Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Chai)
Kashmir, India & Pakistan
The famous pink tea—salted, creamy, and utterly unique. A Himalayan treasure with a surprising color.
The Story
Noon chai (noon means salt) is one of the world's most unusual teas. Special gunpowder green tea is brewed with baking soda, which reacts to turn the tea pink. It's then finished with milk and salt—yes, salt, not sugar. The result is savory, creamy, and unlike anything else. In Kashmir, it's traditionally served with crusty bread for breakfast. The pink color is natural, not added—it's chemistry, not dye.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Breakfast
- Those who love savory
- Adventurous tea drinkers
- Impressing guests with something unique
- Winter mornings
Pairs Well With
Make It at Home
4 cups · 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Kashmiri chai leaves (or gunpowder green tea)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Steps
- 1Add tea leaves and baking soda to water in a pot
- 2Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer
- 3Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally—the color will turn pink
- 4If the pink isn't developing, add a tiny bit more baking soda
- 5Add ice cubes briefly (traditional method to enhance color) then remove
- 6Add milk and salt, stir well
- 7Simmer for another 5 minutes
- 8Strain into cups and garnish with crushed pistachios
Variations to Try
- ✦Add cream instead of milk for richer version
- ✦Some add a touch of sugar along with salt
- ✦Garnish with almonds instead of pistachios
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
212°F
(100°C)
Amount
2 tablespoons special green tea, pinch of baking soda
Steep Time
Simmer 20-30 minutes to develop color
Resteeps
Not traditional
Recommended Vessel
Brass pot, traditional cups
Brewing Tips
Kashmiri chai requires special tea (also called 'shahi tea' or 'pink tea leaves'). The long simmering and baking soda create the pink color. Salt is essential—this is a savory drink. Some add cream at the end for extra richness.