Punjabi Chai and Masala Chai are both types of spiced tea that are popular in India, but there are some differences between the two.
Masala Chai is a general term that refers to spiced tea made with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. It can be made with a variety of different recipes and can be found throughout India and other South Asian countries. Masala Chai is typically made with a smaller amount of milk, and the spices are simmered with the tea for a few minutes before it is served.
Punjabi Chai on the other hand is a popular variant of Masala Chai that is often made with a unique blend of spices and slightly different method of preparation from the usual masala chai. It is a specialty of the Punjab region in Northern India, and it is known for its rich, creamy texture and intense flavor. The spices used are slightly different leaving a more soothing taste than Masala Chai. The spice blend used in Punjabi chai often includes warming and fragrant spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, fennel and cloves.
The tea is typically simmered with the spice blend for an extended period of time to allow the flavors to infuse and meld together, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
To make Punjabi Chai, you start by boiling water in a pot, adding tea leaves, along with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and fennel seeds. The mixture is simmered for several minutes to infuse the flavors, and then condensed and evaporated milk are added which helps to create a thick, frothy texture when the tea is boiled. The tea is then boiled vigorously for a few minutes until it becomes thick and creamy, and the froth rises to the top. Unlike Masala Chai, Punjabi chai is often made without the addition of sugar. Instead, it is typically made with condensed and evaporated milk that has a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Punjabi Chai is often enjoyed with a variety of savory snacks, such as samosas or pakoras, cookies, biscuits, fried fritters, noodles and paratha. Punjabi chai is a warming and comforting drink that is enjoyed throughout the day and weather, be it morning or evening, humid or on a rainy day. The taste of Punjabi masala chai is complex and rich, with the bold, slightly bitter flavor of black tea balanced by the sweetness of milk . The spices add a warm, fragrant depth to the flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon and cloves providing a subtle heat that lingers on the palate, while cardamom and fennel contributes to a slightly floral and earthy taste, respectively, rounding out the overall flavor experience.
As for the smell, Punjabi masala chai has a strong, aromatic scent that is both spicy and sweet. The aroma of the brewed tea is dominated by the fragrance of the spices, with a warm, comforting smell that can be quite invigorating. The scent of cardamom and cinnamon is particularly prominent, adding a distinctive and familiar aroma to the drink. Overall, Punjabi masala chai has a wonderfully complex taste and aroma that is both comforting and invigorating.
In summary, while both Masala Chai and Punjabi Chai are spiced teas made with a blend of aromatic spices, Punjabi chai is a specific type of masala chai that has a thicker, creamier texture and a unique blend of spices.