Dessert

Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe

Name: Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Ingredients: 4 cups Water; 2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea); 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1-2 Star anise; 2 Cardamom pods (crushed); 1 Cinnamon stick; 1/4 tsp Salt; 2 cups Whole milk; Sugar or honey to taste; Crushed nuts (e.g., almonds or pistachios)

ByMariam Harutyunyan October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

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Introduction

Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Tea, is a unique and comforting beverage famous for its beautiful pink hue and rich, spiced flavor. This traditional tea combines green tea leaves, aromatic spices, and creamy milk, offering a soothing experience perfect for any time of day.

A clear glass cup with a curved handle is filled with a smooth, light pink creamy drink, topped with small brown shavings and light yellow flower petals, sitting on a white marbled surface scattered with pink rose petals and brown shavings. Another similar cup is blurred in the background, and the drink surface is even and glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups Water
2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)

1/2 tsp Baking soda
1-2 Star anise

2 Cardamom pods (crushed)
1 Cinnamon stick

1/4 tsp Salt
2 cups Whole milk
Sugar or honey to taste

Crushed nuts (e.g. almonds) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, add the green tea, and boil for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The water will turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick, then boil for another minute.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 20-30 minutes until it reduces to about half its original volume, intensifying the flavor and color.
Step 5: Stir in a quarter teaspoon of salt and mix well.

Step 6: Add 2 cups of whole milk and increase the heat, bringing the tea to a boil. Stir constantly to avoid burning the milk. As the milk boils, the tea will begin to turn pink.
Step 7: Once the chai is a beautiful pink color, remove it from heat. Strain it into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves.
Step 8: Sweeten with sugar or honey according to taste. You can also garnish the tea with crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds.

Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy the unique flavor and comforting warmth of Kashmiri Pink Chai!

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat whole milk for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
If you don’t have Kashmiri green tea, regular green tea can be used, but the color and taste might be slightly different.

Adjust the amount of baking soda carefully; too much can affect the flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, though the color may vary.
Add a pinch of saffron for extra aroma and a richer hue.

Storage

Store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy texture. Avoid boiling it again to preserve the flavor and avoid curdling.

How to Serve

The image shows a tall, clear glass filled with a pink creamy drink with visible small dark bits floating inside. The drink has a frothy top layer with one large ice cube near the center. Small dried flower petals and herbs are sprinkled on the foam, and a bright red flower rests gently on the surface next to a gold metal straw. The glass is placed on a round clear coaster, sitting on a white marbled texture background with scattered pink petals and dried herbs around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What gives Kashmiri Pink Chai its pink color?

The pink color comes from the combination of green tea, baking soda, and milk. When the baking soda is added during boiling, it changes the tea’s natural color. Then, adding milk and boiling the mixture creates the signature pink hue.

Can I make Kashmiri Pink Chai without baking soda?

Baking soda is essential to achieve the distinctive color and some of the unique flavor. Without it, the tea will remain its natural color and won’t develop the same depth or pink shade.