Chai
The best tea for chai.
The best tea for chai is a strong black tea with body, most often an Assam-style leaf, and very often in the granular CTC form that brews fast and holds up to milk.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Type
Strong black tea
Popular
Assam, CTC
Amount
1 tsp per cup
Avoid
Delicate teas
01
Why strong black tea
Chai is cooked with a lot of milk, sugar and spice. A delicate tea disappears under all that. A strong, malty black tea has the body to hold its own, which is why chai is almost always made with a robust leaf rather than a light one.
02
Assam and CTC
Assam in north-east India grows a malty, full-bodied black tea that is a natural fit for milk. Much of it is processed as CTC, which stands for crush, tear, curl: the leaf is turned into small granules that release colour and flavour quickly.
That quick infusion is exactly what you want when simmering tea with milk for a couple of minutes. It is the default at most Indian tea stalls.
03
Loose leaf vs tea bags
Loose CTC granules or a robust loose leaf give the most control over strength and the best flavour. Tea bags work well too, as the tea in them is usually cut for speed and strength. Whichever you use, choose a tea labelled strong, breakfast or Assam.
04
How much to use
A reliable starting point:
- About 1 teaspoon of CTC tea per cup of liquid for a medium cup.
- Closer to 1.5 teaspoons per cup for a bold, kadak style.
- One tea bag per cup, two for a strong chai.
05
Teas to avoid
Green teas, white teas and delicate first-flush black teas are better enjoyed on their own. Traditional Kashmiri chai is the exception, which is made with a particular green tea. For regular masala chai, reach for something bold.
Questions, answered.
What tea is used in Indian chai?
Usually a strong black tea, most often Assam-style, and very commonly the granulated CTC form.
What does CTC stand for?
Crush, tear, curl. It is a processing method that turns tea leaf into small, dense granules.
Can I use English breakfast tea for chai?
Yes. It is a strong black tea and works well, especially if you use a little extra.
Can I use green tea for chai?
You can, but it will taste lighter and different. Kashmiri chai is the traditional green-tea version.
Where can I drink strong chai in Ottawa?
Tapri Chai in Barrhaven serves Kadak Chai, a bold house chai, for $4.49.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.