The Kashmir Valley, located at the northernmost tip of India, is not just known for its breathtaking landscapes. It is also known for its unique tea culture. Kashmiris have gone on to develop some traditional teas like Kesar kahwa that express their climate, lifestyle, and food culture, most noticeably but not exclusively in the form of various types of tea. 

From calming brews to savory surprises, every cup tells a story. Among these, the eye-catching pink chai stood out with its creamy stature and bright rosy color, making it a favorite for cold evenings and special occasions.

What Is Pink Tea and Why Is It Pink? 

Pink tea (or noon chai) is a type of traditional beverage you make using green tea leaves, baking soda, milk, and salt. Pink chai is pink because it goes through a chemical reaction in the tea leaves with baking soda when it’s brewed for an extended period.

Why Kashmiris Love It: 

• Rich, creamy flavor is ideal for colder months. 
• Crushed nuts are often added, like almonds and pistachios. 
• Usually served with local breads or festive treats. 

This tea is more than just a drink–it is a comforting ritual done for centuries.

Is Gulabi Chai the Same as Pink Chai?

Certainly, gulabi chai is the same as pink chai. Gulabi translates to pink in Hindi and Urdu and relates to a sweet tea that is light in color.

In some areas, the recipe may vary, but ultimately, it is just a beautiful tea that is aesthetically pleasing and still provides that warming quality.

What Is Namkeen Chai and How Is It Different?

Unlike sweetened teas you can find elsewhere in India, namkeen chai, which translates to salty tea, is a traditional staple of Kashmiri households.

 It’s made with green tea leaves, milk, salt, and perhaps even some butter. This consumable offers a savory and earthy flavor that’s perfect for combating the cold.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Kesar Kahwa?

Kesar Kahwa is a delightful and luxurious Kashmiri tea. Its fragrant ingredients include saffron, green tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds, and it is usually drunk during the winter for its warming and digestive properties. 

• Increases immunity and metabolism  
• Helps digestion, decreases bloating  
• Provides antioxidants and detoxifies the system  

Kesar Kahwa tea is not simply a beverage, but an Ayurvedic wellness ritual that adds a touch of elegance and healing to your day.

What Is Kehwa Kashmir and When Is It Served?

Kehwa Kashmir is a broad family of traditional forms of green tea in the region, often used for festivals and weddings, welcoming guests, and more. Kehwa Kashmir often means types like kesar kahwa, and sometimes just kehwa.

When do we drink it?

• After meals for digestion support 
• On early chilly mornings or evenings 
• During cultural or religious gatherings 

Kehwa Kashmir exemplifies hospitality, tradition, and the practice of drinking slowly and with intention.

Wrapping It Up

From the delicious delight of pink chai to the aromatic wonder of kesar kahwa, every cup ties someone to the land, the weather, and their ancestors.