What Makes Desi Chai "Extra Bold"

Authentic desi chai isn't just about spices—it's about creating a robust, intensely flavorful brew that withstands the addition of milk and sweetener. Our Extra Bold blend delivers this experience through two key elements:

Premium Assam CTC Tea

We use authentic Assam CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea—the preferred tea style in India for making chai. Unlike loose-leaf tea, CTC is processed to release tannins quickly, creating the deep, malty foundation that defines real desi chai. This robust tea base:

• Releases Intense Flavor: The CTC process creates tiny, dense tea pellets that rapidly release their strong flavor during brewing.
• Maintains Character with Milk: The concentrated tannins stand up to milk without weakening, unlike delicate loose-leaf teas that become muted.
• Develops Rich Color: Creates the signature deep reddish-brown hue that authentic chai is known for.

Perfectly Balanced Spices

Our ground spice blend is carefully calibrated to complement the strong Assam base:

• Higher Spice-to-Tea Ratio: We use a more generous proportion of spices compared to standard chai, creating a bolder flavor profile.
• Emphasis on Warming Spices: Our blend leans into ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon—the spices that deliver the signature warming sensation of authentic desi chai.
• Ground for Maximum Extraction: Our finely ground spices release their full flavor during the short brew time, ensuring no subtlety is lost.

The result is a bold, aromatic chai experience that captures the authentic taste of chai stalls across India—strong enough to wake you up and warming enough to comfort you throughout the day.

From Our Chai Wallah to Your Cup

This authentic Desi Chai Blend was developed by our founder after years of studying with chai wallahs across India. The same beloved recipe has been served in our East Village location since 1989, and now in our Williamsburg and Crown Heights shops—bringing the true taste of Indian street chai to New York City, one cup at a time.