According to legend, the history of chai dates back over 5,000 to 9,000 years ago, when an Indian king requested a healing, cleansing, spiced beverage for use in Ayurveda, a traditional medicinal practice. Originally known as Kadha, around the mid-1800s, black tea was added to the spiced ingredients, giving birth to chai, which is Hindi for tea.
While immensely popular in India, the popularity of chai in the UK began to grow only after the Indian Tea Company initiated a campaign to promote "tea breaks" for British workers in the 1930s to boost their tea sales. Since then, chai has become a staple beverage beloved throughout India and beyond.
The versatility and broad appeal of chai are evident in its journey from its Indian origins to modern-day interpretations such as chai lattes and dirty chai, which are enjoyed in Eastern and Western cultures alike. In recent years, chai has seen a surge in popularity in the US specialty café scene. Oftentimes, chai is loaded with artificial ingredients and sugars, but at Tov Tea we focus on sourcing the best chai using high-quality, natural, organic high grown black tea and premium, organic spices. This return to the healing roots of chai has resulted in heightened interest in the health benefits of chai, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, nourishing both body and soul.
Chai is more than just a beverage; it's a symbol of the timeless and enduring human connection that transcends time and space. Whether you're sipping a traditional chai or a modern-day interpretation, you're participating in a vibrant tradition that has brought people together for thousands of years.