The Practice of Making Chai

Join Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, founder and director of The Ayurvedic Institute, as he walks you through his personal masala chai recipe and daily meditation as you make a cup of chai together.

In this moment of making chai we get to spend a few moments in contemplation - working with each ingredient - to make a brew that is good for our systems, as well as a gift for others in our household and community. Sharing a cup of chai with our loved ones is a blessing we can both give and receive every day!

When asked to give the exact portions for this recipe, Vasant Lad made a joke that he doesn’t measure - and in a way this is what we each do with our personal chai recipe, learn what works for us.

Vasant Lad’s Chai Recipe

As a guide, you can begin with this recipe* for 4 people:

3 cups of filtered water
4 cloves
2 pinches of ground nutmeg
2 pinches of ground cinnamon
2 pinches of ground cardamom
½ inch piece of fresh ginger
1 or 2 teaspoon black tea (depending on how strong you like your chai)
1 cup of milk
2 teaspoons Turbinado sugar / sweetener of your choice

*In the video, Vasant Lad also adds lemongrass and black pepper corns. Feel free to add these as you experiment with the flavor.

#chai
#ayurveda
#makingtea
#meditation

00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Lemongrass
01:41 - Black Pepper
02:17 - Cardamon
02:59 - Cloves
03:28 - Nutmeg
04:34 - Cinnamon
05:19 - Preparation
06:12 - Ginger
06:51 - Adding the Tea
07:25 - Sugar
08:43 - Milk
10:54 - Filtering
11:20 - The art of drinking chai

[deadsippy]

i am crying because this man reminds me of my grandfather for whom i made tea growing up, a very similar recipe. he wore a very similar ring, and a similar watch. he also looked similar to you. he is, however, no more and that's why im crying. thank you for reminding me about him.

[anivsekar]

1. Cardamom(green)
2. Cinnamon
3. Clove
4. Lemon grass
5. Nutmeg
6. Pepper corn
7. Fresh ginger

[thesimpleteo]

He has indeed the gentleness, innocence, wisdom, dedication and kindness of a genuine Healer. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[zibaa]

Thank you! I think this clip is the most complete & enjoyable Masala Tea teaching technique I ever watched.😊 When I listen to you, it is better than meditation ❤❤❤ I enjoyed every sip of this chai.❤ I am Iranian but I have lived in USA all my life.😊 I subscribed today.😊

[sukanyadwivedi]

It not tea he is making. It's more like a meditation in action... ❤

[gayatrigadre]

Beautiful “slow-tea” video, felt peaceful while watching it. My mother who is an Ayurvedic Doctor also makes this tea everyday. Feels so light and refreshing on the tummy.

[saritakakatkar]

आभारी आहे
खूपच छान
मी एक डॉक्टर आहे.
मी तुमच्या मुळे प्रभावित होवून नाडी परीक्षा समजण्याचा प्रयत्न करत आहे.
Thank you sir

[patrieber]

The sadhana of chai by Dr. Lad - it does not get any better than this. Much gratitude for sharing 🙏🏻

[nandinichaturvedi]

Dr. Lad...my prostrations to u..U remind me of my Grandfather. I simply loved listening to u Sir. I am already doing the Soham meditation..but now after listening to u my faith in it has doubled. I am a Maharashtrian too n hence instantly got connected to u. Wud like to hear more n more from u on Spirituality.

[anjnapratap]

This recipe elevated my Chai experience. Thank you Dr Lad for all the ways you have healed the world. .

[sudhamanohar]

Dr Vasant ji I have found my real Guru in you thankyou Dr so much!

[litap]

Such a lovely presentation in every way. The background, the elegance of each container, the music and of course the presence of Dr. Lad.

[Madhubindu.dondla]

Sir I’m so glad I came across this channel thank you for sharing your wisdom with us 🙏

[uppilir]

Sir, I have been watching your ayurvedic lectures, discussions; great you have posted this very useful Chai recipie; pranams, regards, Many thanks.

[mollybridges]

Jai Shri SatGuru Maharaj Ki Jai!!! Dr Vasant Lad is LEGEND ✨💖✨ thankyou

[thettales]

Such a joy! Looking forward to making chai with you. Namaste!

[a_se_ankur]

I now love Chai even more. I will add these spices from tomorrow. I only add Saunf, Sonth and Tulasi right now.

[alexab.]

Lovely. Thank you Dr Lad for sharing this special ritual 🌷

[anuthakrar]

lovely recipe and video of GuruJi. Same as what we make at home, except without milk as adding milk to tea leaves removes all the benefits of them.

[pragyanpanda]

Such a beautiful way of explanation of making tea Dr Lad.proud of you sir 🙏🙏