Masala Chai, An Indian Spice Tea, Invented in India!

Someday I'll get to India. I love the culture, food, and masala chai. 

Photo: Carrot Halwa and Masala Chai from an Indian cafe in Manhattan, NY.

If I had to name one of my favorite beverages, Masala Chai would make it to the top of my list. The blend of different spices infused into black tea with some milk and a pinch of sugar is absolute nirvana. I first discovered Masala Chai at a yoga ashram.  It was served in the dining area. I poured myself a cup of that masala chai and liked it immediately. I made up my mind that I would drink a cup of masala chai at least once a week and to this day I still drink Masala Chai frequently.

You can get a masala chai at an Indian cafe or restaurant for as low as one dollar, 89.43 INR a cup and other establishments charge up to five dollars, 446.74 INR for a cup of masala chai. When my boyfriend picked me up at the train station in Ann Arbor (having arrived from Washington DC) we had a four hour and thirty five minute drive ahead of us. I insisted that we stop at an Indian restaurant for some Indian food and Masala Chai. We ordered a vegetarian entree and garlic naan and we each got two cups of masala chai. Every sip of our masala chai was divine and it kept us alert and awake on our drive back home.

HISTORY OF MASALA CHAI:

About five thousand years ago Indian emperors sipped a brewed concoction of spices to stay alert with courtly affairs. The drink was caffeine free and used as an Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is a whole body holistic system of medicine that began in India centuries ago. Ayurveda takes a natural approach to aspects of health and well-being. Around 1835, black tea leaves were introduced by the British. The English people liked their black tea and one pound of tea per person per year was consumed by them. The first glimpse of masala chai made with black tea leaves occurred in India around the early part of the 20th century. The British owned India Tea Association promoted the caffeinated beverage to workers on their breaks. At the time tea was expensive for the average person so vendors began to use leftover tea leaves brewed with milk, sugar, and spices at a low cost. This was the creation of masala chai. The popularity of masala chai grew and people could get masala chai in railway stations across India.

Today masala chai is consumed by billions of people throughout the world and in India each region has their own variation of masala chai. The most popular drink in India is masala chai, and for good reason. It's a delicious tea that keeps you energized. Masala chai can be enjoyed with savory or sweet snacks. Masala chai can be served warm or cold. Take a break and enjoy a cup or two of Masala Chai, India's choice beverage.

A RECIPE FOR MASALA CHAI: Chai = Tea  Masala = Spice

fresh ginger

1 cardamom pod, crushed

1 tablespoon of cinnamon (ground cinnamon form)

1 whole clove, crushed

1 whole peppercorn, crushed

1 star anise, crushed

Lightly crush the whole spices, simmer the crushed spices with fresh pieces of ginger and ground cinnamon in one cup of water in a small pot for five minutes. Add the black tea, loose black tea steeped is best. Add your milk of choice, usually a quarter cup of milk (whole milk is the traditional milk) but these days plant milk has become popular. Heat the tea with milk a bit longer and than add about a teaspoon or two of good quality of sugar. 

For a spicier version of Masala Chai, add more crushed spices.

I'm so grateful for Masala Chai! It's an amazing beverage, created in incredible INDIA.

Williamsburg, Virginia, A Historic Masterpiece City full of Attractions!

Williamsburg, Virginia is a destination that appeals to just about everyone. History buffs appreciate Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, city dwellers enjoy the laid back charming atmosphere of Williamsburg,  kids love the European themed Busch Gardens, and college students seek higher education at the second oldest university in the United States known as William and Mary.

Williamsburg is situated between the James and York Rivers and stands upon a ridge on the Virginia Peninsula. It's in close proximity of the capital Richmond, not far from Virginia Beach, and Washington DC is about one hundred fifty miles away. A vehicle free way to enjoy Williamsburg is to arrive by Amtrak train. Colonial Williamsburg is just a short few minutes away from the Transportation Center and a complimentary bus transports passengers to various stops in Colonial Williamsburg. 

