Recipe: Gurer Cha

Black tea with milk, sweetened with jaggery instead of sugar. Darker, caramel-toned, and earthier in taste — a small, strong glass of chai that’s a genuine Kolkata street-side staple.

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 8 mins | Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tsp loose black tea leaves (strong variety, like CTC)
• 1 cup milk
• 2-3 tbsp grated jaggery (adjust to taste)
• 1/2-inch ginger, crushed (optional)

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Bring water to a boil, adding crushed ginger if using.
2. Add tea leaves and let it boil for 2 minutes until the water darkens.
3. Pour in the milk and bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat and add grated jaggery, stirring until fully dissolved.
5. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chai turns a deep caramel-brown.
6. Strain into small glasses and serve hot and strong.