Latest news with #MasalaChai
India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
London tea seller who served PM Modi, Starmer shares his experience in viral video
Akhil Patel, a London-based Indian-origin tea entrepreneur, found himself brewing more than just a cup when he served masala chai to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer at a UK-India trade event on - founder of Amala Chai - served tea to both leaders during PM Modi's visit to the UK to mark the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The meeting took place at Chequers, the British PM's country later shared a video on Instagram to share his experience. 'Did I just get into Modi's Instagram? Yes, today I got invited to Drowning Streets to celebrate the UK-India Free Trade Agreement,' he said in a video. 'As one of the few selected brands there, little did I know that I'd be serving chai to UK and Indian ministers, and to Modi and Starmer.' He added that he also served tea to India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. 'There I was, in the UK Prime Minister's house, serving masala chai, and not one person wanted coffee,' he said."This was possible one of the craziest moments of my life," Patel said. Watch the viral video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amala Chai | Masala Chai (@amala_chai)But the internet-favourite moment came when Patel, handing over a cup to PM Modi, quipped, 'From one chaiwala to another.' The Prime Minister acknowledged the remark with a smile and a wore a colourful Nehru jacket as he listed the origins of his ingredients: 'Masala chai, sourced from India. Tea comes from Assam, spices from Kerala,' he explained, handing a cup to Modi later shared photos of their tea moment on X, writing, 'Chai pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers... brewing stronger India-UK ties!'A former data analyst and a London School of Economics graduate, Patel started Amala Chai in 2019, inspired by his grandmother's love for tea. His company now sources ingredients directly from small family farms in Assam and Kerala, and clearly, his passion has brewed him the moment of a lifetime.- Ends
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Brewing Stronger Ties": PM Modi's ' Chai Pe Charcha ' With UK's Keir Starmer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer celebrated the signing of the free trade agreement between the two countries by enjoying a cup of tea at Chequers. "Chai Pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers... brewing stronger India-UK ties," PM Modi said in a post on X, where he also shared pictures of the leaders waiting for a cup of tea. A man dressed in a kurta and a colourful Nehru-jacket can be seen pouring tea from a kettle in a paper cup labelled, 'Masala Chai'. Football is widely admired among India's youth and several football clubs based in the UK are very popular in India. @Keir_Starmer — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 Earlier in the day, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed and formalised, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK, where he met his counterpart Keir Starmer. The deal was signed by commerce minister Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynold, his British counterpart. Apart from the tea break, the two leaders also interacted with players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. PM Modi shared photos on X and wrote, "India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket", he also said, "Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations." He said that a bat signed by the Indian cricket team which won the T20 World Cup had been gifted to the players. Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer also viewed a Premier League trophy on display, with the former sharing photos on X. He wrote, "Football is widely admired among India's youth and several football clubs based in the UK are very popular in India." Football is widely admired among India's youth and several football clubs based in the UK are very popular in India. @Keir_Starmer — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 PM Starmer said that the trade deal between the two countries was "the most significant deal the UK has signed since leaving the EU", and said that with India, the UK has "unique bonds of history, of family and of culture, and we want to strengthen our relationship further". PM Modi hailed the agreement as "a blueprint for our shared prosperity". This visit is PM Modi's fourth visit to the UK since assuming office in 2014.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hans India
Karak Chai vs Masala Chai: The Real Difference and How to Make It at Home
