Chai, Cha or Chay means tea. Here though it is often used to refer to Chai Masala or a tea with spices brewed in milk. And within multiple cultures it is commonplace. Again, here, Chai, or Chai Tea, is referring to this sweet mix that is Indian in origin.

The many meanings of Chai.

In medieval Spain the word Chai meant "life", alive, living, and the symbol (of life) was worn as an amulet.

In France, Chai means (pronounced shay) a wine "shed" or place to store wine above ground.

In India, Chai, \chi\ derived from Cha (Chinese), means tea. And in Indian cooking, the word Masala means spice mixture made into a paste or powder, such as chicken masala. Thus Masala Chai is a spiced dark tea.

Jaipur Avenue Masala Chai is more than the blending of the ingredients, it is not just a random mix, it is about finding perfect harmony to create the smooth balance that makes this a very special calming, blissful chai.

The creation of Jaipur Avenue Chai started with an expat of Mumbai, India, who was an accomplished textile designer for Oscar de La Renta in NYC and missed the Chai from "home". Now a Seattle resident, Jillu found it harder and harder to find the time to make Chai in her new "home".

When she found out that her husband's high school friend had created an all-natural instant that was just-as-good as the freshly brewed homemade she quit her job at Nordstrom and started Jaipur Avenue.

The aromatic spices chosen for Chai are not random and according to Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old system of natural healing, the spices chosen have purpose and are rich in antioxidants with health benefits. Like all foods, the origins are as important as the taste themselves!

The brief history of Chai in India started in the 1800s when the British occupied their land, and the black tea grown in the Assam area (Assam Tea) was cultivated to reduce the British reliance on the Chinese tea supply.

Tea as a "drink" in India is a recent "invention". Historically, tea was used primarily as a Ayurvedic medicine and was not a popular drink within the borders of India. In the early 1900s the British promoted the drinking of tea with milk and sugar. As the "locals" put their own twist to the mix, adding masala, increasing the sugar and quantity of milk and created the Masala Chai as we know it today.

We serve it in the shop and it gets rave exclamations everyday no matter which "flavor" is being offered.

Click Here To See Everything Featured in This Newsletter!

The first time I made chai, it was a disaster, and it still tasted good! The second time was wonderful. The third time I felt closer to the Chai peace that you get whilst making it.

This homemade chai tea recipe makes a cup plus. This is just a starting point. Add star anise to protect from influenza and black pepper for digestion and mind clarity.

See the Easy Basic Chai Recipe here!

These unopened buds from a tropical evergreen tree, belonging to the myrtle family, are used to flavor a multitude of dishes, both sweet and savory.

Cloves have historically been one of the world's most important spices, in demand in any number of world cuisines.

They are a main player in Indian and Asian spice mixtures and appear in Mediterranean dishes as a primary seasoning for meat and poultry.

Their European applications include mulled wines, gingerbread, and other sweet baked goods.

These organic whole cloves are also commonly used with fish, tongue, and pickled foods. The assertive, dark aroma and sharp, peppery taste mellow well with sweet flavors, especially when cooked; try them with apples, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and beets.

Shop now for Essential Pantry Organic Whole Cloves!

This ground Saigon cinnamon powder packs a healthy vibrant punch!

Vietnamese cinnamon is invigoratingly potent, with a rich, spicy flavor. You may need less than you're accustomed to! Saigon cinnamon powder is an excellent choice for dishes sweet and savory, from cookies to pie to stews.

Saigon cinnamon (also known as Vietnamese cinnamon) is a variety of cinnamon that comes from the Cinnamomum loureiroi tree, which is primarily grown in Vietnam. It's one of the most popular and highly-prized types of cinnamon in the world due to its bold, spicy flavor. It's often considered stronger and more intense than other varieties of cinnamon.

Saigon cinnamon is favored for its intense, spicy-sweet flavor, making it ideal for people who enjoy a strong cinnamon taste. It's particularly popular in baked goods, desserts, coffee, and hot beverages like chai or hot chocolate. However, it's best used in moderation, particularly because of its higher coumarin content.

