Name: Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Ingredients: 4 cups Water; 2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea or other green tea; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1-2 Star anise; 2 Cardamom pods, crushed; 1 Cinnamon stick; 1/4 tsp Salt; 2 cups Whole milk; Sugar or honey to taste; Crushed nuts (e.g., almonds or pistachios)

Jump to Recipe

If you have never experienced the delightful charm of Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea), you’re in for a treat that transcends the ordinary cup of tea. This unique beverage not only boasts a mesmerizing rosy hue but also an enchanting blend of spices and a touch of salt that perfectly balance the creamy richness of whole milk. Every sip delivers a soothing warmth and a subtle nutty aroma that has made Kashmiri Pink Chai a beloved tradition in Himalayan households. Once you try it, it’s hard not to fall in love with this special tea that feels like a warm hug in a cup.

Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) lies in how simply it comes together. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fragrant spices that build its unique flavor profile to the baking soda that magically transforms the tea’s color. Together, these simple staples create a tea that’s rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

4 cups Water: Essential for brewing the tea base and creating the perfect infusion.
2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea or other green tea: Provides the characteristic robust, earthy flavor and forms the base of the chai.
1/2 tsp Baking soda: The secret behind the tea’s iconic pink color and helps soften the tea leaves.
1-2 Star anise: Adds a subtle licorice note to deepen the chai’s complexity.
2 Cardamom pods crushed: Brings an intoxicating aroma and a touch of citrusy spice.
1 Cinnamon stick: Infuses warm, sweet spice for extra comfort.
1/4 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 cups Whole milk: Gives the chai its creamy texture and richness.
Sugar or honey to taste: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, customizable to your preference.
Crushed nuts (e.g. almonds) for garnish (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty finish.

How to Make Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea)

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and let them boil for about 5 minutes. This initial brew extracts the deep flavors and earthy aromas that make this tea so special.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda for Color

Next, stir in half a teaspoon of baking soda. You’ll witness an amazing transformation as the water changes to a deep red or burgundy color, setting the stage for the famous Kashmiri Pink Chai hue. Keep boiling for another 2 minutes to let the color develop fully.

Step 3: Infuse Spices

Add star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and the cinnamon stick to the boiling tea. These spices layer the chai with warmth and subtle complexity. Boil everything together for one more minute to meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer for Intensity

Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing it to reduce to about half its initial volume. This concentration intensifies both the taste and the color, making each sip richer and more satisfying.

Step 5: Season and Add Milk

Stir in a quarter teaspoon of salt, which surprisingly brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness you’ll add later. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and increase the heat to bring the chai back to a gentle boil. Stir constantly to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom.

Step 6: Watch the Magic and Strain

As the tea comes to a boil again, the color will shift from deep red to a soft, enchanting pink. At this point, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the chai into cups to discard the spices and leaves.

Step 7: Sweeten and Garnish

Sweeten your Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) with sugar or honey according to your taste. Optionally, sprinkle crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios on top for a touch of elegance and nuttiness.

How to Serve Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea)

Garnishes

To elevate your pink chai experience, crushed nuts such as almonds or pistachios are a lovely choice to sprinkle on top. The crunch adds a delightful texture contrast, while the mild nutty flavor enhances the tea’s rich aroma. A few saffron strands can also be an exotic, aromatic addition to impress guests.

Side Dishes

This chai pairs wonderfully with mildly sweet or savory snacks. Traditional Kashmiri breads like girda or crispy khakhras make fantastic companions. You can also serve it alongside freshly baked almond cookies or simple cheese toasties to balance the tea’s creamy, spiced flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) in delicate glass cups or traditional copper tumblers to embody its cultural richness. For a luxurious touch, swirl a dash of rose water into the chai or top with a sprinkle of crushed cardamom seeds. This approach not only adds aroma but also gives a stunning presentation that’ll wow family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Kashmiri Pink Chai can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Because of the milk content, it’s best consumed fresh but storing it properly keeps it flavorful and ready to warm up quickly.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not generally recommended for this chai due to the dairy and delicate spices. Milk can separate upon freezing and thawing, which might slightly alter the texture and flavor. If you must freeze it, use small portions and consume within a week after thawing.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat while stirring continuously to avoid scorching the milk. You might want to add a splash of fresh milk to refresh the creaminess before serving. Avoid using a microwave as uneven heating can affect the taste and texture.

FAQs

What gives Kashmiri Pink Chai its distinctive pink color?

The pink color comes from adding baking soda to the green tea during boiling, which changes the tea’s natural pigments after long simmering and mixing with milk, resulting in that unique rosy hue.

Can I use regular green tea instead of Kashmiri green tea?

Yes, regular green tea works too, although Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea is preferred for authenticity and its robust flavor that contributes to the chai’s deep color and taste.

Is it necessary to add salt to pink chai?

Adding a pinch of salt is traditional and enhances the balance of flavors in Kashmiri Pink Chai by offsetting the sweetness and amplifying the spices and creaminess.

Can this chai be made vegan?

Absolutely! Replace whole milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or another plant-based milk, but note that the creaminess and taste will be slightly different from the original dairy version.

How spicy is Kashmiri Pink Chai?

This chai has a gentle warmth from the spices like cardamom, star anise, and cinnamon, but it’s not hot or overwhelming. It’s more fragrant and subtly spiced, perfect for any time of day.

Final Thoughts

Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) isn’t just a drink; it’s a cozy tradition that invites you to slow down and savor its flavors and colors. Its comforting warmth and delightful aromas are perfect for reconnecting with loved ones or simply treating yourself on a quiet day. I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a touch of Kashmiri magic into your kitchen and enjoy that unforgettable rosy sip anytime you like.

Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Tea, is a traditional tea from Kashmir characterized by its distinctive pink hue and rich, aromatic flavor. Made by simmering green tea with baking soda, spices, and whole milk, this comforting beverage is sweetened with sugar or honey and optionally garnished with crushed nuts. Its unique preparation and vibrant color make it a delightful and warming tea experience.

Instructions

Boil the Tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, then add 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea. Boil the mixture for about 5 minutes to extract the flavors.
Add Baking Soda: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda carefully. The water will change to a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes to develop the characteristic tea color and flavor.
Add Spices: Add 1-2 star anise, 2 crushed cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick to the boiling tea. Boil the mixture for an additional minute to infuse the spices.
Simmer the Tea: Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce to about half to intensify the flavor and deepen the color.
Add Salt: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt evenly into the tea to balance the flavors.
Incorporate Milk: Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and increase the heat to bring the tea to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent the milk from burning. As it boils, the tea will turn a beautiful pink color.
Strain and Serve: Once the chai reaches the pink hue, remove the pan from heat and strain the tea to remove spices and tea leaves. Sweeten with sugar or honey according to your taste.
Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios and serve hot for a comforting and unique tea experience.

Notes

Use whole milk for the best color and creaminess; skim or low-fat milk may not produce the same pink hue.
The baking soda is essential to change the tea’s color to pink; do not omit it.
Adjust sugar or honey to your preferred sweetness level.
Simmering time can be adjusted depending on how strong and concentrated you want your tea.
Optionally, you can experiment with other nuts like pistachios for garnish to add texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Boiling and Simmering
Cuisine: Kashmiri