Mastering the chasen: how to use and care for your matcha whisk

Name: How to make masala chai on the stovetop
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1+
Ingredients: T2 Chai; Milk of choice (we recommend cow, soy or oat); Honey or preferred sweetener

Your chasen does more work than it looks like. Hand-carved from a single piece of bamboo, its tines curved inward by heat and tension to create the even foam that makes a properly whisked matcha so distinct.

Treat it well and it keeps rewarding you. Here's how.

How to make masala chai on the stovetop

There’s nothing quite like filling the kitchen with the scent of spices and black tea simmering away on the stove. We serve up countless cups of thick, creamy fragrant chai each year, and now we’re showing you how to master it at home.

What is masala chai?

Masala chai, sometimes shortened to ‘chai’, is a rich black tea with a mix of spices brewed with milk. The black tea is rich Assam – a variety known for its malty, smooth notes, grown in India. The mix of spices can vary from blend to blend, including ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and peppercorns.

Chai masala origins

From Hindi, chai masala translates to spiced tea. Its roots are in India, where it began over 5,000 years ago as an Ayurvedic remedy made from a blend of warming herbs and spices. The addition of black tea came later, introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th century.

Now, chai masala is much more than a beverage. It’s a daily ritual, an offering of hospitality and a moment of connection. Every cup of chai masala carries tradition and cultural significance.

Chai masala today

Its popularity is unwavering. As well as its continued popularity in India – it is now served at cafes and markets around the world. Sometimes called chai masala, chai or chai latte.

In a classic T2 move, we have blended our signature Chai, which is inspired by traditional chai masala, with different tastes our customers love– like our Choc Chip Chai, Gingernut Chai and more. If you prefer a caffeine-free option or don’t want to add milk – try Spi Chai.

3-5 minutes

Serves 1+

Ingredients

T2 Chai
Milk of choice (we recommend cow, soy or oat)
Honey or preferred sweetener

Tools

Chai pot or saucepan
Strainer

Method

1. Add 2-3 teaspoons of T2 Chai per 250 ml/8.4 fl oz milk of choice to your pot. Toast the Chai for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to awaken the spices.
2. Add milk (and water if doing a mix) and bring to a gentle simmer on a low heat. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. You’ll know your chai is ready when it turns a lovely biscuity colour. If you like it ultra-rich, go for 100% milk. If you’re after a lighter chai, opt for a 50/50 split of milk and water.
3. Remove from the heat and strain into your cup. Sweeten if desired.