Traditionally, Masala Chai is a bracing, strongly spiced beverage brewed with so-called "warm" spices. Most masala chai incorporates one or more of the following: cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, peppercorn, and cloves are some of the most common elements, though masala chai can be made with such varied ingredients as nutmeg, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla or licorice.

Chai is the Hindi word for “tea.” What most people think of as “chai tea” is more accurately called “masala chai” or spiced tea. It is a mixture of black tea, sugar (or other sweeteners), milk, and spices (as named above). Although chai tea is a traditional beverage with a long history, the modern world seems to have claimed it for its own. Chai tea's popularity is likely due to its great taste as well as the soothing effect it has on the stomach. It is a great aid to digestion after a heavy meal.