Our Bureau
New Delhi
For chai lovers, it’s a treat to ears to hear this piece of news while their taste buds already applaud their regular dose of masala chai. During winters, masala chai serves as an antidote to the plummeting temperatures. Popular food and travel guide TasteAtlas has revealed a list of accolades as part of its year-end awards for 2023-24. Masala Chai from India is placed second on the list of best non-alcoholic beverages in the world.
In a tweet, the food guide wrote, “Chai masala is an aromatic beverage originating from India. It is made with a combination of sweetened black tea and milk that is spiced with a masala mix-which typically includes cardamom, ground ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns. However, the choice and the exact proportion of spices often vary. Although there are several theories that claim otherwise, the origin of chai masala is mostly associated with the British tea trade.”
In the 19th century, the Chinese had a monopoly on the tea trade and the British looked for other markets that would fulfill the high demand for black tea – which was a firm European favorite.
Mexico’s Aguas Frescas was ranked first. These drinks are “made with a combination of fruits, cucumbers, flowers, seeds, and cereals blended with sugar and water,” as per TasteAtlas. India’s mango lassi occupied the third position. Previously, it had also received the title of the ‘Best Dairy Beverage in the World’.
