There’s something magical about the taste of a good cup of tea—it instantly takes you back to childhood memories of warm kitchen chatter, the aroma of fresh tea leaves, and the sound of rain on a tin roof. We can all admit that tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a part of life in Kenya. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or shared with friends during a late afternoon visit, tea holds a special place in our hearts.
In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy Kenyan chai recipe. Whether you use a kettle, tea urn, or even a milk frother, you’re sure to enjoy this rich and comforting beverage.
Ingredients for Kenyan Chai
This chai recipe makes 4 cups of tea, perfect for sharing with family or friends:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk works best, but you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons of loose tea leaves or 4 tea bags
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (or adjust to taste)
- Optional: Your choice of flavors (see the section below)
Optional Tea Flavors
While plain chai is delightful on its own, adding flavors can make your tea even more special. Here are some popular options:
- Cardamom Pods ( iliki ): Adds a sweet, spicy aroma.
- Ginger: Gives the tea a warm, zesty kick.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Adds a touch of sweetness and spice.
- Cloves: Provides a strong, aromatic punch.
- Vanilla Essence: Adds a smooth, sweet flavor.
- Lemon Grass: A refreshing, citrusy note.
Feel free to mix and match these flavors depending on your mood or preference!
Method for Making Kenyan Chai
1st Step : Boil Water
- Pour the 2 cups of water into a kettle, tea urn, or saucepan.
- Add any optional flavors you’d like to include (e.g., cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon).
- Bring the water to a boil.
2nd Step: Add Tea Leaves
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and add the tea leaves or tea bags.
- Let the tea simmer for 2–3 minutes to extract the full flavor of the leaves.
3rd Step: Add Milk
- Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk.
- Stir the mixture gently and allow it to come to a boil again.
- Keep an eye on it to prevent the milk from boiling over!
4th Step: Sweeten Your Tea
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar (or adjust according to taste).
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
5th Step: Strain and Serve
- Use a tea strainer to pour the chai into cups, removing the tea leaves and any added spices.
- For a creamy texture, use a milk frother to froth the milk before mixing it with the tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Kenyan chai hot, alongside some mandazi, bread, or your favorite snacks. You can also enjoy it on its own as a soothing treat.
Personal Thoughts
For me, making tea is more than just a daily routine—it’s a ritual. The smell of chai boiling on the stove reminds me of mornings spent in the kitchen with my family, the comforting chatter as we waited for the first cup. It’s amazing how a simple cup of tea can bring people together, whether you’re hosting guests or just catching up with loved ones.
Tea, after all, is not just a drink—it’s a memory, a tradition, and a warm hug in a cup. Try this chai recipe, and I’m sure it’ll bring a little extra joy to your day.
Enjoy your perfect Kenyan chai! 😊