Chai
What is Kashmiri chai?
Kashmiri chai is the pink, creamy tea from the Kashmir valley, traditionally made from green tea leaves and milk, and often served topped with almonds and pistachios.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Colour
Soft pink
Traditional base
Green tea leaves and milk
Toppings
Almonds, pistachios
Also called
Noon chai, sheer chai
01
Why is it pink?
Traditional Kashmiri tea is made with a particular kind of green tea leaf, cooked for a long time with a tiny pinch of baking soda. The reaction turns the brew a pinkish-red, and adding milk gives it that soft rose colour.
It is a chemical colour, not a dye, which is why a properly made cup looks natural rather than bright.
02
Noon chai and sheer chai
In Kashmir the pink tea is often called noon chai, where noon means salt. The traditional version is salted, not sweetened, and is served at breakfast with local breads.
The sweet version, sometimes called sheer chai, is spiced with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts. It is the style most Indian restaurants and cafes outside Kashmir serve.
03
What it tastes like
Rich, mellow and creamy rather than sharp. The tea is gentle, the cardamom is fragrant and the nuts add a soft, buttery crunch. If you find masala chai too spicy or strong, Kashmiri chai is a comfortable next step.
04
Kashmiri chai vs kahwa
They are often confused, but they are different drinks. Kahwa is a green tea brewed with saffron, spices and almonds, usually without milk. Kashmiri chai is the milky pink one.
05
Kashmiri chai at Tapri Chai
Our Kashmiri Chai is a pink creamy tea with almonds and pistachios, $4.99 at our cafe at 200 Kennevale Dr in Barrhaven, Ottawa. It pairs nicely with a Bun Maska ($3.49). We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
What is Kashmiri chai made of?
Traditionally green tea leaves, milk and baking soda, which gives the pink colour. Cafe versions add sugar, cardamom and chopped nuts.
Is Kashmiri chai sweet?
The traditional noon chai is salted. The version served in most restaurants and cafes is sweetened and garnished with almonds and pistachios.
Does Kashmiri chai have caffeine?
Yes. It is brewed from tea leaves, so it contains caffeine.
What is the difference between Kashmiri chai and kahwa?
Kahwa is a milk-free green tea with saffron, spices and almonds. Kashmiri chai is the pink, milky tea.
Where can I get Kashmiri chai in Ottawa?
Tapri Chai in Barrhaven serves Kashmiri Chai for $4.99. It is on the all-vegetarian menu at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104.
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.