A cup of tea that looks pale pink in colour but tastes salty rather than sweet is bound to make you pause at the first sip. That is part of the charm of Kashmiri Noon Chai, also called sheer chai. Its distinctive colour, creamy texture and light savoury taste make it quite distinguishable from the regular milk chai that many of us drink daily. But the pink shade is not achieved with food colour, rose syrup or any other colouring agent.
It comes from the way green tea leaves are first brewed with a little baking soda, worked with air and finally mixed with milk. The process takes longer than making a regular cup of chai, but the colour change is worth watching. If you have been curious about this unique Kashmiri drink, here is what gives it its rosy appearance, what goes into it and how you can try making a cup of noon chai at home.
What Is Kashmiri Noon Chai?
Noon chai is a classic tea from Kashmir, where noon means salt. Unlike the sweet, milk-based chai, this drink is usually savoury, with salt providing its distinctive taste. Sometimes, cardamom may be added for aroma, whereas some versions are finished with cream, crushed almonds or pistachios.
The tea is traditionally made in a samovar, a metal vessel used to keep the brew hot. It is enjoyed throughout the day and often served with Kashmiri breads like girda and lavasa.
Why Does Pink Tea Turn Pink?
The colour is the outcome of a few steps that work together. Kashmiri green tea leaves are first simmered with water and a small amount of baking soda, which makes the liquid a bit alkaline. This changes the way natural compounds in the tea act and helps the brew get a deep reddish-brown colour.
The tea is then aerated by pouring it back and forth between vessels or whisking it. This brings the brew in contact with air and helps create its colour. When milk is added, the dark red concentrate evolves into the familiar soft pink. The exact shade relies on the tea leaves, the amount of baking soda, how long the brew is simmered and how well it has been aerated. No artificial pink colouring is required.
Ingredients You Need To Make Pink Tea At Home
2 tablespoons Kashmiri green tea leaves
4 cups water
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
1½ cups whole milk
Salt, to taste
2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped almonds or pistachios, for garnish
1 tablespoon cream, optional
Use a tea specifically suited to Noon Chai if available. Regular green tea may not deliver the same colour or flavour, so the result can vary. Also, measure the baking soda very carefully, as adding too much can give an unpleasant alkaline taste.
How To Make Kashmiri Pink Tea
Step 1
In a saucepan, add the water and Kashmiri green tea leaves. Boil everything, then add the baking soda. The liquid may foam a bit as the soda dissolves.
Step 2
Lower the flame and let the tea simmer until it reduces and turns a deep reddish-brown colour. Mix occasionally, letting the leaves release their colour into the water.
Step 3
Pour the tea back and froth between two heatproof vessels several times, or whisk it vigorously. Add a little cold water or a few ice cubes, then continue aerating.
Step 4
Strain the concentrate into another clean pan. Add the milk and crushed cardamom, if using. Mix in salt to taste as the liquid turns a pink shade.
Step 5
Warm the tea gently without boiling it for too long. Pour into cups and finish with chopped almonds, pistachios or a little cream, if you prefer.
The colour may take a little practice to get right. If the tea appears more brown than pink, the concentrate may need more time to develop or better aeration. Avoid adding extra baking soda in large amounts to get the colour.
Noon Chai And Kashmiri Kahwa: Two Different Cups From Kashmir
Pink tea is not the only Kashmiri drink that is worth discovering. Kashmiri kahwa offers a diverse experience, with an aromatic green tea base flavoured with spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Saffron and almonds are also commonly used, giving the beverage its golden hue and light aroma. Unlike Noon Chai, kahwa is generally served without adding any milk and is usually relished lightly sweetened.
For a suitable way to explore this other Kashmiri cup, Vikram Tea's Tea Tantra Kashmiri Kahwa offers a contrast to the creamy, savoury texture of Noon Chai. It brings the flavours linked with kahwa into a variety of tea experiences. The two drinks are not interchangeable: one is a salted pink milk tea, whereas the other is an aromatic, spiced brew.
What To Serve With Kashmiri Pink Tea
Noon Chai pairs perfectly with savoury and lightly sweet bakery items. In Kashmir, it is commonly relished with breads such as girda, lavasa and kulcha. At home, you can serve it with plain biscuits, lightly salted crackers or just a simple bread roll. The chopped nuts on top add a little crunch, whereas the creamy tea makes a warming accompaniment to a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon break.