If you are a fan of chai, you might have come across the dilemma of choosing between chai and chai latte. Both of these beverages have their own unique characteristics and flavors, but which one should you choose?
A Closer Look at Chai
Chai has a rich history and is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. Originally used for medicinal purposes, chai slowly transformed into a beverage that could be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The traditional recipe for chai calls for high-quality black tea leaves and a combination of up to four whole spices: cardamom, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. To extract the flavors, you will need to boil the leaves slowly along with the spices. After boiling, add warm milk and sugar.
Chai is a refreshing and comforting drink with a mildly bitter and robust taste, blended perfectly with spicy, sweet and warm notes. Chai tea usually has a light or dark brown color (the color depends on the amount of time spent boiling the tea leaves).
A Closer Look at Chai Latte
Chai latte, on the other hand, is a mixture of various tea cultures and is actually relatively new. In the late 90’s the coffee culture grew just as chai became popular around the world. Baristas soon discovered that you can pair chai with foamy or steamed milk so it becomes creamier. They also added fresh cinnamon powder so make it even more refreshing and delicious.
Chai latte is sweeter than chai tea. It also has some mild spicy notes. The milk can be seasoned with sugar or spices. Because it has frothed milk, the color of chai latte is lighter than regular chai.
- Flavor: Both chai tea and chai latte provide similar flavors, but chai latte has more prominent notes from the added cinnamon. The addition of frothed milk also gives chai latte a creamier finish.
- Color: Chai tea has a light brown to dark brown color, while chai latte has a lighter shade of brown due to the addition of frothed milk.
- Texture: Chai latte has a distinctly thick, frothy, and creamy texture, while chai tea has a slightly runnier texture that can be made creamier with the addition of whole milk.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between chai tea and chai latte comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor with a slightly bitter taste, chai is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want a creamier and slightly sweeter beverage, chai latte might be the better choice.
It’s important to note that both of these beverages can be prepared in different ways to suit your taste preferences. Whether you choose chai or chai latte, you are sure to enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of this beloved beverage.