What is the spiciest, most robust, flavorful CHAI tea you've tried?
What is the spiciest, most robust, full flavored chai you’ve tried?
Tipu. I had the Slow Brew version. The thing that really put me off about it was that the mix was a coarse powder, like spices in the kitchen. I really prefer my chais to be whole pieces for ease of straining at the end.
There’s only one chai for me. It’s brewed by a little metaphysical shop called Books, Beans, and Candles in Birmingham, AL. It’s pretty much the only chai I’ve ever bought, and though I live in Louisiana, I will drive up to Birmingham to restock on this tea (because they don’t sell it through their website D:).
Every other chai I’ve ever tasted, bagged or no, tastes like they put way too much star anise. While I don’t imagine chai would be very good without that particular spice, I’m not a fan of licorice, so when I taste too much of the star anise, it ruins the whole thing. (Teavana’s Masala Chai is definitely guilty of this.) However, the BB&C chai is cinnamon/clove/cardamom central, and just perfect for me. It probably wouldn’t fit your tastes, SimplyJenW, because it does tend to be in rather small crumbs. Sometimes when I brew this one I have to go back to the way I used to brew tea (which was to use the press-n-seal tea bags) because they keep all the crumbs out. It’s infinitely worth it, though. Spicy, zingy, quality black tea. Now I’ve made myself in the mood for some. wanders off to heat the milk
Awwww seriously? I lived in Birmingham half my life and never knew a place like that existed! I feel like I missed out now, hah.
It’s not a place you might normally go to get tea, heh… It’s primarily a metaphysical shop, with a little snacks area inside, because it tends to turn into a hangout or lair for its regulars. It’s quite a hotspot, if you happen to be pagan. Incidentally, I’m not pagan, but my best friend is, and BB&C is kind of her home-away-from-home. That’s how I discovered the tea. :)
I have had Chai teas in bag from The Teaman’s specialty tea blends which I liked quite a bit; the cardamon, cinnamon, clove and ginger notes mixed nicely. Then I received from Enjoying Tea, their samplers of Lemon Grass Chai and their Indian Mocha Chai; I like the Grass Chai best and this is because I am partial to all thing grassy. And the mocha chai could be more chocolate.
I hope to one day try 52teas Marsala Chai since this seems like it might be very chocolate in flavoring. A chai tasting like an old fashioned cup of hot chocolate would become the chai of all chais.
Another vote for Tipu’s! I’ve had lots of Chai teas, and if you can’t make it from scratch, I think their version is best.
for me, it is a perfect blend of spices- I can taste the cardamom, but it’s not overpowering, I also taste ginger, cinnamon, clove, and pepper. The ginger and pepper leave a nice ‘hum’ on the palate. It’s a warming and comforting blend. Compared to the other chai teas I’ve tasted, this one tastes the most authentic (if you are looking for authentic). You need to add your own milk and sweetener, which I thinks works better than other powdered blends that use a dairy and sweet element already added in.
Saigon Chai from DAVIDS…the Saigon cinnamon and the pink peppercorns give it a nice kick!
I’ve had every chai I could get my hands on – and my favorite is Teavana’s blend, with some tweaking. I take their Chai/Chai Blend and add my own cinnamon and other mulled spices to make a delish cuppa. I’d love to share some if you’re interested!
In my opinion, the best option is using your favourite orange pekoe and then adding some crushed fresh ginger, cloves, cardamom and a dash of cinnamon and simmering. Nothing beats a traditional cup of Indian chai just like momma used to make!
Hey there! Our Soho Chai Tea is spicy, rich, and sweet! Check it out—it’s one of our favorites.
Starbuck’s Tazo Chai Tea Latte. It was surprisingly spicy and delicious! The grande size seems to yield the best tea to water to milk ratio, in my opinion.
Starbucks Chai is my chai away from home… and one of my guiltiest pleasures (soooOoOoOo maaaAnNyYyY caaaaloriiiiiiiiessss). It’s delicious and cold and sweet and comes with whipped cream and cinnamon on top. I am slightly sad about the fact that it gets diluted near the end of the drink, but the flavor of the chai is so spicy and creamy initially. It’s a very yummy treat for yourself. I’ve used it as self-motivation more times than I can count. “If I manage to call all of these people this morning, I’ll go get a chai frappe.” “After I finish and turn in this paper, I’ll go get a chai frappe.” XD
The first chai I’ve ever tried was at Teaism, so whenever I make it at home, I try to reach for that level of chai-ness. Theirs is heavier on the cardamom. I also love Radiance’s milk ginger tea, but I guess it’s not a chai per se. At home, I take a chai blend and add peppercorns, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, fennel, and fresh ginger. Brown sugar gives it a nice touch.
From the box, Tazo is surprisingly spicy, as was Mighty Leaf’s, but theirs has a heavier hint of anise.
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