New Delhi: The hot cup of tea of most Indians, the Chai Masala, or Masala Chai as we know it, has secured the title of the second-best non-alcoholic beverage of 2023, according to the online food guide TasteAtlas.
Scoring a double rank, it also topped the “Best Foods and Drinks in India” list, underscoring the significant role of Chai Masala in Indian cuisine and culture.
Announcing the win on Instagram, the food guide described the beverage in the caption, saying, “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.”
About its much-debated origin, the guide highlighted the link of the origin 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 post explained.
In the global ranking, Chai Masala was positioned third, following Hong Kong-style Milk Tea and Aguas Frescas from Mexico.
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