Best Indian Tea / Infusion Types
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Chai masala is an aromatic beverage originating from India. It is made with a combination of sweetened black tea and milk that is spiced with a masala mix—which typically includes cardamom, ground ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns.
However, the choice and the exact proportion of spices often vary. Although there are several theories that claim otherwise, the origin of chai masala is mostly associated with the British tea trade. In the 19th century, the Chinese had a monopoly on the tea trade, and the British looked for other markets that would fulfill the high demand for black tea—which was a firm European favorite.
THE BEST Chai masala Teas
This prestigious tea was named after the Indian city of Darjeeling, the center of Bengali tea cultivation and once the starting point of a caravan route to Tibet. Even today this ancient city is still best known for the very best quality tea of the same name.
The tea cultivation in the West Bengal Darjeeling district goes back to Englishman Arthur Campbell (1805-1874) who experimented with different types of tea in his private garden in the wider Darjeeling area. This led to establishing the Darjeeling Company in 1864 which was renamed in 1896 to Darjeeling Consolidated Tea Company.
Assam is a type of Indian black tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis var. assamica. This tea is only produced in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam. In the past, Assam tea was mainly thought of as a mass-produced black tea, but artisanal-produced high-quality teas are becoming more prominent.
Assam tea is distinguished for its strong earthy and malty flavor, though the final character largely depends on the harvesting cycle. The first harvests result in lighter, fruit-forward teas, and the second harvest will usually provide full-bodied and malty brews.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Sulaimani chai or Sulaimani tea is a popular spiced tea from the Malabar region of Kerala, India, as well as parts of the Middle East.
In its most basic form, Sulaimani tea is prepared by brewing black tea with water and then flavoring it with lemon juice, a bit of sugar or honey to taste, and sometimes a few leaves of mint. However, variations of the recipe can include spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, or a pinch of black pepper, making it a versatile beverage that can be adapted according to personal preference.
The name "Sulaimani" is Arabic in origin, and the tea is deeply rooted in the Muslim cuisine of the Malabar coast, often served after meals as a digestive aid.
Cultivated and grown at the foot of the Himalayas for hundreds of years, in small family-owned tea gardens at the border between India, Kashmir and China where it seems time has stopped, the famous Kangra tea is either green or black tea produced in relatively small amounts and used mainly in blends, very often for the so-called Kashmiri chai.
While Kangra green tea is light and fresh, with a touch of earthiness and nuts, Kangra black tea from the early spring harvest produces a bright, tangy cup and is somewhat reminiscent of first flush Darjeeling. Kangra teas taste fragrant and fresh with hints of earthiness, a little bitterness and an intense, long-lasting finish.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Noon chai is a tea-based beverage that has its origins in Kashmir. It is made with green tea that is brewed and then mixed with a pinch of salt, baking soda, and optionally milk. Although it is not traditional, sugar can be used as a sweetener.
This tea is distinguished for its pink hue—which is achieved with the addition of baking soda, and apart from the basic ingredients, it can also incorporate crushed nuts, herbs, or dried fruit. Noon chai is popular in many other regions that have a large Kashmir population.
Best Indian Tea / Infusion Producers
Makaibari Tea is a renowned tea producer located in the West Bengal, India, celebrated for its high-quality, organic teas. Established in 1859, Makaibari is the world's first tea factory and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
The company produces a variety of exquisite teas, including black, white, green, and oolong teas, all crafted using traditional methods. Makaibari's unique approach to tea cultivation integrates organic farming with biodynamic practices, ensuring the preservation of the environment while delivering superior flavor profiles.
BEST Makaibari Tea Estate Teas and Herbal Infusions
Halmari Tea is a renowned tea producer from Assam, India, recognized for its premium-quality Assam black teas. Situated in the lush tea gardens of Assam, the estate has a rich history of over 100 years of tea cultivation and production. Known for its focus on producing fine teas, Halmari Tea has earned a reputation among tea enthusiasts worldwide for its exquisite quality and exceptional flavor profiles.
In addition to their traditional black teas, Halmari also produces flavored teas, blended teas, and Masala Chai. These offerings allow tea drinkers to explore a variety of flavors and experiences, from spiced blends to smooth, aromatic orthodox teas.
AWARDS
Global Tea Championship - Winner
2019, 2017
BEST Halmari Tea Estate Teas and Herbal Infusions
Glenburn Fine Tea is a brand that offers high-quality teas produced on plantations located in Darjeeling, India, and Tinsukia, Assam. This brand is known for its tea production tradition, passed down through generations, and the teas they offer reflect the richness of flavors and unique characteristics of these regions.
Glenburn Fine Tea focuses on producing premium black, green, and white teas, carefully selected and produced using ecological and sustainable farming practices. The plantations where the tea is grown are located at high altitudes, contributing to the specific taste that is mild, fruity, and aromatic.
BEST Glenburn Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Rujani Tea is a premium tea brand from India that offers high-quality teas produced in various tea-growing regions across the country. The brand is known for its wide range of teas, including black, green, white, and specialty teas, all carefully selected to provide rich and aromatic flavors.