What to do in Williamsburg:

Busch Gardens, a European theme park featuring thrilling rides and entertainment. Christmas Town is a must and will put you into the holiday spirit with its festive decorations. Find plenty of holiday cheer at Busch Gardens. Christmas Town is running until January 4th 2026 and tickets can be purchased on- line.

Colonial Parkway is a scenic twenty three mile roadway that connects the historic sites of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. If you don't feel like driving, you can enjoy a ride on the Colonial Parkway by bus, the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) is a wonderful way to get around the Williamsburg, Virginia area. Standard bus fare is  $1.50. The all- day pass for $3.00 is a great deal.

Colonial Williamsburg, 301 acres of a living history museum recreating the 18th-century capital of Colonial Virginia. The Duke of Gloucester Street is the Main Street and it includes many popular sites. 

Dewitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the expansive galleries of this amazing art museum. View the antiques, decorative arts, and colonial and contemporary folk art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Admission if free. There's a cafe and gift shop located inside the museum.

Historic Jamestowne, Archaeological Site, This is the original site of the 1607 James fort and New Towne.

Merchant's Square is a historic shopping and dining district adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg. There are over 40 shops and restaurants in Merchant's Square and walking around here is quite pleasant.

Jamestown Settlement is a living-history museum, recreating the history and culture of 17th century Virginia, including the first permanent English settlement.

Yorktown has much to offer. American Revolution Museum, Yorktown Victory Monument, Yorktown Battlefield, Riverwalk Landing, Watermen's Museum, and Yorktown Beach. Yorktown is within close proximity of Chesapeake Bay. There's a free trolley to get you around and visit key attractions.

Lodging in Wiliamsburg, Virginia

Spotlight on Comfort Suites:

Comfort Suites is my recommendation when staying in Williamsburg. I enjoyed my three nights here tremendously. It's a sparkling clean hotel with a pleasant and relaxing lobby. Rooms are spacious and cozy. There's a fitness center, an indoor jacuzzi and a refreshing indoor swimming pool on the property. A delicious bountiful breakfast is served each morning in the dining room. Lots of amenities to make you feel the comforts of a home away from home.The staff at Comfort Suites are exceptional. They made my stay so memorable. Comfort Suites is in a prime location, just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and close to shops and restaurants.  The WATA Bus stops in front of the Cracker Barrel which is just across the street from Comfort Suites.

There's no shortage of accommodations in Williamsburg. Plenty of Airbnb's, bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages, hotels and motels. 

A Bed & Breakfast is so homey and what better place than Williamsburg, Virginia to enjoy a charming B & B?

                          BED AND BREAKFASTS

Cedars of Williamsburg, 611 Richmond Road

Fife and Drum Inn, 441 Prince George Street

Magnolia Manor Bed & Breakfast, 700 Richmond Road

A Williamsburg White House Bed and Breakfast, 718 Jamestown Road

Dining Suggestions:

Honestly, I didn't eat much on my visit to Williamsburg, VA. I was too busy exploring and the breakfast at Comfort Suites kept me filled most of the day but there are two places I recommend for dining.

Food for Thought has a diverse menu. Everything from local fried oysters to pot roast. Soups, salads, amazing entrees such as crab cakes, fish & chips, and Pad Thai. There are gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian meals available too. Food for Thought is a must when in Williamsburg.

Golden Corral Buffet and Grill is a local favorite.  They have a spectacular all you can eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food tastes homemade and the price for the buffet is hard to beat. 

Last but not Least:

Peanuts are a big thing in Virginia and if you like peanuts you'll love The Peanut Shop.

THE PEANUT SHOP is a fun shop that has an array of Virginia peanuts, snack mixes, chocolates, and seasoned nuts. You can sample a lot of the products that are available throughout the shop.

The Peanut Shop

Williamsburg, Virginia

A Historical City with Amazing Attractions, enjoyed all four seasons.

Washington DC in a Day (There's So Much to See and Do in the Nation's Capital, U.S.A.)

