
Nadan Chaya
How to brew perfect Kerala tea
Kerala chaya runs about one part milk to two parts water — far lighter than the milk-heavy chai of the north — and it is finished by pulling the tea between two tumblers until it froths.

Boil milk and water together
Take your preferred ratio of milk and water in one vessel and bring it to the boil together — not water first.
Add the powder at half boil
Once it is half boiled, stir in 2 teaspoons of tea powder.
Boil, then rest
Let it come to a full boil, then take it off the heat and rest at least 30 seconds so the colour and body settle.
Pull for froth
Pour between two tumblers from a height. The greater the drop, the better the froth — the “one-metre chaya” of Kerala tea shops.
CTC vs orthodox
CTC — crush, tear, curl — is machine-processed into granules that brew fast and strong. Orthodox leaf is rolled whole and gives a lighter, more aromatic cup. Over 80% of Indian tea is CTC.
What the grades mean
BOP is Broken Orange Pekoe: smaller broken leaf, quick infusion, full body and colour. Whole-leaf grades like OP brew lighter and more floral.
Water, not just leaf
Boiling water scorches tea and pulls harsh tannin. Take it off the boil to around 95°C and time the steep.
Black tea from Idukki blended with whole green cardamom from Idukki, ready to brew. There's no cardamom flavouring or essence here, just real pods mixed with the tea, so you get that fresh, just-crushed elakka smell in every cup.
How to brew
- With milk (chaya style): add 2 teaspoons to milk and water as it comes to the boil, boil for a minute, strain and sweeten.
- Plain: 1 teaspoon per cup (180ml), water just off the boil, steep for 3–4 minutes.
What it tastes like
A smooth, malty black tea with cardamom's warm, slightly citrus sweetness on top.
Storing it
Keep it tightly sealed. Cardamom's aroma fades when it's left open to the air.
Delivery usually takes 4–5 working days across India. Free shipping on orders above ₹649. Questions before ordering? WhatsApp us on +91 88482 65849.
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