Masala Chai is an Indian spiced tea. The word Masala derives from an Indian word meaning ‘any spice blend’ and the word Chai means ‘tea’ in many languages.

As purveyors of loose leaf tea with over 40 varieties on offer The Merchant Tea & Coffee Company make a unique version of this Indian delight.

The Merchant’s Masala Chai is hand blended here in Perth from a mix of Indian Black Tea, cinnamon quills, cloves, cardamon pods, nutmeg and ginger.

The Merchant’s popular Masala Chai Lattes are made by mixing the loose leaf Masala Chai tea with extra cinnamon, cardamon and a pinch of raw sugar, which brings out the spice flavour seeping it in boiling water before being straining and cooled.

Half of the above concentrate is then added to half milk, traditionally soy milk, heated and sprinkled with cinnamon.

The use of loose leaf tea, as opposed to the commonly used chai syrups, ensures that the Merchant’s Masala Chai is full of natural health benefits which include aiding in digestion, producing a warm soothing effect and ultimately resulting in a sense of well being.  

The Merchant’s Masala Chai blend is available in house or to take away.

SPICES USED TO MAKE MASALA CHAI

Cardamom – A fragrant spice that comes in two varieties: green and black. Green cardamom is used for chai. Cardamom in known for its digestive properties and was believed to be effective with the ancient Indians for obesity while the Arabs used it as an aphrodisiac.

Cinnamon – A common spice but usually used in ground form. Cinnamon should be used in chunk or stick form for chai. Cinnamon is renowned for being used as an anti clotting agent for blood and also helps people with type 2 diabetes to normalise blood sugar levels. 

Cloves - only whole cloves should be used for chai. Cloves have a strong aromatic flavour and aroma

Ginger - Ginger is a root that should be purchased fresh. Ginger has a pungent, almost citrus flavor with warming effects.

Nutmeg – adds a nutty warn and slightly sweet flavour