Noon chai

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.

It is consumed on special occasions as well as a regular daily refreshment. Interestingly, the word noon refers to the Kashmiri expression for salt.