The Origin of Chai: A Journey Through Time in a Teacup

Long before the humble cup of chai became a staple in nearly every Indian household, its story began in the folds of ancient history: part myth, part trade, and part tradition. The word “chai” itself comes from the Chinese word cha, which simply means tea. But what India did with it transformed it from a simple infusion to an aromatic, soul-soothing ritual deeply embedded in everyday life.

The journey of chai begins over 5,000 years ago in ancient India, where a spiced beverage made with herbs and medicinal ingredients was brewed not for taste, but for healing. This Ayurvedic concoction bore little resemblance to the milky, sweet version we sip today. Instead, it was a mix of ingredients like tulsi (holy basil), cardamom, ginger, and cloves known for their health benefits. Tea leaves were not part of the recipe back then.

Meanwhile, in ancient China around 2737 BCE, Emperor Shen Nong is believed to have discovered tea when leaves from a nearby bush accidentally blew into his boiling pot of water. As trade routes opened between China and India, the tea leaf eventually made its way across the Himalayas.

It wasn’t until the British arrived in India in the 17th century that tea cultivation really took root. The British East India Company, eager to break China’s monopoly on tea, began large-scale plantations in Assam and Darjeeling. But even as tea production increased, the Indian public didn’t initially take to drinking it, certainly not the way the British did, with milk and sugar.

That changed in the early 20th century, thanks in part to a clever marketing push by the British-owned Indian Tea Association. Tea vendors, chai walas were encouraged to promote the beverage in railway stations, offices, and marketplaces. However, Indian vendors added their own spin: they blended black tea with generous helpings of milk, sugar, and a variety of warming spices. Thus, masala chai was born.

Today, chai is far more than a drink. It is a cultural symbol. Whether sipped slowly in a quiet home or shared over noisy conversations at a roadside stall, chai is India’s social glue. Every region has its own twist, some add fennel, others black pepper, some even serve it salted like in Kashmir. But the heart of chai remains the same: comfort, connection, and a little moment of pause on a busy day.

At Rungta's we honor this rich heritage in every cup. Our blends are inspired by tradition, made for today’s pace, and crafted to bring people together.

Rungta’s Tea – Only Badhiya Chai