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Ep 37 - The Story of Chai: Comfort, Culture & Resistance with Neetu Sarin (The Chai Wali)
What makes a truly good cup of chai?
In this episode, I sit down with chai expert Neetu Sarin, founder of The Chai Wali, to explore the rich culture, history, and ritual of Indian chai.
This began as a conversation about tea - but we went down the rabbit hole of talking about intuition in the kitchen, listening to the body's needs, the role of spices through the seasons, and how a simple cup of chai can become a source of comfort, connection, and community.
Neetu also shares the fascinating history of chai in India, including how the beverage evolved during British colonial rule and how the addition of spices became, in its own way, an act of resistance.
Whether you're a devoted chai drinker or simply curious about the stories behind the foods and drinks we consume, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.
In this episode we discuss:
- What makes a chai truly balanced
- Why authentic chai is about much more than spices
- The role of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass and other seasonal ingredients
- Listening to your body's wisdom when choosing herbs and spices
- Why Indian cooking and chai-making are often deeply intuitive practices
- The surprising history of chai in India
- How chai became woven into Indian culture
- Ethical tea sourcing and building relationships with growers
- The differences between Assam and Darjeeling tea
- What "tea flushes" are and why they matter
- Chai as ritual, comfort, connection and community
- How a simple cup of tea can bring people together
About Neetu
Neetu Sarin is the founder of The Chai Wali, a Belgium-based chai company dedicated to sharing authentic Indian chai culture.
Drawing on decades of experience in the tea world and deep connections with tea growers across India, Neetu offers handcrafted chai blends, workshops, storytelling events, and educational experiences that celebrate the history, culture, and artistry of chai.
Connect with her:
Instagram: @the_chaiwali
Connect with me:
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