The term chai was originally used for a healing brew of spices and herbs that varied by the season and region. The chai we know and love today developed a life of its own when adopted into different regions of India and is now not only a traditional drink, but a tradition of its own.

Chai has an interesting and contested history. Some say that it was an ancient Indian king who either created the brew for energy or for healing. Another theory credits the creation of chai to a Buddhist monk. The original drink did not contain tea leaves and milk and sugar were also added later. Regional recipes are fascinating because they provide glimpses into the communities in which they were created.

The great variety of recipes means that you can always find a chai for you. Here at Empire Tea Services we have 7 different kinds of chai to suit your every whim.

~ Our Traditional Chai is a blend of small leaf Ceylon black tea, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon spices from Sri Lanka and is extremely aromatic and flavorful.

~ The large leaf Ceylon black tea in our Bombay Chai Black Tea sets it apart in taste and fragrance.

~ We also have a green tea version of our Bombay Chai for green tea enthusiasts who are interested in it’s possible health benefits.

~ Our Vanilla Chai is a slight variation on the traditional with vanilla flavoring for a wonderful, luxurious chai.

~ White Chai is a twist on the traditional with Pai Mu Tan white tea, Mao Feng green tea, and while spices- cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. This chai is a light chai great for the end of a long day.

~ Our herbal Rooibos Chai which is wonderful option for the caffeine-averse.

~ We have been told that our Extra Spicy Chai smells like Christmas. It is a blend of the traditional chai with rooibos, orange peel, and botanicals.