
Striking Kashmiri Pink Chai is the ultimate showstopper for tea lovers who crave something special. This captivating beverage transforms right before your eyes, blending the warmth of spices with a silky surprise of color. It is rooted in Kashmiri tradition and always feels like an occasion every time I pull out this recipe for friends and family on cold evenings.
The first time I made this, I was skeptical about the baking soda but gasped with delight when the tea turned pink. Now it is what I reach for when sharing a little piece of my heritage or impressing at a dinner party.
Ingredients
- Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea: Gives authentic flavor and the proper chemical reaction for color. Select loose leaves or a quality bagged version for best results.
- Water: Forms the foundation for extracting flavor and must be boiled long enough for color intensity. Use filtered water for pure taste.
- Baking soda: Is the secret to the signature pink shade. Make sure it is fresh so the tea reacts and changes color.
- Star anise: Adds subtle licorice warmth. Choose whole, unbroken pieces as they are more aromatic.
- Cardamom pods: Bring sweet floral notes. Use fresh green pods and crush them just before adding.
- Cinnamon stick: Lends cozy spice and beautiful sweetness. Single thick sticks are preferable for slow flavor release.
- Salt: Balances the richness and draws out the spices. Use fine salt for even distribution.
- Whole milk: Creates luscious creaminess and the final pink transformation. Use full-fat milk for best texture and color.
- Sugar or honey: Sweetens to taste. Try floral honey for a more fragrant cup.
- Crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds: Add crunch and visual appeal. Only garnish if you want an extra layer of luxury.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Water and Tea:
- Pour the measured water into a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil then add the green tea leaves. Let it boil energetically for five minutes. This concentrates the green tea flavor and forms the foundation for the brew.
- Activate the Color:
- Sprinkle in baking soda and stir immediately. The mixture will fizz up and transform into a deep reddish hue. Boil this bubbling mixture for two more minutes. The soda reacts with the tea tannins to create the lively base for pink chai.
- Spice it Up:
- Toss in the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Let everything boil together for one minute. This step helps the spices open up and fill your kitchen with warm aromas.
- Simmer for Depth:
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the tea bubble away quietly for twenty to thirty minutes. Stir every so often and allow the liquid to reduce by half. This extended simmer deepens both color and flavor.
- Season the Base:
- Sprinkle salt into the concentrated tea and stir well. The salt will round out the flavor and harmonize the spices.
- Make it Creamy and Pink:
- Pour in whole milk and turn up the heat to bring the tea back to a boil. Stir constantly so the milk does not scorch. As the tea boils, marvel as it shifts to that magical rosy pink.
- Strain and Sweeten:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or tea strainer into cups. This catches the tea leaves and spice residue. Sweeten each cup with sugar or honey according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve:
- If you wish, top each cup with a scattering of crushed nuts for an extra festive touch. Serve hot to enjoy its full comforting effect.

You Must Know
- Rich in antioxidants from green tea
- Customizable sweetness for every palate
- Impresses at any gathering with both look and flavor
Cardamom always wins my heart in this blend. It reminds me of childhood afternoons with my grandmother who never skipped that extra pinch. She would tell stories as the kitchen filled with steam and spice making every cup taste like a little celebration.
Storage tips
Store any leftover pink chai in a covered container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove without allowing it to boil vigorously as this can dull the color. Always strain again before serving and top with fresh garnish for best presentation.
Ingredient substitutions
If Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea is not available choose a high-quality pure green tea. Do not use grassy blends or flavored teas since they alter the signature taste. If fresh whole milk is not an option you can use evaporated milk diluted with water but avoid low-fat milk for full richness. If you run out of star anise add a pinch of fennel seeds for a different subtle sweetness.
Serving suggestions
Serve Kashmiri Pink Chai in clear cups or glasses to show off the gorgeous hue. It pairs perfectly with light tea snacks like almond biscotti, shortbread, or traditional naankhatai. Try it alongside a warm dessert like rice pudding for an extra comforting treat.

Cultural and historical context
Kashmiri Pink Chai also called Noon Chai or Gulabi Chai is a cherished part of Kashmiri hospitality. It is often sipped in the afternoons or at special occasions and is symbolic of warmth and welcome. The method of turning simple tea pink is a source of pride and wonder in many households across Kashmir and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives Kashmiri Pink Chai its signature color?
The unique pink hue comes from reactions between green tea, baking soda, and milk during the simmering and aeration process.
- → Can I use other types of tea leaves?
Traditional Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea is preferred, but high-quality green tea leaves can also work for a similar effect.
- → Which spices are essential for authentic flavor?
Cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise are key, imparting warmth and fragrance to the chai.
- → How should the chai be served?
Serve hot, ideally garnished with crushed nuts such as pistachios or almonds for added texture and richness.
- → Is the baking soda necessary?
Baking soda aids the chemical reaction that creates the pink color but must be used in small amounts for optimal results.
- → What sweeteners work best?
Both sugar and honey are traditional options, allowing you to adjust sweetness to taste preference.