By Aditi Saraswat
December 20, 2025
Gud wali chai is a winter comfort served in a cup. Sweetened with jaggery in place of sugar, this earthy, fragrant tea feels warming and soothing for the body, perfect for slow mornings and cold winter evenings.
1 cup water ½ cup milk 1½ tsp loose tea leaves 1 tbsp grated jaggery (or to taste) ½ inch ginger, crushed 2 green cardamom pods, crushed
In a saucepan, boil some water and add grated ginger and crushed cardamom to it. Let the spices simmer for a few minutes until they turns fragarant.
Add the tea leaves to the spiced water and boil it gently for a few more minutes. Let the tea release its colour and depth.
Pour the milk into this and boil on low heat, allowing the chai to thicken a bit and create a rich, balanced flavour.
Turn off the flame and add the grated jaggery to this. Stir well until it dissolves completely.
Now, boil the tea again on low heat for about 10–15 seconds, making sure the jaggery mixes smoothly without overpowering the taste of the tea.
Strain the hot tea into cups and enjoy the deep, caramel-like sweetness and gentle warmth of traditional gud wali chai.