Chai latte: spicy autumn comfort in a cup

Can you feel the autumn chill creeping in? Then there are few things that beat a cup of piping hot chai tea. Chai is a spicy, aromatic tea from India that really warms the body and tastes wonderful when it's cold outside. In Norway, chai tea has become very popular in the fall and winter, and it's not hard to see why – the rich blend of spices and tea provides both warmth, comfort and energy in the dark.

What exactly are chai and chai latte?

Chai (pronounced “tchai”) actually just means “tea”. When we say chai tea, we mean a specific type of spiced Indian tea (masala chai) that is traditionally made by boiling black tea with a harmonious blend of spices. A classic chai recipe often contains ginger, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper. These spices give a rich, sweet and spicy taste that warms the soul. In India, chai is often prepared with milk and plenty of sugar to enhance the spicy flavors, and many families have their own unique twists on the recipe. The result is a warming drink full of aroma and flavor.

Many people may have first encountered chai through the café favorite chai latte . It is basically the same spiced tea, but mixed with steamed milk and often sweetened – like a spiced tea variant of caffè latte. The creamy chai latte has taken café-goers by storm, but did you know that chai latte can be easily made at home too? Yes, you don't need fancy equipment – ​​you can easily make chai latte yourself at home. Brew an extra strong cup of chai (for example, use twice as much tea as usual in half the amount of water), and fill the cup with hot milk. Season with a little honey or sugar, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. Voila, and you have a lovely homemade chai latte to enjoy under a blanket on the sofa.

Our favorite chai tea blends

At Norges Tehus we are passionate about chai, and we have developed several organic varieties so that you can find your favorite. Whether you prefer classic masala or new exciting flavors, we have a chai for every taste. Here are some of our recommended chai blends this fall:

Masala Chai (the classic): Our best-selling chai blend and the very essence of chai tea. This traditional masala chai is made with strong black tea and the classic spices of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and ginger. It makes for a robust and spicy brew that tastes great both black and with milk. Masala Chai is the perfect base for an authentic chai latte, and it has even won international awards – we received two gold stars for this tea at a major tasting competition in England. In other words, a safe choice for those who want to experience real, award-winning chai.

Vanilla Mint Chai (exotic freshness): This unique chai tea tastes as exotic as it sounds – a full-bodied, balanced brew with prominent vanilla and subtle mint flavors in the background. Finally, a slight spicy kick comes, as a chai should have. The base is a dark, aged pu-erh tea that gives extra depth, combined with cocoa shells, cinnamon, peppermint and licorice root, among other things. The result is a round and pleasant chai where the sweetness of the vanilla meets the freshness of mint. Vanilla Mint Chai has actually been awarded a gold star in an international tea competition – a seal of quality that the blend really hits the mark with tea enthusiasts.

Chocolate Chai (for those with a sweet tooth): For those who love chocolate, this chai variant is right up their alley. Chocolate Chai is an alternative chai blend that is a little milder and less spicy than the original, but still rich in cocoa flavor. We've blended black tea with cocoa nibs, coconut flakes and a hint of licorice root - an unbeatable combination for a rich chocolate tea. Spices like cinnamon and cloves are of course in the mix to give the characteristic chai warmth, but it's the deep chocolate flavor that dominates. If you make a latte with Chocolate Chai, you may never want to drink regular cocoa again! This blend is perfect when you want something sweet and spicy at the same time, for example as an after-dinner dessert tea.

Decaffeinated Masala Chai (Evening): Chai doesn't have to be caffeine-free to taste great. Our decaffeinated masala chai gives you the full chai experience without the caffeine. To achieve this, we've replaced the black tea with rooibos, but kept all the classic chai spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and ginger. This means you can enjoy a cup of spicy masala chai by your bedside without worrying about your night's sleep. It's brewed and drunk in the same way as regular chai - with or without milk and sweetener of your choice. Decaffeinated Masala Chai is a great option if you want to indulge in chai all day long, even late at night.

As you can see, there’s a chai for every taste and occasion – from the robust, classic chai tea to creative twists with vanilla, mint or chocolate. All varieties offer the delicious warmth and aromatic sweetness that chai is known for. It’s even said that a cup of chai latte can help fight colds, thanks to spices like ginger and chili. If nothing else, the scent and taste of spiced tea do wonders for your mood as the autumn darkness descends.

Now that you have these options of chai blends, it's time to check out our simple recipe on how to make a great chai latte here.

Fall is chai season, so find your favorite cup and brew yourself a delicious chai tea! Whether you go for a classic Masala Chai latte or explore new flavors, you will get an aromatic experience that truly warms body and soul. At Norges Tehus you will find all these chai blends (and more), so you can easily fill your autumn with spicy tea. So turn on the water, add spices and tea – and enjoy perhaps the most pleasant drink of autumn 💛🍂.