For many, mornings feel incomplete without a comforting cup of tea. Among the rising stars in the tea world is Karak Chai, a beloved beverage from the streets of Dubai. Though often confused with India's classic Masala Chai, the two differ significantly in flavor, strength, and preparation. What Exactly is Karak Chai? Karak Chai—often referred to as the Middle Eastern sibling of Masala Chai—is a robust, creamy tea with hints of cardamom and mild sweetness. The word "karak" means "strong" in Hindi, a reflection of its intense flavor. Common across Gulf nations, especially in the UAE, it's brewed with black tea, sweetened condensed or evaporated milk, and a few aromatic spices. It's a staple at roadside tea stalls and a part of daily life in the region. What is Masala Chai? Masala Chai is an Indian favorite, known for its rich blend of spices and black tea. 'Masala' means spices, and the drink typically features cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, and ginger simmered with milk and sugar. It's a spiced tea rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, originally brewed centuries ago for its medicinal properties—long before the British introduced black tea in the 1800s. Where Do They Come From? Though Karak Chai is a modern-day icon in Dubai, it actually evolved from the Indian masala chai, thanks to South Asian migrant communities. Over time, it took on a bolder, creamier character, better suited to the Gulf palate. Masala chai, meanwhile, has deep roots in ancient India and was originally a spice infusion without tea leaves—until the colonial era brought Assam's black tea into the mix. Key Differences Between Karak and Masala Chai While both teas share a common base of milk and spices, their differences are striking: Milk Type: Karak uses evaporated or condensed milk for a thicker, richer texture. Masala chai uses regular milk. Karak uses evaporated or condensed milk for a thicker, richer texture. Masala chai uses regular milk. Spice Profile: Masala chai features a wider spice mix—cinnamon, cloves, black pepper—while Karak typically sticks to cardamom and saffron. Masala chai features a wider spice mix—cinnamon, cloves, black pepper—while Karak typically sticks to cardamom and saffron. Flavor: Karak is bold, sweet, and creamy. Masala chai is spicier and more aromatic. Karak is bold, sweet, and creamy. Masala chai is spicier and more aromatic. Texture: Karak is thicker and smoother; masala chai is lighter and more layered in taste. How to Brew a Cup of Karak Chai at Home Ingredients: 1½ cups water A pinch of ground cardamom 4 saffron strands (crushed) 2 tsp black tea powder 170 ml evaporated milk Sugar to taste Method: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add cardamom and saffron. Let it boil again. Stir in the tea powder and boil for another minute or two. Pour in the evaporated milk and simmer until the tea reaches a rich caramel hue. Strain into cups, sweeten as desired, and serve hot. Whether you prefer the spice-laden comfort of masala chai or the creamy boldness of karak, each cup promises a unique and satisfying experience.
India Today
10-07-2025
- Climate
- India Today
What's cooking this rainy season? Try these comfort foods
The monsoon season, with its cool breezes and gentle rains, often brings out the desire for heartwarming comfort foods. As the weather turns wet, kitchens bustle with the preparation of classic recipes perfect for enjoying under a cosy blanket. The soothing sound of raindrops enhances the experience, making each bite more Pakoras to Masala ChaiAmong the most favoured monsoon snacks are onion pakoras, also known as Kanda Bhaji. These crispy, golden fritters made with sliced onions and spices are often served hot with pro tip for an extra crunch is to add ajwain and a pinch of baking soda to the batter. Complement this snack with a steaming cup of Masala Chai, infused with ginger, cardamom, and cloves. The tea pairs excellently with pakoras or biscuits, offering a comforting and immune-boosting Soups and Savoury Snacks For rainy evenings, a warm bowl of sweet corn soup can be particularly soothing. This nutritious choice becomes even more flavourful with chopped vegetables like carrots and spring popular choice is bread pakora, involving spicy mashed potatoes stuffed in bread and dipped in gram flour batter. For a twist, try paneer stuffing for a protein-rich alternative. These snacks are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for spontaneous Food DelightsAloo Tikki Chaat is a beloved street food that brings a burst of flavours with crispy potato patties topped with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chaat masala adds an extra kick. Meanwhile, Moong Dal Khichdi remains a go-to dish for those seeking a wholesome meal. Easily digestible, it is perfect for lazy, rainy days and is