Masala Chiya (Nepali Spiced Milk Tea)
Local name: मसला चिया
In short: Strong black tea simmered with milk, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper into a sweet, warming cup. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 110 kcal
Chiya is Nepal's everyday tea, served at breakfast, in the afternoon and to every guest who enters a home. In its masala form it is simmered with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and a little black pepper, which gives it a gentle warmth. The tea is brewed strong in a pot with equal parts milk and water, and sweetened to taste. It is the drink of tea stalls, trekking lodges and kitchen tables across the country.
Instructions
- Bring the water, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the tea leaves and simmer for 2 minutes more, until the water is dark.
- Pour in the milk and add the sugar. Heat until the milk rises to the top of the pan, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, watching it so it does not boil over.
- Strain the tea into 2 cups and serve hot.
Tips
- Use a strong black tea such as Assam or CTC. Delicate teas are overwhelmed by the milk and spices.
- Make a dry spice mix ahead: grind 5 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and use a pinch per cup.
Questions and answers
What tea is used for Nepali chiya?
A strong, small-leaf black tea such as CTC or Assam, simmered rather than steeped. Many Nepali homes buy it from local tea gardens in the east of the country.
Can I make masala chiya with plant-based milk?
Yes. Oat milk gives the creamiest result. Add it at the end and warm it gently without boiling hard, as some plant milks can split.
How sweet is Nepali tea?
It is usually quite sweet. This recipe uses 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar for two cups, which gives a moderate sweetness. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste.
How long does it take to make Masala Chiya (Nepali Spiced Milk Tea)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Masala Chiya (Nepali Spiced Milk Tea)?
About 110 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 110 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
