Cutting Chai Recipe: The one we get on Mumbai's streets

Making tea is no big deal. It is made daily in almost every household in India. But the flavour and taste of the 'Cutting Chai' available across thousands of stalls located on Mumbai's streets is something else. You won't find such a taste in any of those big restaurants or cafes.

So, making tea might be easy but making 'Cutting Chai' isn't everybody's cup of tea [pun intended]. I have been having 'Cutting Chai' on the roads ever since I was in school, which is almost 20 years ago.

After observing their way of making the tea, I started making it at home. Ever since that day I have been making a separate tea for myself. The simple tea made at my place is not my cup of tea.

So here's a simple procedure or recipe that can help you make that 'Cutting Chai' at your place. This is more useful in the current times of the lockdown where one is devoid of the 'Cutting Chai' at stalls.

Here's a step-by-step guide to make 1 cup of this kind of tea:

-- Take a little over half cup of water and start boiling it

-- Add little over 1 spoon of tea power and sugar as per your need

-- Add grated ginger to it. I know we can use mashed ginger as well but that won't give you the desirable taste. In fact, adding grated ginger is the most important ingredient to make this type of tea.

-- You can add elaichi (cardamom) as well if you wish to add more flavours. If you have acidity related issues, it is advisable to only put elaichi.

-- Keep stirring it in between. It's important to mix the ingredients well. You might have observed chai walas do this regularly because it's an important step in order to bring that specific taste.

-- Add half a cup of milk. If you prefer a stronger tea, add a little lesser milk.

-- Stir it again. At this stage it is all the more important to stir as the milk might not mix well with other ingredients

That's it. You are all set to enjoy the deliciousness of 'Cutting Chai' even in the lockdown.

By: Keyur Seta

Also see: 5 types of Chai available on Mumbai's streets