South Asian tea traditions

South Asian tea traditions are rich and diverse, deeply woven into their cultural fabric. In countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, tea is crafted with attention to flavor and ritual, often prepared with spices (chai) or strong, black varieties. Drinking tea can be a social activity, symbolizing hospitality and community. In India, chai is typically brewed with milk, sugar, and spices, served multiple times daily. Across the region, tea holds spiritual and social importance, embodying warmth, conversation, and tradition, reflecting the area's historical trade, colonial influence, and local customs.