Chai is more than just a drink to an Indian tea enthusiast; it's a feeling. For millennia, Indian homes have relied on the calming combination of black tea, milk, sugar, and spices. However, with so many different tea traditions in the world, it's time to expand our horizons and explore more than just chai. Every cup of tea from around the world offers fresh scents, health advantages, and tales, from the subtle flowery notes of Chinese oolong to the smoky allure of Russian caravan tea.

On this International Tea Day, with Foodism, let’s explore International teas that Indian tea enthusiasts should taste in order to broaden their palate and appreciate this age-old beverage in all of its varieties, not to replace the beloved masala chai.

1. Matcha Tea (Japanese Green Tea with Indian Twist)

Ingredients for matcha tea:

• 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
• 2 tbsp hot water (not boiling ~ 80°C)
• 1 cup warm almond milk (or regular milk)
• 1 tsp jaggery powder or honey (optional)

Method:

To make matcha tea: 

1. Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to avoid clumps.
2. Add hot water and whisk using a bamboo whisk or spoon in a zigzag motion until frothy.
3. Warm the milk and pour it into the matcha.
4. Add jaggery or honey if desired. Stir and enjoy.

Tip:

Sprinkle a pinch of elaichi (cardamom) on your matcha tea for a soothing flavour Indians love.

2. Rooibos Tea (South African Herbal Tea with Spices)

Ingredients for rooibos tea:

• 1 tsp rooibos leaves (or 1 tea bag)
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 small stick dalchini (cinnamon)
• 1 clove
• Honey or jaggery to taste

Method:

To make rooibos tea: 

1. Bring water to a boil with cinnamon and cloves.
2. Add rooibos and let it steep for 5–7 minutes.
3. Strain into a cup and sweeten with jaggery or honey.

Tip:

Brew your rooibos tea with a dash of dried tulsi leaves for familiar herbal notes.

3. Moroccan Mint Tea (North African Refreshing Tea)

Ingredients for Moroccan mint tea:

• 1 tsp gunpowder green tea
• 10–12 fresh mint leaves
• 2 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups hot water

Method:

To make Moroccan mint tea: 

1. Steep green tea in hot water for 3 minutes.
2. Add mint leaves and sugar. Steep for another 2–3 minutes.
3. Strain and serve hot or iced.

Tip:

Add 1-2 crushed tulsi leaves to your Moroccan mint tea for an Ayurvedic edge Indians love.

4. Russian Caravan Tea (Smoky Black Tea for Strong Palates)

Ingredients for Russian caravan tea:

• 1 tsp Russian Caravan blend or Lapsang Souchong
• 1 cup water
• Milk (optional)
• ½ tsp sugar or jaggery (optional)

Method:

To make Russian caravan tea: 

1. Boil water and steep tea for 4–5 minutes.
2. Add milk for a "chai feel" or have it black for authenticity.
3. Sweeten if desired and strain.

Tip:

Pair your Russian caravan tea with masala mathri or besan sev to complement the smokiness.

5. Turkish Çay (Bold Black Tea)

Ingredients for Turkish cay:

• 2 tsp loose Turkish black tea (or strong Assam)
• 1½ cups water
• Sugar cubes (optional)

Method:

To make Turkish cay: 

1. Simmer tea leaves in water on low for 10 minutes.
2. Pour into small cups, sweeten to taste.

Tip:

Use Assam tea for your Turkish cay if Turkish tea isn’t available. Serve with nankhatai or dry fruits.

6. Earl Grey Tea (Floral Black Tea with Desi Notes)

Ingredients for Earl Grey tea:

• 1 tsp Earl Grey tea (or tea bag)
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup milk (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• ½ tsp sugar or honey

Method:

To make Earl Grey tea: 

1. Boil water, steep Earl Grey for 3–4 minutes.
2. Add vanilla and sweetener.
3. Optional: add a dash of milk to make a London Fog.

Tip:

Add a pinch of dried rose petals to your Earl Grey tea to complement the bergamot.

7. Thai Iced Tea (Sweet & Spiced Cold Tea)

Ingredients for Thai iced tea:

• 2 tsp strong black tea or Thai tea mix
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tbsp condensed milk
• 1 star anise pod
• Ice cubes

Method:

To make Thai iced tea: 

1. Brew tea with star anise for 5–7 minutes.
2. Strain and cool.
3. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the tea, and top with condensed milk.

Tip:

Add a tiny bit of chai masala to your Thai iced tea to match Thai spices with Indian taste.

8. Chinese Oolong Tea (Floral, Balanced Tea)

Ingredients for Chinese oolong tea:

• 1 tsp oolong tea
• 1½ cups water
• Lemon juice or honey (optional)

Method:

To make Chinese oolong tea: 

1. Heat water until just before boiling.
2. Steep oolong for 3–5 minutes, depending on strength.
3. Strain and serve plain or with a hint of lemon or honey.

Tip:

Pair your Chinese oolong tea with poha or upma for a light and balanced breakfast.

9. Yerba Mate (South American Energy Booster)

Ingredients for Yerba mate:

• 1 tbsp loose yerba mate
• 1½ cups hot water
• Lemon slice or jaggery (optional)

Method:

To make Yerba mate: 

1. Steep yerba mate in hot (not boiling) water for 3–4 minutes.
2. Strain and serve.
3. Optional: Add a lemon slice or a dash of jaggery for Indian flavour.

Tip:

Enjoy your Yerba mate with Parle-G biscuits or dry fruits—just like cutting chai.

It's time to discover more about teacups around the world as India's thriving tea culture develops. Global teas, such as Turkish çay and Japanese matcha, offer a wide range of tastes, health advantages, and cultural customs that can improve your tea experience without taking the place of your favorite masala chai.

One cup at a time, broaden your tea horizons. Who knows? Across borders, your next favourite tea may be waiting for you, infused with herbs, history, and friendliness.

Are you prepared to go across continents, sip by sip, chai lovers? Download Foodism to explore more such interesting recipes.