Authentic Karak Chai Recipe – A Bold & Spiced Middle Eastern Tea

Steaming hot, rich, and irresistibly spiced, Karak Chai is a tea that truly captivates the senses.

This creamy, full-bodied drink, infused with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes saffron, has become a staple across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

One of the defining features of Karak Chai is its rich, caramelized sweetness, achieved by simmering black tea with a blend of aromatic spices and a touch of evaporated or condensed milk. This slow brewing process deepens the flavors, creating a tea that is both invigorating and soothing.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make authentic Karak Chai from scratch, bringing the warmth and tradition of this beloved Middle Eastern favorite into your own kitchen!

Short History of Karak Tea

While its roots lie in Indian masala chai, Karak has taken on a unique identity, adapting to local, Middle Eastern preferences for stronger flavors and a silkier texture.

The word “Karak” comes from the Hindi term “Kadak,” which means strong—perfectly describing the bold and intense flavor of this tea.

It first gained popularity in the mid-20th century when South Asian immigrants brought their tea traditions to the Gulf. Over time, Karak Chai became an essential part of daily life, enjoyed by everyone from early-morning commuters to late-night social gatherings.

In bustling cities like Dubai and Doha, small roadside tea stalls, known as “chai karak” shops, serve endless cups to workers, tourists, and tea lovers seeking warmth and comfort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Rich and Bold Flavor – Karak Chai offers a deep, full-bodied taste with a perfect balance of strong black tea, warming spices, and creamy sweetness. It’s an unforgettable flavor experience.
• Energizing and Comforting – The combination of caffeine from black tea and aromatic spices makes Karak both an invigorating morning drink and a soothing evening indulgence.
• A Taste of Middle Eastern Culture – This beloved tea is a daily ritual across the Gulf, from bustling chai stalls to elegant cafés. Drinking it is like experiencing a piece of Middle Eastern hospitality and tradition.
• Easy to Make at Home – With just a few simple ingredients like black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and milk, you can recreate authentic Karak Chai in your own kitchen without any special equipment.
• Perfect Alternative to Coffee – If you love strong, bold flavors but want a break from coffee, Karak Chai offers a rich caffeine boost with added warmth from its spices.
• Helps with Digestion – The spices in Karak Chai, like cardamom and ginger, have digestive benefits, making it a great post-meal drink.

Ingredients & Equipment

When making authentic Karak Chai, the choice of ingredients plays a vital role in achieving the bold, aromatic flavor that makes this tea so special.

The black tea you use should be strong and full-bodied. Assam tea is a great choice because of its rich, malty taste that holds up well against the spices and milk.

If using tea bags, make sure they are high-quality, as weaker tea won’t provide the depth of flavor needed. Loose-leaf tea is ideal, as it allows for better extraction and a stronger brew.

The spices are what give Karak Chai its signature warmth. Cardamom is the most essential—it adds a sweet, slightly citrusy aroma that blends beautifully with the tea. Cinnamon contributes a mild sweetness and warmth, while cloves add depth and a slightly peppery note.

Saffron gives the tea an exotic fragrance and a hint of luxury, while fresh ginger provides a subtle heat and enhances the digestive benefits of the tea.

Using whole spices rather than ground ones helps release their flavors gradually during simmering, giving the tea a well-balanced taste.

For the milk, evaporated milk is traditionally used because it creates a creamy, rich consistency without watering down the tea.

Some variations use condensed milk for added sweetness and a thicker texture. If you prefer regular milk, whole milk works best, as it provides the necessary creaminess.

Sweetness is key in Karak Chai, and sugar is usually added to taste. Some people prefer brown sugar for a slight caramel-like flavor, while others use honey for a more natural sweetness. The sugar helps balance the strength of the tea and spices, creating a smooth, well-rounded drink.

When it comes to equipment, you’ll need a saucepan or small pot to simmer the tea and spices together. A fine mesh strainer is essential for removing the tea leaves and whole spices before serving, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable texture.

If you like your tea extra frothy, using a ladle to “pull” the tea (pouring it from a height back into the pot) can create a slight foamy layer, enhancing the experience.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons loose black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (or 2 crushed cardamom pods)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (or 1 small cinnamon stick)
• ½ inch piece of ginger, grated
• ¼ teaspoon saffron strands (optional, for a luxurious touch)
• 2 cloves (optional, for extra spice)
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or regular milk)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

How To Make Karak Tea

Instructions

1. Boil the Water & Spices:
   • In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves & saffron (if using). Let it simmer for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Add the Tea:
   • Add loose black tea or tea bags to the spiced water.
   • Let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the tea darkens and the aroma intensifies.
3. Pour in the Milk:
   • Stir in evaporated milk (or regular milk) and bring the tea to a gentle boil.
   • Simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop a rich, creamy texture.
4. Sweeten and Simmer:
   • Add sugar to taste and stir well.
   • Let the tea simmer for another 2 minutes to blend all the flavors.
5. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the tea into cups using a fine sieve to remove the spices and tea leaves.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the bold, spiced flavors of authentic Karak Chai!

Tip: For a stronger flavor, let the tea simmer longer. If you prefer it extra creamy, increase the milk slightly.

This recipe makes 2 servings (approximately 1 cup per person). If you need more, simply double or adjust the ingredients accordingly!

Additional Tips & Variations

For a unique twist on traditional Karak Chai, here are some variations and tips to customize your brew:

• Make it Extra Frothy – For a café-style texture, try “pulling” the tea by pouring it back and forth between two cups from a height. This helps aerate the tea, creating a light froth that enhances the creaminess.
• Use Different Sweeteners – Instead of regular sugar, experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness, honey for a natural touch, or even condensed milk for a richer and sweeter version.
• Iced Karak Chai – Let the brewed tea cool, then pour it over ice for a refreshing summer drink. You can also blend it with ice for a creamy Karak Chai frappé.
• Make it Vegan – Swap evaporated milk for plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk. Coconut milk can also add a slightly tropical, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Try a Different Tea Base – While Assam tea is commonly used, you can experiment with Darjeeling for a lighter taste or Ceylon tea for a slightly citrusy note.
• Make a Karak Chai Latte – Froth the milk separately and pour it over the brewed tea for a layered, café-style latte effect.