Chai Ain't A Drink, It's An Emotion
Imagine a world without chai. Actually, don’t. It’s a horrifying thought. A world without chai is a world without warmth, without soul, without that first sip of magic that turns grumpy gremlins into functioning humans. In short, it’s a dystopia.
Chai is not just a beverage; it is an experience, a feeling, a sacred ritual that millions of people around the world swear by. And before you say, “Oh, you mean tea?”- NO. Sit down. We are not talking about your sad, lonely tea bag dipped in lukewarm water with a splash of milk that looks like regret. We are talking about CHAI- spiced, aromatic, soul-soothing liquid gold that has the power to fix everything from a heartbreak to a full-on existential crisis.
If Chai were a person, it’d probably be the cool auntie who always has advice (and biscuits) ready, whether you need it or not. It’s that magical drink that brings people together – whether it’s your family, your colleagues, or the random guy at the tea stall who somehow knows everything about everyone in the neighbourhood.
Let’s talk about the first cup of the day. The alarm rings, and while the world is still groggy, you stumble into the kitchen like a zombie. Then, the smell of chai leaves you feeling more alive than a triple shot of espresso ever could (yes, the difference is that chai is not mid). The chai starts brewing, and in that moment, everything feels right in the world. The spices fill the air, and you know that the day’s chaos can wait. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can come between you and that perfect cup.
And of course, making chai is nothing less than an art form. It is not something you rush. It is not something you take lightly. You don’t just throw a bag into a cup and call it a day. No, no, no. You craft chai.
First, get the water boiling. Not just warm, but properly bubbling like it’s excited for what’s coming next. Step two: Add your tea leaves- strong, robust, unapologetically bold. Let them dance in the water for a bit, releasing their color, their essence, their life force. Then, and only then, do you add the spices- cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon. Each spice has a personality and a purpose. They are not guys on your Bumble you swipe left on.
Then comes the milk. It doesn’t just sit in the chai; it merges, transforming the drink into something velvety, smooth, and completely irresistible. A little sugar (or a lot, because, let’s be honest, no wise person ever said, “I regret adding sugar to my chai”), and then the most important step- letting it simmer. The slow boil, the bubbling froth- it’s all part of the magic.
And then, finally, the pour. Not into a fancy glass cup. Not into some cold, corporate-looking mug. No. Chai deserves respect. Chai deserves either the humble steel cup that burns your fingers just enough to remind you that you’re alive or the iconic earthenware kulhad, which adds a rustic, earthy flavor that cannot be replicated.
Ah, the first sip. The moment of truth. You bring the cup to your lips, feeling the warmth seep through your fingers, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of the spices. And then- bliss. Pure, unfiltered, unadulterated bliss.
But let’s be honest: the first sip is always a gamble. There are only two possible outcomes. Either it’s perfect, and you ascend to a higher plane of existence, or you burn your tongue and spend the next five minutes making weird hissing sounds while regretting every life choice that led you here. Either way, it’s an experience.
Chai is not just a drink; it is a therapist, a friend, a warm hug in a cup. Feeling stressed? Chai. Feeling sleepy? Chai. Feeling too awake? Still chai. Your crush ignored your text? Extra strong chai. Your boss is making your life miserable? Chai with an extra dose of cardamom because you deserve good things.
Chai has this uncanny ability to adapt to every situation. It fits into deep intellectual conversations, petty gossip sessions, lazy Sunday afternoons, and intense late-night existential debates. It doesn’t judge. It doesn’t question. It just is.
But, let’s talk about the real reason chai is an emotion- its unparalleled ability to bring people together. Have you ever noticed how chai is always at the center of every social gathering? Families bond over it. Friends catch up over it. Strangers become friends over a shared love for chai.
In India, the local chaiwala is more than just a vendor; he is a community legend, a philosopher, and an unofficial therapist. Need life advice? Your neighbourhood chaiwala has got you. Need to rant about your terrible day? He’s there, nodding along as he expertly strains the tea with the grace of a seasoned artist.
And let’s not forget the unbreakable bond between chai and biscuits. Dipping a Parle-G into your chai and eating it before it dissolves into a tragic, soggy mess? That is an extreme sport, a test of precision, an age-old tradition. If you haven’t mastered it yet, can you even call yourself a chai lover?
Of course, with great love comes great judgement. Chai lovers are a passionate breed, and we do not take kindly to crimes against chai. If you microwave water and call it chai, we cannot be friends. If you think chai should be sugar-free and bland because ‘health’, please take your negativity elsewhere.
And then there are the worst offenders- the ones who call chai “just another tea”. Oh, sweet summer children. If you think chai is just another tea, you have clearly never been properly introduced to its greatness. Chai is a culture, a tradition, a whole mood.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Westernization of chai. Or should I say chai tea latte? Who even came up with that? what is a chai tea latte? Do you mean tea tea latte? That’s like saying “naan bread” (a crime, by the way- it’s just naan).
If your chai comes from a chain coffee shop, costs 7 dollars, and is made from a syrup concentrate that tastes like sadness, you, my dear, have been scammed. True chai cannot be mass-produced in a factory and poured into a paper cup with your name misspelled on it. True chai is homemade, messy, filled with love, and most importantly- costs a fraction of what you just paid.
And the best part? Chai never judges you. It doesn’t care if you’re having the worst day of your life or celebrating your biggest win. Whether you’re alone, with family, or surrounded by friends, chai is always there, bringing comfort and warmth. A sip of chai is a moment of peace in this chaotic world, and honestly, that’s the real magic of it.
Chai is Zindagi
At the end of the day, chai is not just a drink. It is a feeling, an experience, a way of life. It is the warmth of home, the comfort of tradition, and the simple joy of pausing for a moment in a chaotic world.
So, the next time someone asks you, “Why do you love chai so much?”- just smile, take a sip, and say, “Because chai is an emotion.” (Or, you can just make them read this essay). And if they don’t get it, well, that’s just more chai for you.
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Articulated By Priyanshi Mutkekar, 3rd year Student at Media and communication, Fergusson College.