Union Station in Washington DC is the second busiest train station in the United States. It's the gateway to the nation's capital and within walking distance of famous sights. Personally, I think the Amtrak train is the perfect way to arrive to the nation's capital. Union Station itself is worthy of an hour of exploring with its lovely architecture and an array of unique shops and restaurants.  On my past visits to Washington DC. I walked a lot and took the efficiently run Metro when needed. The Metro system in Washington DC is outstanding. Fares range from $2.25 to $6.75 with peak hours being more expensive. There are also reduced fares on the Metro for those eligible. If you're in Washington DC. for the day, the 1-Day Unlimited Ride is only $13.50. 

Last week I left Williamsburg, Virginia in the early morning and had a seven hour layover in Washington DC. Amtrak train 40, heading to Chicago from Miami was running two hours behind. Due to the government shutdown a lot of attractions weren't open. To top it off I had extra bags that I couldn't check in with Amtrak so walking around with those bags wasn't going to be easy. Just as I stepped outside with my bags and took a short walk, a representative for Old Town Trolley Tours approached me. "Would you like to take a tour of Washington on our trolley? It's only forty five dollars and you can hop off and on as much as you like," he said. I took the tour and loved it.

Things to Do in A Day in Washington DC

The Old Town Trolley Tour is superior. Forbes rated it as "10 Best Tours in the World. It's Washington DC's longest running city tour and the knowledgable tour guide is also your driver. You can hop-on and hop-off as often as you like, all day long and it's the only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. The padded seats are comfortable and no matter where you sit on the trolley you are assured a great view. Depending on the tour there are between fifteen and twenty one stops on the Old Trolley Tour. The Old Town Trolley departs right in front of Union Station.

Right across from Union Station is the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE. It's open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is always free, Here you can explore the history of America's postal service from colonial times to the present. Free tours are available for visitors.

Chinatown is only a one mile walk from Union Station. It's located along H and I Streets between 5th and 8th Streets, Northwest. You can dine and shop in Chinatown and even check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Chinatown.

Georgetown is a historic and upscale neighborhood in Washington DC. Home to Georgetown University you'll find plenty of shopping and dining options here. The C & O Canal towpath along the Potomac River is worth exploring as is the Old Stone House, the oldest standing structure in Washington DC, located at 3051 M Street, NW.

The National Mall, a two mile long park in the center of Washington DC (America's Front Yard) is an awesome place to explore important memorials and museums.  You can take a taxi or Uber here.

Obviously if you only have one day in Washington DC you have to pick the attractions that interest you the most. Here's a list of other amazing places to check out in Washington DC.

Arlington National Cemetery

Capital Visitor Center (Tour)

Ford's Theater

Mount Vernon, Alexandria Virginia

National Zoo

Tidal Basin

White House Visitor Center

If you're waiting for your train out of Union Station, Washington DC and have limited time, there are plenty of places to eat. You can also relax in the comfortable Amtrak waiting room.

A Partial List of Eating Establishments in Union Station

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BullFrog Bagels, hand rolled and boiled bagels, a variety of tasty sandwiches.

Chipotle Mexican food, The burrito bowls are highly recommended.

Chop't, healthy creative salads and warm bowls.

Jamba Juice, delicious blended beverages, smoothies, juices, and snacks.

Pret is known for fresh, preservative free and chemical free sandwiches and salads, 

Shake Shack is known for their roadside style burgers, 100% pure Angus beef. Veggie Burger options are available too.

Starbucks, the ever popular Starbucks is inside Union Station.

Suki Hana is a Japanese restaurant known for their Chicken Teriyaki.

If you love chocolate I highly recommend two chocolatiers inside Union Station.

Laderach, Swiss made chocolate is exceptional. They'll offer you some samples here too. Try the FrishSchoggi in a variety of flavors. It's absolutely divine.

Neuhaus, a Belgian chocolatier shop dates back to 1857 and their chocolates are exquisite. With the holidays just around the corner, Neuhaus Chocolates make the perfect gift. The staff here is so kind and helpful. They'll even give you some samples. Delicious chocolates, indeed.

If you make your way to Washington D.C. a three to four day trip is ideal but if you have one day in Washington D.C. I hope you'll choose one or two of my recommendations.

ENJOY Washington D.C. America's capital.