Bombay Chai

A bit ginger-dominant, but that’s what I like in a chai. Must-have cardamon is there, too, so it’s a good fit for me. Doesn’t go bad if over-steeped (but I usually add milk anyway).

This one is from Thain of Buckland’s Christmas card. Thank you for thinking of sending me chai! Brewed both servings (two tsp in two filter bags) on the stove-top. Brought to a boil, simmered for five minutes, added 2% milk and white sugar, brought to a boil again.

The dry leaf smells delicious – I’m able to discern cinnamon, ginger, and orange rind. Reminds me Constant Comment. The aroma is a pleasure to savor as the leaf is simmering.

This is an alright recipe. Good spices, good ratio. It’s definitely spicy, though not biting, more on the tamer side. On the down side, I wasn’t able to find notes from the Assam, and I didn’t particularly find the citrus/orange zests appealing.

However, my dad, lover of masala chai, approves. Check plus for him! (The rating is mine.)

I prefer my Chai with more spice. I found this Bombay Chai to be too mild and not very interesting to sip. I brewed it extra-long to try and get more flavour after my first try. I will note that I drink my chais without any milk or sugar added.

I actually liked this chai blend more than many others that I have tasted, but it shows the problem of sending out samples with only a teaspoon or so per packet, because it is only natural that the spices will be distributed unevenly amongst those sampling it.

Mine had only a light clove tone hinted at over the Assam base, with more citrus /ginger coming forward in both the aroma and flavor. No discernible hint of cardamom. A very pleasant chai, very much in the tradition of South India, that would go equally well with food, or just as a refreshing cup through out the day.

I was surprised how well this tea held up to second and third steeps. Very aromatic and pleasant on this cool rainy day in NC. :)

Un-steeped leaf: lots of cloves. Not much else really.

Steeped: smells still heavily of cloves, but much less concentrated. I tasted it after the 2 min and 45 seconds and realized it was incredibly weak so I’m having it steep for a bit more.
So after a second steeping at a lower temperature of sorts, I am still getting primarily cloves. A slight bitter aftertaste, but I think that’s just because of the tannins of black tea. Not really my thing, but I’m willing to try it again.

When I went to India, I loved the chai they would serve in their homes and on their streets, but when I came back to the US, I realized I could not make this tea on my own and that I could only handle so much sugar and milk. This tea strikes a good balance but tasting similar to the chai I had in India, while no needing sugar or milk to add to the flavor.

This is a good chai, but I prefer mine to be more spicy. Recommended for new comers to chai.

Nicely balanced flavors. Not overpowering. Man the aromas from the pouch are impressive. Subtle citrus notes. Spices: cinnamon, clove, some cardamon.

I just got back to my office after a few minutes and upon entering the space was greeted by this chai’s spiced aroma. Very pleasing.

As some reviewers have noted, this is not a strong knock your socks off, concentrated chai that you might mix with milk. I found the it just right, without any additions. If I were making my own blend, I’d shoot for something similar to this blend.

not a strong Chai, cinnamon smell

Smooth, mellow…a good semi-spicy cup. for when you just want a quick & easy cup without the milk & honey, as it’s not as strong as most.