Indian tea is the richest and most delicious tea. This is true whether you've been drinking tea for a long time or this is your first time trying chai. Making Indian tea, especially masala chai, has cultural roots that go back hundreds of years, as do the ways that it is brewed. Spices that smell good and make you feel warm are what it's known for.
For people who are new to Indian tea in the US, it can be hard to know where to begin. There are a lot of choices, from small Indian grocery stores to big shops and online stores. We've put together a list of five must-try Indian tea brands that are easy to find in the U.S. to help you get started.
Let's try these tasty brands that will make your tea taste like it did in India, without the need for a visa.
1. Wagh Bakri - A Legacy of Trust and Taste
Wagh Bakri is a beloved name in Indian households, known for its strong, full-bodied tea blends. The brand was founded over 100 years ago and has since become one of the most recognized tea names in India. The name itself reflects Indian culture: “Wagh” means tiger, and “Bakri” means goat-symbols of unity and harmony.
For newcomers, the Wagh Bakri Masala Chai is a great place to start. It comes pre-mixed with traditional Indian spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. If you prefer to customize your spice blend, try their Premium Leaf Tea, which pairs perfectly with fresh-ground spices and milk for a homemade chai experience.
Wagh Bakri is ideal for those who enjoy a bold, robust cup of tea that stands up well to milk and sugar-true to the Indian chai tradition.
2. Quick Tea - Instant Chai for Busy Lifestyles
If you’re short on time but still crave the comfort of a warm cup of Indian chai, Quick Tea is your best friend. The brand specializes in instant chai lattes that are incredibly easy to prepare-just add hot water. No boiling, straining, or steeping required.
What makes Quick Tea stand out is its range of authentic flavors, including Masala Chai, Cardamom Chai, Ginger Chai, and even Turmeric Chai Latte for a wellness twist. These are available in single-serve sachets, making them perfect for work, travel, or those lazy mornings when you don’t feel like brewing from scratch.
Despite being instant, the taste is surprisingly rich and well-balanced. If you're transitioning into the world of Indian chai and want a low-effort but high-flavor experience, Quick Tea is worth trying.
3. Brooke Bond - The Pioneer of Indian Packaged Tea
One of the oldest and most iconic Indian tea brands, Brooke Bond introduced millions of Indians to the concept of packaged tea. The most famous variant is Brooke Bond Red Label, a household staple that many Indians abroad still swear by.
Red Label is made from a blend of CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea leaves, which brew quickly and deliver a robust, malty flavor. It’s perfect for boiling with milk and sugar-Indian-style. This brand doesn't usually come with added spices, so you can customize your chai with cardamom, ginger, or masala according to your taste.
If you're looking for an authentic, no-frills chai that delivers every time, Brooke Bond is the go-to. It's also one of the most affordable options on the list, making it ideal for daily use.
4. Lipton - A Global Giant with Indian Roots
While Lipton is a global tea brand, it has deep roots in the Indian tea industry, particularly in Assam and Darjeeling. In India, Lipton has long been known for its Yellow Label Tea, a strong black tea blend that's perfect for making chai.
In the U.S., Lipton offers a variety of teas, but if you want to stay true to Indian chai, look for Lipton Yellow Label Loose Tea or their Black Tea Bags. These provide a sturdy base for masala chai and can handle boiling in milk and spices.
Lipton is perfect for newcomers who want something easily accessible and familiar. It’s also a great entry point for those interested in experimenting with their own spice blends, as it offers a clean black tea base with no added flavoring.
5. Tea India Chai - Tradition Meets Innovation
Tea India Chai beautifully marries traditional Indian tea flavors with modern convenience. They offer both loose leaf tea and chai tea bags, and their range of flavored chai options is perfect for anyone just starting their Indian tea journey.
Their Masala Chai, Cardamom Chai, and Ginger Chai tea bags are incredibly popular and require just a few minutes of steeping to release robust and aromatic flavors. They’ve also introduced Chai Moments, an instant chai latte line similar to Quick Tea.
What sets Tea India apart is their commitment to both authenticity and convenience, allowing you to experience the true taste of India without needing traditional brewing tools.
How to Brew the Perfect Indian Chai
No matter which brand you choose, Indian chai is best enjoyed the traditional way:
Ingredients:
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1 cup water
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1 cup milk
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1-2 teaspoons loose tea or 1 tea bag
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Sugar to taste
Optional: Crushed cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon
Instructions:
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Bring water, tea, and spices (if any) to a boil.
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Add milk and sugar, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
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Strain into a cup and enjoy hot!
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For instant chai (like Quick Tea or Chai Moments), just add hot water and stir. It’s that simple.
Conclusion
If you’re completely new to Indian chai and want something quick and easy, Quick Tea or Tea India Chai Moments are great starting points. If you're a purist or want to experience chai the way millions of Indians drink it daily, go for Wagh Bakri or Brooke Bond. For a more widely accessible option with health-focused variations, Lipton provides a familiar yet adaptable base for chai-making.
Each of these brands brings something unique to the table-Wagh Bakri, Quick Tea, Brooke Bond, Lipton, and Tea India Chai. Whether you're craving bold traditional flavors or convenient instant chai, there's something for every kind of tea lover.Ready to explore these authentic Indian tea brands? Shop them all in one place at Indiyum and bring the taste of India home today.
