
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.
Bestseller — Export-Grade Broken Orange Pekoe, Kerala
Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) grade black tea from Kerala's finest estates. BOP leaves have more tannins and essential oils — broken granules increase surface area for fuller flavor extraction. This is the tea served in premium hotels and exported worldwide.
Why BOP Grade?
Export-grade certification means lab-tested for pesticides, hand-sorted, and graded to international standards. From Idukki's misty highland gardens — bright, vivid character with no bitterness. Direct from estates, no middlemen.
How to Brew
- 1 teaspoon (2.5g) per 180ml
- Steep at 95°C for 3–5 minutes
- Black with lemon, or with milk
Sensory Profile
- Aroma: Bright floral, subtle woody notes
- Taste: Clean, no bitterness, crisp finish
- Color: Brilliant amber to ruby red
Export Grade · FSSAI Certified · Direct from Idukki Estates · Free delivery Rs.450+
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