Indian Tea Tasting: Bombay Chai

Submitted by India Week on Wed 07/03/12

For India Week, we will be trying a different blend of Indian Tea every day of the week and giving our own opinions of it, as well as a little of the history. Today's tea is Bombay Chai.

Day Three of our little journey through Indian teas has brought us to Bombay Chai. Bombay Chai is a little more complicated than the Darjeeling and Assam of the first two days of the week. Instead of coming from just a single type of tea plant, it is a blend of black teas (yesterday's Assam included), which is then infused with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger and black pepper. All of which gives it far stronger and spicier flavour than any normal tea.

Generally drank with milk and sugar, the strong flavours of the spices are softened and made gentler by the milk. Equally, the sugar adds a further flavour into the already complicated mix with its sweetness, but its all works well together.

Although the word ‘chai' is simply a generic term for ‘tea' in many European and Asian languages, it has come to be synonymous with spiced teas in Britain. Masala Chai is the most popular spiced tea and can nowadays be found in most trendy coffee and tea shops and cafes. Bombay Chai is simply a variation of the spiced Masala Chai.

Overall, Bombay Chai is definitely more of an acquired taste compared to the far fresher Darjeeling and less spiced Assam, but it is this strong flavour that also gives it its unique quality. Definitely worth a try even if you decide you don't like it.

EIC We got our tea from The East India Company which offers a selection of fine teas, coffees, chocolates and gourmet gifts, representing flavours from around the world. As a special offer, you can get a free Mukhwas Chocolate bar with any purchase over £20 during India Week. Simply use the exclusive code: 'indiaweek' when shopping at eicfinefoods.com.