Chai Tea Steeping Timer

5:00

212°F / 100°C

How Long to Steep Chai Tea

Chai tea should be steeped for 4-5 minutes at 212°F (100°C). Chai (meaning "tea" in Hindi) is a spiced tea blend traditionally made by simmering black tea with whole spices and milk. For tea bag or loose-leaf chai, our 5-minute timer ensures the spices fully release their flavor.

Traditional Masala Chai Method

For authentic Indian masala chai, the tea is simmered rather than steeped:

Simmer spices in water - Boil water with crushed cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper for 3-5 minutes
Add tea leaves - Add strong Assam or CTC black tea and simmer 2-3 minutes
Add milk - Pour in whole milk and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes
Strain and sweeten - Strain into cups and add sugar or honey to taste

Chai Spice Guide

Cardamom - The essential chai spice; warm, aromatic, slightly sweet
Cinnamon - Adds warmth and natural sweetness
Ginger - Fresh or dried, adds heat and aids digestion
Cloves - Intense, warming spice; use sparingly
Black pepper - Subtle heat that enhances other spices
Star anise - Licorice-like flavor common in Kashmiri chai

Tips for Perfect Chai

Use a strong black tea - Assam or CTC tea stands up best to milk and spices
Crush whole spices - Freshly crushed spices release more flavor than pre-ground
Use whole milk - The fat in whole milk carries spice flavors better than low-fat alternatives
Sweeten generously - Traditional chai is quite sweet; sugar balances the bold spices

Visual Timer for iPhone, iPad & Android

The visual countdown timer from VisualTimer.com, now as a native app. Watch time disappear with a clean animated display — made for classrooms, focus sessions, workouts, and presentations.

Animated countdown Classroom & focus iPhone, iPad & Android No account needed

Visual Timer app showing a red pie countdown

Visual Timer app showing the liquid timer style

Visual Timer app showing the blocks timer style