There is nothing like the warm, creamy comfort of traditional pink chai. Also known as gulabi chai or namkeen chai, this popular Kashmiri drink is recognized not only for its lovely blush-pink color but for its decadent and aromatic flavor from salt, cardamom, and nuts mixed with a base of tea.

Whether you've had it in a Kashmiri family or you just want to try it for the first time, this is the complete guide to making your pink tea at home, with no food coloring or cooking shortcuts.

What is Pink Chai?

Pink tea is normally made with kashmiri green tea leaves (commonly gunpowder tea), which give it color when steeped slowly and carefully. Then combine it with cold water and baking soda. 

Namkeen chai is different from sweet milk tea because it is salty and creamy.

Ingredients :

• 2 tablespoons of green tea
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups water (cold)
• 2 cups milk
• 2-3 green cardamom pods (crushed)

Step-by-Step Method to Make Authentic Pink Chai

Step 1: Boil Green Tea

Boil 2 spoons of green tea leaves in 4 cups of water for 30-40 minutes. This is required to remove the flavor and deep red color basis.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Once your tea has boiled down to about half, you'll need to add ½ tsp baking soda and stir the tea again vigorously. This will turn your water a deep wine red or maroon. This is the chemical reaction that will create the pink in the tea. 

Pro Tip: During this step, whisk the tea with vigor. This adds air to the tea which will enhance the pink later on. 

Step 3: Add Cold Water 

Next, add about 1 cup of ice water. This will help shock the tea and create some stability in the coloring. Continue to mix or whisk for another 5 minutes, completely.

Step 4: Add Milk

Now add 2 cups of milk gradually while continuing to stir with the concentrated tea. You'll see the tea magically turn a pink colour before your eyes and create true gulabi chai. 

Step 5: Season and Serve

At this point, you can choose to add salt if you want a more traditional namkeen chai, or if you want to make a dessert style, then add a little sugar. You can top it with crushed nuts for a rich finish.

Wrapping It Up

While producing this genuine pink chai at home can take some additional time and effort, the result is worth the journey. Between the beautiful blush colour and creamy-rich flavour, traditional gulabi chai provides a sensory experience like no other.