Noon Chai: Kashmirs Unique Pink Tea.

Highlights

This pink-coloured tea is a traditional local beverage enjoyed in Kashmir
It is made with milk, nuts and sea salt
It is known to warm the body and is usually had two-three times a day

Winter is finally here and it the perfect weather to snuggle with a hot cup of tea. Tea lovers are known to have their own favourites. Some like it lightly brewed, some prefer the kadak milky chai and some enjoy the spicy kick of masala chai. Tea is one of the most loved beverages in India and even around the world not without reason. A soothing brew can easily get you through a gloomy day. You may have never thought about it but there are many ways to experiment with a cup of tea. Take the Noon Chai from Kashmir, for instance. It is nothing like your regular chai yet as lovable.

This unusually pink-coloured tea is a traditional local beverage enjoyed in Kashmir. Among the other authentic Kashmiri delights, this pretty pink tea with sea salt and warm nuts really stand out. It has a buttery texture and spicy-nutty flavour that leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The Noon Shai or Sheer Chai or Gulabi Chai is made with a special type of tea grown in Kashmir.

The trick lies in getting the blush pink colour.So, how does the tea turn pink? if you think it is saffron,you’re totally wrong. The colour comes from adding a pinch of baking soda which is known to react with the tea and turn it into a red liquid and it finally transforms into the beautiful pink tea on adding milk.

People drink the noon chai at least two-three times a day to keep themselves warm and it is often enjoyed along with a homemade Kashmiri bread known as Choat or Lavaas which makes for a unique regional breakfast. It is also served in Pakistan where it is called Sabz Chai and in Afghanistan where it is known as Shor Chai.