Spilling the tea on the history of chai.

 By Rahma Rifkhan

As the hot water seeps in through the tea leaves, the aroma of rich spices fills the air. A perfect harmony of flavours rings in every single sip. The fiery boldness of the ginger is complemented by the persistent sweetness of the cardamom, enhanced by the edge of the peppercorns and completed by the cinnamon’s earthiness. Along with the fragrant spices and frothy milk brews the tale of Chai: A bitter-sweet story of how this exotic beverage was discovered.

Indian masala chai tea. Spiced tea with milk on the rustic wooden table. Horizontal permission. Selective focus. Copy space.

This steaming cup of Chai, which is now the subject of countless Instagram stories has a dark past steeped in tales of British Colonialism and Indian Rebellion.  Chinese tea was all the fire among the Brits in the 1650s. Wanting to overthrow the Chinese-dominated tea trade, The British started looking elsewhere to grow tea. This is when they stumbled upon the lush lands of Assam, a northeastern state in India, where tea bushes grew wild. In the late 1830s, the first tea plantations were established and the British got wealthier while the locals laboured on.  Under harsh working conditions, constant abuse and inhuman treatment; India’s tea Industry was born.

In the early 1900s, the British started a major marketing campaign to promote the tea-drinking culture within India. They introduced tea breaks, gave away free cups at gatherings and set up stalls nation-wide. However, there was a problem: black tea was expensive. In an attempt to lower the cost, local tea-vendors started adding spices, milk and sugar to the mix, against British recommendations. From this single act of rebellion decades ago, came forth something loved by millions today. 

As India entered the 1960s, industrialised production of black tea made Chai even more affordable and so, its popularity soared, capturing the hearts of an entire nation. This is the story of how Masala Chai began.

Tea has been an integral part of Lankan heritage and culture, dating all the way back to the era of British rule. Masala Chai, however, was enjoyed quietly in different corners of our island until recently, when it took the country by storm thanks to social media. Instagram posts and Snapchat stories of Chai complementing sunrises and sunsets; late nights and early-mornings; friend groups and family gatherings have ignited a Chai-craze among the Lankan crowd. Multiple Chai-selling spots that keep popping up all over Colombo has definitely added to this.

If all this Chai talk has you craving for a steaming cup of spicy-goodness, here are some local spots you can hit!

Chaiwala Colombo           –       No-33 Frankfort Pl, Colombo 04

Unu Unu Tea Express     –       No- 27 Jaya Rd, Colombo 04

Karak                             –       No- 377 A, Galle Rd, Colombo 03

Bombay Chaiwala         –      No- 418, R.A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03

The art of Chai has been passed down many  generations, seeped in culture and heritage through centuries. There is no single recipe for this unique infusion. From family to family, town to town and country to country, the recipe differs but one thing stays constant. Wherever a cup of Chai is shared, it never fails to bring people together for a few moments of shared joy in a world of uncertainty.

So, here’s to Chai: The drink that connects crowds across continents.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide