I am drinking a cup of “All Chai’d Up” blend by The Chai Box and let me tell you, it tastes delicious!
The Chai Box was founded by Monica Sunny and her sister Nikki. The sisters claim they’ve been drinking chai since they were 2 years-old as it is “part of [their] culture and heritage” (The Chai Box) and a morning routine staple. The company’s chai blends are a reflection of Monica and Nikki’s personal Chai experiences, influenced by their mother’s recipes, ultimately creating “east and west infusion blends.”
Chai, in the South Asian traditional sense, was not a big part of my family’s routine. My parents were raised in England and enjoyed simple team: a black tea bag steeped in boiled water with milk. There was no addition of sugar or spices.
Growing up, I was fortunate to have a diverse group of friends, through them, I learned about spice infused tea and filter coffee (we’ll leave the coffee for another post). “Mom, why have you never shared masala chai with me before?!” While I am a huge fan, my family simply prefers milder tea.
I have experimented with chai masala powders from Indian grocery stores, but nothing came close to the chai my friend Pama’s mom would custom blend and brew. I had just settled for Starbucks Chai Lattes.
For another chai experience, my in-laws are dedicated to brewing half a dozen cups of doodh paati – black tea cooked on the stove with milk. While I hadn’t gotten my inon the right spice blend for masala tea, my husband made sure I learned how to cook tea to meet his needs.
The Chai Box’s “All Chai’d Up” is finally making my chai dreams come true. My newfound chai making skill, “All Chai’d Up,” and 1 teaspoon of sugar makes me a satisfying cup of chai. I also purchased the Punjaban Party tea blend from The Chai Box, that’ll be next week’s taste adventure.
Taste your own cup of “All Chai’d Up,” purchase the tea blend here.