traditionally served with ghee and Simple NoodlesVegetable Maggi or Ramen takes the simple 2-minute noodle to a new level by adding vegetables, green chillies, and a dash of schezwan sauce. For more protein, boiled eggs or paneer cubes make great quick meal option is perfect for those who want something satisfying without spending too much time in the Corn and Vada PavRoasted Bhutta (corn) epitomises monsoon munchies, often rubbed with lemon, salt, and chilli powder for an added flavour boost. At home, it can be roasted over a gas stove or grilled in the Vada offers another traditional delight, consisting of spiced mashed potatoes deep-fried in besan batter. As the saying goes, "Pair with pav for the iconic 'vada pav.'" These snacks are perfect for sharing with family and friends, enhancing the communal joy of monsoon on a Warm NoteadvertisementTo cap off a day of indulgence, turmeric milk, known as Haldi Doodh, offers a soothing closure. This beverage is famed for its health benefits, particularly in boosting immunity. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances its warming effect, making it a perfect end to a monsoon evening.- Ends
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Discover the essence of Thai hospitality with Thai Airways
As one of Asia's most renowned full-service carriers, Thai Airways continues to uphold its excellence with exemplary service, regional reach, and thoughtful amenities, with particular emphasis on its Indian business. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, Thai Airways continues to be a preferred mode of travel for passengers on the India-Thailand route, providing an experience where care, culture, and comfort converge at 30,000 feet. Flying with Thai Airways is an experience of the warm Thai hospitality. From serving up a steaming cup of its signature Masala Chai to linking Indian cities with efficient daily flights, Thai Airways continues to redefine what it means to fly with elegance and efficiency. Connecting India and Thailand Daily With its strong and growing network in India, Thai Airways offers a daily non-stop flight from nine Indian cities to cosmopolitan Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Each flight is planned meticulously to allow maximum convenience. Late evening departures and early morning arrivals allow travellers to have a whole day in Thailand, while evening return trips provide a relaxed end to the trip. A connection, certainly, but so much more as well. Bangkok is a gateway, making onward travel easy to Southeast Asia, the Far East, Australia, and Europe. With frequent schedules, easy connections, and welcoming in-flight staff, Thai Airways is a popular choice as a bridge between India and the rest of Asia. Whether you're off to the beach, travelling for business or on a religious pilgrimage, Thai Airways offers a convenient connection to fit your travel plans. Below is the current flight schedule as per the airline's official listings: City Flight No. Route Time (Local) Frequency Kolkata TG314 / TG313 CCU–BKK / BKK–CCU 02:00–06:10 / 23:45–00:45+1 Daily New Delhi TG316 / TG315 DEL–BKK / BKK–DEL 23:30–05:25+1 / 18:50–21:50 Daily TG324 / TG323 DEL–BKK / BKK–DEL 11:40–17:35 / 07:35–10:35 Daily (with Premium Economy) TG332 / TG331 DEL–BKK / BKK–DEL 03:20–09:15 / 23:15–02:15+1 Daily TG336 / TG335 DEL–BKK / BKK–DEL 01:55–07:50 / 21:25–00:25+1 Sat / Fri Mumbai TG318 / TG317 BOM–BKK / BKK–BOM 23:55–05:35+1 / 18:55–21:55 Daily (with Premium Economy) TG352 / TG351 BOM–BKK / BKK–BOM 02:40–08:40 / 22:30–01:30+1 Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat / Sun Bengaluru TG326 / TG325 BLR–BKK / BKK–BLR 00:30–05:55 / 21:20–23:25 Daily Hyderabad TG330 / TG329 HYD–BKK / BKK–HYD 01:10–06:15 / 22:10–00:10+1 Daily Chennai TG338 / TG337 MAA–BKK / BKK–MAA 01:10–06:10 / 22:10–00:01+1 Daily Ahmedabad TG344 / TG343 AMD–BKK / BKK–AMD 01:05–07:00 / 21:00–00:01+1 Daily Kochi TG348 / TG347 COK–BKK / BKK–COK 00:40–06:20 / 21:15–23:40 Daily The exclusive masala chai. Blended from a unique in-house recipe, this fragrant tea is a soothing combination of high-quality black tea leaves that have been infused with a carefully chosen combination of Indian spices. It offers a rich, reassuring flavour profile that will evoke home and tradition, tastefully celebrating the airline's cultural sensitivity. Offered in all cabins, the Masala Chai experience is now a firm passenger favourite, a small but meaningful gesture that makes every journey a little bit more special. THAI × Indus: Flavours of India From 1 July 2025, Thai Airways partners with Bangkok's MICHELIN-Plate restaurant Indus to bring a rotating, region-themed Business-Class menu to Royal Silk passengers: Service cycle* Featured region Signature flavour notes Jul / Nov / Mar Coastal