Noon Chai (Pink Tea): The Himalayan Secret You Need to Try
What Is Noon Chai?
Also known as Kashmiri tea or Gulabi chai, Noon Chai is a unique pink-colored tea traditionally enjoyed in the Kashmir region. Unlike your typical cup of black or masala chai, this creamy tea has a light, salty flavor and is made with a special technique that gives it its signature blush-pink color.
The name “Noon” comes from the Kashmiri word for salt. Yes, you read that right—salted tea! But don’t worry, modern variations often include sugar or honey to balance it out. Whether you enjoy it the traditional way or a modern twist, Noon Chai is a soul-warming experience worth trying.
Origin of Noon Chai
Noon Chai has deep cultural roots in Kashmir, where it’s often served at weddings, family gatherings, and winter breakfasts. Prepared with love and patience, it symbolizes warmth, comfort, and community. Its pink color, which feels almost magical, is the result of oxidizing green tea leaves and adding baking soda during the brewing process.
Health Benefits of Noon Chai
- Digestive Support: The alkaline nature helps with acidity and gut comfort
- Rich in Antioxidants: Thanks to green tea leaves
- Calcium Boost: Traditionally made with milk, it’s a good source of calcium
- Warming: Often consumed during cold seasons to warm the body
- Stress Relief: The slow-brewed process and warm flavor calm the nerves
Curious about more gut-friendly teas? Check out our guide on chai for digestion.
Traditional Noon Chai Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tsp Kashmiri green tea leaves (or gunpowder green tea)
- 1/8 tsp baking soda (this creates the pink color!)
- 2 cups milk (or oat milk for vegan option)
- Salt (traditional) or sugar/honey (modern taste)
- Crushed cardamom (optional for flavor)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, boil the tea leaves and baking soda in water for 20–25 minutes until reduced and deep red in color.
- Continuously aerate by whisking or pouring back and forth between two pots—this creates the natural color reaction.
- Add milk and bring to a boil. The tea will turn a beautiful pink!
- Sweeten or salt to taste. Garnish with nuts and enjoy hot.
Modern Variations of Pink Tea
While traditional Noon Chai is salted, modern takes include:
- Sweet Pink Chai: Add honey, cinnamon, or cardamom for flavor
- Vegan Pink Chai: Use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version
- Chilled Pink Tea Latte: Make it an iced version with crushed pistachio topping
Looking for more dairy-free options? Visit our chai without milk guide.
Common Questions About Noon Chai
1. Why is Noon Chai pink?
The pink color comes from a chemical reaction between green tea polyphenols and baking soda during long boiling and aeration.
2. Can I use regular green tea?
Yes, but Kashmiri green tea or gunpowder green tea gives the best results due to its oxidation potential.
3. Does it have caffeine?
Yes, but much less than black tea or coffee. It offers a gentle energy lift.
Pairing Noon Chai with Snacks
- Sheermal (sweet naan)
- Bakarkhani (crispy biscuit bread)
- Dates, almonds, and walnuts
- Rose or saffron cookies
Noon Chai is more than a drink—it’s a full sensory experience.
Final Sip
If you’re a chai lover who’s ready to explore beyond masala or karak, Noon Chai is a must-try. It’s visually stunning, culturally rich, and surprisingly good for your body. Whether you follow tradition or craft your own twist, you’ll never look at tea the same way again.
For more culturally rooted chai recipes, visit the Chaewala Blog Hub and taste the world, one cup at a time.