By Akshara
December 31, 2025
Afghan sheer chai is a traditional pink milk tea made by cooking green tea leaves for a long time before adding milk. The colour develops naturally during brewing, while cardamom provides gentle warmth. It is served hot in small cups during winter.
2 cups water 2 tsp green tea leaves A small pinch of baking soda 2 cups full-fat milk 3–4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed Sugar to taste Optional rose water or saffron Optional chopped pistachios or almonds
Boil water with green tea leaves and baking soda, simmering until reduced and deep in colour.
Add crushed cardamom and simmer briefly.
Pour in milk slowly and continue simmering until the tea turns pink.
Sweeten, strain, and serve hot, optionally garnished with nuts.