Chai
The complete guide to Indian chai.
Indian chai is not one drink but a family: spiced, strong, small, pink, milky, black and clay-cupped. Here is a map of the main styles and when each one fits.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Everyday
Masala, kadak
By size
Cutting chai
By region
Kashmiri, Irani, Sulaimani
By cup
Kulhad (clay)
01
The foundation: milk tea
Most Indian chai is black tea, milk, sugar and sometimes spices, simmered in one pot. The tea is usually strong CTC leaf, the milk is whole, and the result is creamy, sweet and robust. Nearly every other style is a variation on that idea.
02
Masala chai: the spiced one
Cardamom, ginger and often cinnamon, cloves and pepper. Masala describes the spices, not the strength, so it can be mild or bold. This is the style most people mean when they say chai outside India. See our full guide to what masala chai is for the ingredients and method.
03
Kadak chai: the strong one
Kadak means strong. The tea is brewed longer or with more leaf for a deep, bold cup. It often carries ginger and cardamom, and it is the one to order when you want to wake up.
04
Cutting chai: the small one
A half-sized glass, born in Mumbai. It is quick, cheap and shared, usually strong and sweet, and the usual companion to vada pav.
05
Regional styles
Chai changes with geography:
- Kashmiri chai: the pink, creamy tea from the Kashmir valley, topped with almonds and pistachios in its sweet cafe form.
- Irani chai: associated with Hyderabad’s Irani cafes, a rich, milky tea often served with biscuits.
- Sulaimani: a black, spiced, milk-free tea from Kerala, often finished with lemon.
- Kulhad chai: not a recipe but a cup, served in unglazed clay, which adds a faint earthy note.
06
Chai at Tapri Chai
Our menu includes Kadak Chai ($4.49), our signature house chai brewed with fresh ginger and cardamom; Kashmiri Chai ($4.99), pink and creamy with almonds and pistachios; and Shaadi Wali Coffee ($4.99), a frothy hand-beaten coffee inspired by North Indian wedding celebrations.
Pair any of them with a Bun Maska ($3.49) or a pair of Samosas ($4.99). We are at 200 Kennevale Dr in Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
How many types of Indian chai are there?
There is no official count. The main everyday styles are masala, kadak and cutting chai, with regional favourites such as Kashmiri, Irani and Sulaimani.
What is the most popular Indian chai?
Masala chai is the most widely known, but plain milky ginger or cardamom tea is probably the most commonly drunk in India itself.
What is the difference between chai and tea?
Chai is the Hindi word for tea. In English the word usually refers to spiced milk tea, while “tea” alone suggests a lighter, milk-free or lightly milked cup.
What is Irani chai?
A rich, milky tea associated with the Irani cafes of Hyderabad, usually served with biscuits.
Which chai should I order first?
If you like bold flavours, order Kadak Chai. If you prefer something gentle and creamy, order Kashmiri Chai.
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.