Rujani Tea prides itself on its commitment to sustainable farming practices. They work closely with local farmers to ensure that the tea is produced in an environmentally friendly way, adhering to fair trade principles and responsibility toward the environment.
BEST Rujani Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Vahdam Teas is a premium brand that brings the finest teas from India directly to your cup. Known for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, Vahdam offers a wide selection of handpicked teas that range from classic black and green teas to vibrant herbal infusions and chai blends.
Their teas are sourced from the top tea estates in India, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Vahdam also places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, fair trade practices, and environmental responsibility, making every cup a mindful choice.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Vahdam Teas and Herbal Infusions
Goodricke Tea is a leading tea company based in India, renowned for its premium tea blends sourced from the lush estates of Darjeeling, Assam, and Dooars. With a rich history in tea production, Goodricke owns 29 tea gardens and factories across these regions, providing a wide range of black, green, organic, and white teas.
The company prides itself on producing single-estate, high-quality teas, with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Their Darjeeling teas are particularly celebrated for their muscatel notes and exceptional quality, while their Assam and Dooars teas are known for their robust and malty flavors.
BEST Goodricke Teas and Herbal Infusions
Best Indian Teas and Herbal Infusions
Halmari Gold Assam is a premium black tea made from the finest tea leaves with golden tips. This tea comes from one of the most renowned tea estates in Assam, India, Halmari Tea Estate, which is known for its exceptional quality and over 100 years of tea production tradition.
The tea is recognized for its maltiness and light red liquor, with a rich, luxurious flavor that is favored by tea connoisseurs. For preparation, it is recommended to place the tea bag in hot water and let it steep for 3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to fully unfold.
Silver Tips Imperial by Makaibari is an exquisite semi-fermented oolong tea. Sourced from the world’s first biodynamic tea estate, this tea is carefully plucked only during the full moon, a practice that enhances its flavor profile. The tea undergoes production in five full moon cycles, ensuring a unique, limited harvest.
Known for its delicate and light liquoring, it has subtle vegetal notes balanced by a sublime sweetness and soft peony aroma. Silver Tips Imperial is celebrated for its relaxing and anti-aging properties, making it an ideal choice for evening consumption.
Halmari Gold GTGFOP1 Clonal Tea is a premium black tea from Halmari Tea Estate, renowned for its high quality. The tea is made from hand-picked leaves with pubescent buds, providing a bright and honey-colored liquor with a fresh, natural taste. It has won multiple awards, including the North American Tea Championship and the Global Tea Championship for the best Orthodox black tea.
These tea bags come in high-quality Japanese fuzzo nylon pyramid bags, ensuring optimal flavor extraction. For preparation, steep one tea bag in warm water for about 3 minutes for a refreshing cup of tea, which can be enjoyed on its own or with a dash of milk.
AWARDS
Global Tea Championship - Winner
2019, 2017
Rujani Second Flush is a premium black tea from the Indian region of Assam. This tea is classified as FTGFOP (Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe), which indicates high-quality tea with golden tips and a distinctive, rich flavor. Second Flush refers to the tea being harvested during the second plucking, which typically takes place in June and July, when the tea leaves are more mature, resulting in a fuller and richer flavor compared to the first flush.
Rujani Second Flush Assam has a bold, strong taste with subtle notes of honey and spices, along with a pronounced "malty" character that is typical of Assam teas. This tea is known for its full-bodied and smooth texture, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the day.
Vahdam Teas offers a Turmeric Spice Herbal Tea that is known for its blend of premium turmeric root combined with other natural spices. This herbal tea is caffeine-free and is often praised for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties due to the curcumin content in turmeric.
The tea is typically enjoyed for its warm, slightly earthy flavor with hints of spice, making it a comforting beverage choice. The brand emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that their teas are produced in a way that supports both the environment and the farmers.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Okayti Premium Darjeeling First Flush Black Tea is a distinguished offering by Vahdam. This tea is harvested during the first flush of the year, which typically occurs in early spring, capturing the fresh and lively essence of the new leaves. Known for its bright, floral characteristics and delicate golden liquor, it offers a uniquely nuanced and aromatic tasting experience.
The Okayti Estate, from which this tea hails, is celebrated for producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Glenburn Moonshine Tea is a premium tea offered by Glenburn Tea, renowned for its exquisite quality and unique flavor profile. Sourced from the high-altitude plantations in Darjeeling, India, this particular tea is harvested during the exclusive Moonshine season, which takes place in the early spring.
The "Moonshine" term refers to a special picking that occurs during the first flush, where the young tea buds are carefully plucked before the full bloom, capturing the freshest and most delicate flavors. This Darjeeling Moonshine Tea offers a light, yet complex cup with a refreshing and aromatic taste.
This premium Darjeeling black tea is known for its unique Muscatel flavor, often referred to as "the Champagne of teas", due to its rare and celebrated taste. The tea is made from the estate's over-100-year-old Chinary tea bushes and is hand-picked for the highest quality.
It is harvested from specific areas of the estate to ensure the distinct sweet, musky flavor. With its rich, fragrant, and musky top notes, this tea offers a refined, sweet wine-like experience.
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