12 Indian Chai Varieties Every Tea Lover Needs

7. Saffron Chai (Kesar Chai)

Kesar chai adds saffron’s warm floral notes for a subtly luxurious cup. A few saffron threads are soaked in warm milk to release color and fragrance, then added to the tea near the end of brewing. Use saffron sparingly—three to five threads are enough for two to three cups—to avoid overwhelming the cup and to keep the aroma refined. The base can be Assam or another black tea, with the usual 1:1 milk-to-water starting point and a moderate simmer. Sweeten lightly to let saffron shine. Saffron chai is often reserved for special guests or celebratory moments because of saffron’s special status and cost. The flavor reads as floral, honeyed, and slightly raisiny when paired with warm milk. For an extra touch, top with crushed pistachios or almonds. Commercial saffron chai blends exist, but fresh saffron plus whole spices delivers the most authentic aroma and color.