Cuisine This cuisine is derived from the southern coast of India, celebrating the natural combination of coconut, tamarind and aromatic spices - light, fresh and flavorful - using everyday ingredients and dynamics that the coastal communities know well. Aug / Dec / Apr North Frontier Trail Rooted in the food traditions of Uttar Pradesh and influenced by Punjabi and Afghan styles, this cuisine features smoky tandoor cooking and rich, spiced gravies. The complexity of flavour, warmth and heartiness of the food is clearly demonstrated in dishes such as Paneer Makhani and Tandoori Gobhi. Sep / Jan / May Kashmiri Wazwaan Kashmiri food combines subtle spices with creamy textures, and Persian roots. Yogurt-based sauces, saffron and rice, and dishes such as Yakhni and Pulao provide a mild but layered flavor. Nuts and dried fruits add a light sweetness to round off a meal. Oct / Feb / Jun Princely State Rajasthan With a mix of royal and rustic influences, Rajasthani cuisine often uses slow-cooked techniques bursting with flavour, suited to the dry climate. Dishes like the tangy Khatte Baingan and Maas ke Sule, meat grilled to perfection, showcase the region's practical yet flavorful cooking style. *Cycle repeats each quarter. Why Indus? Celebrated in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Indus is revered for translating India's classics to the Thai palate without losing their soul. Its hallmarkRaan—lamb leg slow-cooked for seven hours, then gently grilled—underlines the kitchen's devotion to depth and nuance, a standard now served sky-high aboard Thai Airways. A Tasteful Bridge Between Nations Just as Thai Airways Masala Chai honours Indian tea traditions, the THAI × Indus menu transforms the business-class cabin into a roaming chef's table, letting travellers trace India's coastlines, highlands and deserts through aroma alone. It is hospitality in its most flavour-laden form—crafted for the skies, rooted in the soil, and offered exclusively to those who choose Royal Silk. Thai Hospitality in the Skies Flying with Thai Airways is an experience of the warm Thai hospitality, where each interaction is crafted with elegance, serenity, and warmth. From the traditional Thai greeting upon boarding to the cabin crew's gentle attentiveness throughout the flight, service is offered with a personal and genuine touch that is Thai Airways' hallmark. In Economy Class, passengers can expect exceptional attention to detail, from ergonomically designed seating to thoughtfully curated inflight meals, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of the ticket class. A Premium Lounge Experience Those seeking peace and quiet before embarking will discover that Thai Airways' Royal Orchid Lounges are an oasis of comfort and hospitality at several of the key airports, including Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Royal Orchid Lounge at Bangkok airport provides luxurious seating, complimentary high-speed internet, shower rooms, relaxation areas, and a rich selection of Thai and international food and beverages. Business and First Class passengers, as well as Royal Orchid Plus Gold members, enjoy access to these thoughtfully curated lounges designed to reflect Thai aesthetics with modern comfort. Thai Airways offers multiple lounges for different tiers of passengers ensuring there is a serene prelude to your travel far ahead of your departure. In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Thai Airways offers an extensive in-flight entertainment system with a wide collection of movies, TV shows, music, and games to entertain travelers during the journey. It is constantly updated to offer a diverse selection to cater to various preferences. For those who want to remain connected, there are in-flight Wi-Fi services on some of Thai Airways' aircraft, where travelers can browse the net, send e-mails, and stay in touch with their loved ones while on the move. Wi-Fi availability and performance vary with the aircraft, route, and satellite coverage. A Legacy of Excellence: 65 Years 2025 marks Thai Airways' 65 years of service, a testament to its rich heritage and endurance in the ever-changing world of aviation. From its first flight in 1960 right up to its current status as Thailand's flag carrier, Thai Airways has had a consistent record of service excellence, safety, and connectivity in Asia, Europe, and Oceania. With a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience, Thai Airways continues to evolve while being anchored in the decades-old values of hospitality, respect, and reliability. For Indian travelers, the airline remains a much-loved bridge of two vibrant cultures, not just transporting people, but also memories, heritage, and hopes. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times.
