacks like butter biscuits, rusk, or plain sponge cake.

Notes

Tip:

Always use fresh, clean drinking water. Avoid reheated or previously boiled water, as it can affect the taste of the tea.

If you prefer strong tea, you can let it boil for an extra 30–60 seconds.

For lighter tea, reduce the tea leaves slightly.

Stir once or twice during simmering to prevent milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Also read: Banana milkshake recipe

Helpful Tips for Perfect Milk Tea

Milk-to-Water Ratio

The 1:½ milk-to-water ratio gives a rich and creamy tea. If you prefer lighter tea, you can increase the water slightly.

Choosing Tea Leaves

Use good-quality black tea leaves for best results. Strong tea blends work especially well for milk tea.

Adjust Sweetness

Sugar quantity can be adjusted based on personal preference. You can also use jaggery or brown sugar, but add them carefully as they change the flavour.

Do Not Overboil

Overboiling tea for too long can make it bitter. Always keep the flame low after adding milk.

Consistency Matters

If the tea becomes too thick, add a little hot water or milk and simmer for one more minute.

Fresh Is Best

Milk tea tastes best when freshly made. Avoid reheating, as it can dull the flavour.

Optional Variations (If You Like)

Add a small piece of ginger for ginger tea

Add cardamom for a mild, aromatic flavour

Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth

(These are optional and not required for the basic recipe.)

Final Thoughts

This classic milk tea recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for daily use. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a delicious cup of homemade chai anytime. The slow simmering method brings out deep flavour and creates a tea that feels both refreshing and relaxing.

Enjoy your hot cup of tea with biscuits or cake, and take a peaceful break from your day. ☕