Masala Chai has clinched the title of the second-best non-alcoholic beverage in 2023, as per the rankings from TasteAtlas, the online food guide. Impressively, it not only secured this position but also asserted its dominance by topping the “Best Foods and Drinks in India” list. This dual recognition highlights the paramount role that Masala Chai plays in both the culinary landscape and cultural fabric of India.
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.”
Talking about its much-debated origin, the guide highlighted the link of the origin with 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.
Masala Chai claimed the third spot in the global rankings, trailing behind Hong Kong-style Milk Tea and Aguas Frescas from Mexico.
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