Food Encyclopedia

chai

1. An aromatic spiced tea favored for centuries in India, where chai stalls tended by vendors (chaiwallahs) have long been a popular gathering place. Chai (also called masala chai) is a blend of loose-leaf tea, milk and ground spices (chai masala), typically cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, freshly grated nutmeg and pepper. Chai can be found in natural food stores and specialty tea and coffee shops in a variety of forms including liquid concentrates, powder and loose-leaf tea/whole spice packages. 2. chai [SHEH; SHAY] A French term usually referring to an above-ground building used for storing wine.