Step into the aromatic world of Indian chai with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai and founder of Chai by Mira. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of how tea became India’s most beloved beverage – through colonial trade routes, opium, and clever British marketing.
Mira shares chai-making secrets passed down through generations: from the Ayurvedic ritual of boiling milk three times, to unlocking spice potency with proper preparation (spoiler: whole ginger slices won’t cut it). You’ll learn why different Indian regions brew chai in unique ways, and how spices like cardamom and saffron offer profound medicinal benefits.
This is more than a conversation about tea, it’s a journey through heritage, healing, and the unseen wisdom in everyday rituals. Whether you’re a lifelong chai lover or simply curious about the deeper stories steeped in your cup, this episode will enrich your connection to this timeless tradition.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: MIRA MANEK
Mira Manek is an author, wellness coach and expert, and has her own chai brand. Her third book, The Book of Chai, follows on from the success of her first two books, bestselling cookbook Saffron Soul and a book on Ayurveda and happiness called Prajna. Mira was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a large joint family with her grandparents, strongly rooted in their Indian heritage. She grew up speaking Gujarati, learned Sanskrit at school and has travelled extensively in India, inspiring her passion for Indian philosophy and spirituality, chai and chaiwalas, Indian food and spices, and especially Ayurveda.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Table of Contents
How British Marketing and the Opium Trade Shaped Indian Chai Culture
- The British East India Company used opium to fund the tea trade, opening a new market in India.
- India’s adoption of tea wasn’t organic; it was a byproduct of colonial strategy and economic manipulation.
- The British launched a massive campaign to normalise tea drinking in India, promoting it as healthy and modern.
- Over time, India adapted the beverage with its own flavours, turning tea into chai – infused with spices, milk, and sugar.
Family Chai Rituals and Spice Secrets Passed Down Through Generations
- Mira recalls her grandmother’s chai preparation rituals in the family kitchen.
- Spice grinding, boiling techniques, and intuitively measured ingredients were key to making a good cup.
- Chai was more than a beverage – it was a time for connection, comfort, and care.
- Mira shares the importance of timing, heat, and preparation order for optimal flavour extraction.
The Ayurvedic Approach to Chai
- Ayurveda views chai not just as a drink, but as a vehicle for digestion, balance, and ritual.
- Boiling milk three times is a traditional Ayurvedic practice to reduce heaviness and increase digestibility.
- Chai acts as a digestive stimulant (deepana-pachana) and helps balance the doshas depending on spice selection.
- Mira discusses how her daily chai routine became a grounding ritual amid modern life.
Medicinal Benefits of Chai Spices like Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, and Saffron
- Cardamom freshens breath, aids digestion, and calms the nervous system.
- Ginger is anti-inflammatory, warming, and promotes healthy circulation.
- Clove acts as a natural analgesic and antibacterial spice.
- Saffron elevates mood and supports hormonal health; Mira shares her grandmother’s method of gently roasting saffron for potency.
Regional Chai Variations Across India and the Logic Behind Them
- Kashmiri pink chai includes salt and baking soda – originally used to aid digestion in colder climates.
- In Gujarat, chai is sweeter and milder; in the north, it tends to be stronger and spicier.
- Regional differences reflect climate, constitution, and cultural preferences.
- These variations also offer insight into local Ayurvedic adaptations through food and drink.
How to Make Chai a Deeper, More Mindful Ritual in Your Day
- Mira encourages connecting to the process of making chai as a moment of stillness and intention.
- The act of preparing and serving chai can be a daily practice of care, reflection, and grounding.
- She invites listeners to experiment with spice blends that resonate with their mood and constitution.
- Chai can become an anchor for presence in the midst of a busy day.
RESOURCES:
- Mira Manek’s Website: miramanek.com
- Chai by Mira (chai blends & products): chaibymira.com
- Books by Mira Manek:
- The Book of Chai
- Saffron Soul
- Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness
- Mira Manek’s Instagram: @miramanek
- Vital Veda Podcast Episode: “The Ancient and Stimulating Spice Industry” with Ian ‘Herbie’ Hemphill
- Cardamom Auctions:
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