Saigon cinnamon is a variety of cassia cinnamon (specifically Chinese cassia or Vietnamese cassia). Cassia has a stronger, sharper, and more biting flavor compared to Ceylon cinnamon. Saigon cinnamon is often a preferred type of cassia because it's even more intense than the typical cassia you find in most supermarkets.

Saigon cinnamon sticks are often dark brown to reddish-brown and are very hard and tough, while cassia sticks are typically lighter in color and less difficult to break, depending on the harvest.

Because of its strong flavor, Saigon cinnamon is often preferred in spiced desserts, coffee, and baked goods where you want a more intense cinnamon flavor. Ceylon cinnamon is often used in lighter dishes or for its more subtle cinnamon notes in recipes like curries or chocolates.

Shop now for Saigon Cinnamon!

Ginger has such great healthy qualities and packs a wonderful distinct punch of fragrant flavor.

As we come into the grilling season, be sure to add fresh ginger to your favorite marinade. Or, if you are like me and never have fresh on hand use this ready-to-go ground ginger!

Add a couple of pinches to stir-fry, sauces for meat or chicken, or stewed fruit or applesauce. Ginger is also a common addition to savory Moroccan dishes.

This is definitely perfect for your essential pantry.

Shop now for Organic Ginger - Ground!

This is the box to pick! Take this one camping or keep it handy in the glove box for when you have an emergency! That and a first aid kit.

Since ancient times, chai has been a daily tradition shared with friends and family all over India multiple times a day. Chai is traditionally a freshly brewed black tea with added milk, spices and sugar.

With Jaipur Chai you can make the perfect chai elixir by just adding hot water. Each packet has just the right amount of tea, real milk powder, sugar and spices to create an authentic chai beverage instantly.

It's the perfect, soothing combination, which not only gives us a little pick up, but settles your spirit and calms your nerves.

Can't pick a favorite!!
"I love all the Jaipur chai blends. They are creamy, just sweet enough, and genuinely spice-forward. I cannot decide which I like the best, so this pack is perfect for me. Currently my #1 choice is cardamom, because it seems just perfect for winter. But soon it will be saffron... or maybe ginger... or original. Why choose one when I don’t have to?"
-- Chef Lisa

See the Jaipur Avenue Chai Tea - Variety Pack here!

Cardmom is the perfect, warm spice - and so popular in Indian culture. The woodsy, green overtones and aromas might just hit the spot.

Since ancient times, chai has been a daily tradition shared with friends and family all over India multiple times a day. Chai is traditionally a freshly brewed black tea with added milk, spices and sugar.

With Jaipur Chai you can make the perfect chai elixir by just adding hot water. Each packet has just the right amount of tea, real milk powder, sugar and spices to create an authentic chai beverage instantly. It's the perfect, soothing combination, which not only gives us a little pick up, but settles your spirit and calms your nerves.

Shop now for Jaipur Avenue Cardamom Chai Mix!

Chai, ice, cup, measuring cup with ounce markings. If you want more, double the quantities.

Take your favorite pack, add some stuff and mix!

See the Simple Iced Chai Recipe here!

Original Marsala Chai is a classic and this one perfectly balances between the warming cinnamon and cardamom spices, and the sweet milky flavors.

This Barista pack is meant for coffee and tea shops to make larger quantities. We offer it here to everyone.

8 teaspoons of mix per 8 oz of hot water delivers 1.56 gallons per packet. Adjust to your liking and your local water.

Ingredients: Partially Skimmed Dry Milk, Cane Sugar, Black Tea Extract, spice blend extract.

Shop now for Barista Pack Original Masala Chai Jaipur Avenue!

Love Chai, not dairy so much? This is for you! Or, if you like to add your own dairy alternative this is for you, too!

Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Black Tea Extract, spice blend extract.

Shop now for Jaipur Avenue Original Masala Chai Tea Mix withOUT MILK - Bulk Barista Pack!

