Pink Chai (Noon Tea)
A traditional Kashmiri tea with a stunning pink color, rich spices, and creamy texture—perfect for cozy evenings and special gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage, Tea
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Kashmiri, South Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups water
2 tablespoons Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea (or any green tea)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1–2 star anise
2 cardamom pods, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
Sugar or honey to taste
Crushed nuts (e.g. almonds or pistachios) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the green tea and boil for 5 minutes.
Stir in ½ teaspoon baking soda. The water should turn a deep red color. Boil for another 2 minutes.
Add star anise, crushed cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Continue boiling for 1 more minute.
Reduce heat and simmer the tea for 20–30 minutes until it reduces to about half its original volume.
Add ¼ teaspoon salt and stir well.
Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and increase heat to bring the tea to a boil, stirring constantly.
As the milk boils, the tea will gradually turn pink.
Once the desired pink color is achieved, remove from heat and strain to remove spices and tea leaves.
Sweeten with sugar or honey to taste. Garnish with crushed nuts if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
The pink color depends on proper oxidation from baking soda and boiling time—don’t rush the simmering step.
Use Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea for the most authentic flavor.
This tea pairs well with savory snacks or traditional Kashmiri breads.
The salt is traditional and balances the flavor—don’t skip it!
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/pink-chai-noon-tea/
