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Kashmiri Pink Chai served with Khari (V)
About This Dish
This elegant pairing brings together Kashmiri pink chai — a subtly spiced, creamy tea with a natural rosy hue — and khari, a flaky, buttery puff pastry that’s light as air. The pink chai is brewed slowly with green tea leaves, bicarbonate of soda (which gives it its signature baby pink colour), milk, and some spices like cardamom.
Served hot and gently salted, it’s not sweet like other Indian chais, but instead has a calming & savoury richness. The khari biscuit is crisp, golden, and melts in your mouth with every bite. Dipped into the tea, it soaks up just enough to soften while keeping its buttery layers intact. Together, they make for a refined teatime experience.
History & Tradition
Kashmiri pink chai, also known as noon chai (meaning ‘salt tea’), originates from the valleys of Kashmir, North India. Unlike regular chai, it’s made with green tea leaves and employs a slow simmering method that gives it a distinctive pink hue when combined with milk. Traditionally enjoyed with salt, it’s often served during festive occasions, weddings, or cosy winter mornings.
Khari is a staple in Indian bakeries, inspired by European puff pastries but adapted to suit local palates. Light, layered, and savoury, khari is commonly paired with all kinds of chai, especially those less sweet. This duo is a reflection of old-school indulgence: slow-brewed, freshly baked, and meant to be savoured slowly.
What Makes It Special
What makes this combo stand out is its elegance. The Kashmiri pink chai isn’t your everyday brew — it’s a tea that takes time. Its salty, creamy flavour profile is distinct, with a delicate spiced finish that lingers gently. Paired with khari, a feather-light puff pastry with just the right crunch, the contrast is subtle and satisfying.
Each element highlights the other: the tea brings warmth and depth, the khari adds buttery texture. This pairing is perfect for those looking to try something more traditional, rooted in regional Indian flavours.
TripAdvisor
Ayesha Qureshi
The Kashmiri Pink Chai here is absolutely beautiful, both in taste and appearance. It has the perfect balance of floral notes, light creaminess, and a soothing warmth. The saffron and cardamom come through gently without overpowering. It reminded me of winter mornings back home. A lovely, comforting drink I would highly recommend.
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Emily Hart
I was curious about the pink colour and completely fell in love with this tea. It is creamy, lightly spiced, and has such a delicate aroma. You can really taste the care that goes into brewing it. This is now my go-to drink when I want something different and calming. It is a real treat.
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James Rowe
This Kashmiri Pink Chai is unlike any tea I have tried before. The subtle floral flavour and creamy texture are so refreshing. It is not too sweet, not too salty, just perfectly balanced. The colour alone is worth ordering it for, but the flavour takes it to another level. A peaceful way to end a meal.
FAQs
A: No — it’s a lightly salted tea with a creamy texture and subtle spices.
A: The colour comes from a slow brewing process using green tea leaves and bicarbonate of soda, then finished with milk.
A: Khari is a puff pastry made with flour, butter (or vegetable fat), and salt, baked until crisp and flaky.
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