While Golden Milk is often enjoyed as a drink, we believe it's the secret ingredient that can elevate cakes, muffins, pancakes, and just about anything—especially hot chocolate!

Sometimes called "Golden Chai" or "Golden Tea," this is Jaipur Avenue's version, and it's absolutely DELICIOUS!

Typically enjoyed before bed, this Turmeric Latte blend is free from black tea extract, so there's no caffeine and it's dairy-free, too!

A rich combination of turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cassia cinnamon, and cardamom, sweetened with pure Indian jaggery (sugar), it's ready to mix with your choice of milk or cream.

While the original Masala Chai is a classic, this Turmeric Masala Chai offers the perfect balance between the warming spices of cinnamon and cardamom and the sweetness of your "milky" option.

It's a soothing "night-night" routine that's so addictive, it might just beat a traditional dessert—at least, that's our opinion!

My favorite way to enjoy this golden treat is by adding a spoonful to my hot chocolate, creating the perfect sweet and spicy drink. Pure perfection!

Shop now for Golden Milk Turmeric Masala Jaipur Avenue Barista!

Niaouli Flower Honey from Madagascar is a rare and exceptional honey harvested from the nectar of the Melaleuca quinquenervia tree, native to the region. Known for its unique flavor, it offers a slightly herbal, floral taste with a mild sweetness and an earthy, sometimes medicinal aroma.

The honey is prized for its distinctiveness and is produced in limited quantities, as the Niaouli flowers bloom only for a short time each year, making it a sought-after variety.

Beyond its delicious flavor, Niaouli honey boasts numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, helping to protect the body from oxidative stress, and possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it useful for treating infections, soothing sore throats, and aiding in wound healing. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties support digestive health and may alleviate joint pain.

Traditionally, Niaouli honey has been used in local medicine, with many believing it helps alleviate respiratory conditions like coughs and colds. Its slow crystallization process gives it a smooth texture, and its light amber color with golden hues adds to its visual appeal.

The honey's medicinal benefits also extend to skincare, where it is used in some cosmetics for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Produced by small-scale beekeepers in Madagascar, Niaouli honey is sustainably sourced, making it both, an artisanal and environmentally conscious product.

In the kitchen, its subtle, herbal sweetness enhances dishes like fruit, yogurt, and cheese, or it can be used in baking. Due to its rarity and exceptional qualities, Niaouli Flower Honey is considered a luxury product.

Shop now for Compagnie du Miel de Niaouli Flower Honey from Madagascar!

It is always a great surprise, I forget how wonderful this noodle is.

These noodles are different from an Italian pasta noodle, and make a nice change.

Udon noodles are a staple food in northern Japan, and a wonderfully versatile food to have on hand for adding new flavor to your everyday meals. These wheat-based noodles differ from their Italian cousins with their slightly denser texture and wheatier taste.

They are chewy, soft, and fat, and make for a wonderful carrier for something green and a little protein.

A hot soup somehow can make a cold day seem just about right. Greens cooked quickly in a hot pot along with mushrooms and protein, like super thin uncooked chicken, or BBQ pork. It's a delectable meal that takes all of about ten minutes, the time to cook Inaka udon.

Japanese Inaka udon noodles are eaten hot and cold, kept simple or transformed when tossed with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oils, or oyster sauce. And, whether you fry them or soup'em, the softer, plumped up udon noodle is fabulous.

Shop now for Inaka Udon!

Scotty combined a few different recipes to come up with this one.

Scotty's "extra" notes include:
1. Sometimes I add a touch of olive oil to the dough, before adding the flour and salt.
2. Usually add a pinch of white sugar to the water/yeast mixture. Helps to make sure the yeast is happy.

This method also makes the least amount of mess and dirties the least number of dishes. Very important!

See the Basic Pizza Dough Recipe here!

This recipe was adapted from La Cucina Italiana's Pasta Edition. If you don't have or don't want to deal with fresh artichokes, you can use jarred. Since they are already cooked, you can add them a little later in the cooking process.

See the Fusilli with Artichoke and Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe here!