A cup of Karak Chai is just what you need in the morning. Strong, spiced and mildly sweet, this easy Karak chai recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make. Make this strong tea using loose black tea, sugar, whole spices and milk.

The word Karak or Kadak means ‘strong’ and Chai means ‘tea’. This aromatic tea is also known as Chai Karak, kadak chai or Qatari Tea. It is a hugely popular drink in India and Pakistan, but I have learned that it is enjoyed in Arab countries such as Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Karak Chai is prepared with strong black tea, evaporated milk or regular milk, cardamom, ginger and sugar. It differs from an authentic Indian Masala Chai (traditional Indian tea) by using fewer spices.
Indian chai is typically flavoured with different types of spices: cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, ginger and clove such as Indian ginger chai and cardamom chai.
Karak Tea is thick and caramel coloured, and has a stronger flavour compared with a regular cup of tea you get in the western world.
Ingredients
Be sure to check out the full recipe and exact ingredient list below in the recipe card.

Tea – a good tea is the main ingredient for delicious karak tea. The original karak tea, is made with black tea leaves. You can use strong black loose leaf such as PG TIPS or the Indian strong tea WAGH BAKRI which is commonly used to make Indian Masala Tea.
Milk – Use fresh milk or evaporated milk. I like to use evaporated milk as it is thick and slightly sweet. For a milky tea, you can add more milk to the recipe.
Ginger – Fresh ginger is a key ingredient in karak chai. You can use ginger powder also but fresh is best!
Aromatic spices – the chai spices used here are cardamom and cinnamon. I have used crushed green cardamom pod and cinnamon stick.
Sugar – use normal granulated sugar or brown sugar. Optionally, use condensed milk which has a high sugar content and reduce the amount of milk added.
Water - regulat tap water.
Vegan
For a vegan version, swap for a dairy free or plant based alternatives. Oat milk is great as it can be boiled without splitting.
Method
1. First, boil water in a kettle or in a saucepan over the stove. Use 1 cup of water for each person so increase the cups of water depending on your guests. Meanwhile, you can use a pestle and mortar to crush the spices or bash with a rolling pin.


2. Add strong loose black tea (1.5 teaspoon for a cup), crushed ginger, cardamom pods and cinnamon bark.


3. Bring the mixture to the boil on medium-high heat, add milk and let it boil for at least five minutes (make sure it doesn’t boil over the pan) until you see a beautiful caramel colour and the tea thickens. Switch to low heat if the tea keeps boiling over.


4. Add sugar (if using) and once again bring it to boil.
5. Using a tea strainer, pour tea into cups and enjoy.
Serving Suggestion
Karak Tea can be served for breakfast, at brunch or as afternoon tea.
It is best enjoyed the Indian way with Indian snacks such as samosa or pakora.
Tea and biscuits are also the perfect marriage enjoyed this way in both South Asia and all regions of the world.
Whether it’s a Eggless Linzer Cookies or an Indian variety, such as Nankhatai, Coconut and Cardamom Wholewheat Cookies you need to serve the tea with biscuits.
In our house, we often serve handvo, thepla, masala lachha paratha, masala bhakhri or bajri na vada as well.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove the next day.

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Karak Chai Recipe (Karak Tea)
Equipment
- 1 Sauce pan
- 1 tea strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
- 2 cup water
- 3 teaspoon tea black loose
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 5 cardamom pods crushed
- ½ inch cinnamon bark
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
Instructions
- Boil water in a kettle and pour in the saucepan or directly boil the 2 cup water in a saucepan over the stovetop.2 cup water
- Crush the spices 5 cardamom pods, ½ inch cinnamon bark, 1 tablespoon ginger.
- Add cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and 3 teaspoon tea.3 teaspoon tea, 5 cardamom pods, ½ inch cinnamon bark, 1 tablespoon ginger
- Bring it to a boil, then add 1 cup evaporated milk.1 cup evaporated milk, 2 teaspoon sugar
- Then add 2 teaspoon sugar.
- Let the mixture come to a rolling boil and let the tea boil for at least 3-4 minutes.
- Once you see the tea has a dark caramel colour and thickens, turn off the heat.
- Using a tea strainer, pour the tea into cups and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Share on Facebook Pin This RecipeNote – This recipe has been updated from our recipe archives with new images and content, but the recipe remains the same. First published in May 2019.





Shannon says
I absolutely LOVE Chai tea! I have never heard of this type of Chai but it sounds awesome and I love how simple the recipe is. Can't wait to try it!
Anne says
I love chai, and especially this version all of the spices are a perfect match!
Eva says
I am both a coffee person and a tea person and I love milk tea. I will be making this soon, I love relaxing with a cup of tea anytime!
Neha says
Love the combination of spices in your tea recipe Jagruti! I can't wait to make tea your way in the afternoon today.
Anna says
I would love to be sipping on this chai right now! Love all of the spices you have used in this recipe, and very much looking forward to making this beverage!
Sharon says
Chai tea is one of my favorite afternoon treats. I like the idea of having a 'stronger' version of it. Looks delicious!
Dominique | Perchance to cook says
I have been obsessed with cardamom lately and am drooling over the idea of the flavors in this chai! Sounds SOOO good. I can't wait to try it!
Unknown says
I love chai but have never heard of this kind - can't wait to try this in place of my morning coffee!
veenaazmanov says
The color of this Chai says it all. Love the spices used to making this amazing flavoring Kadak chai. I want to sip it right away.
Mama Bear's Cook Book says
There is something so extra delicious about a strong cup of tea, for me I love one in the afternoon after a busy day. I love the spices you have added and look forward to trying it out!
Danielle says
This is a wonderful recipe to start the day. I had Karak Chai some time ago and it was amazing. I am really keen to make it at home now.