Varanasi
Varanasi
Kulhad Chai
No city in India has a deeper chai ritual than Varanasi. Kulhad chai — served in handmade clay cups — is drunk at the ghats as the Ganga flows. The earthy taste from the kulhad, the mist from the river, the sound of temple bells — chai here is a spiritual experience. Every ghat has its chai wallah.
Best Time for Chai
Sunrise at the ghats (5–7 AM)
Local Brews
- Kulhad masala chai
- Adrak chai
- Black tea
- Tulsi chai
Popular Chai Spots
Frequently Asked
What is kulhad chai and why is it special in Varanasi?
Kulhad chai is served in disposable unglazed clay cups (kulhad). The porous clay imparts an earthy, mineral taste to the chai that no other vessel can replicate. In Varanasi, drinking chai from a kulhad at the ghats is a ritual for pilgrims and travellers alike.
Is there a specific recipe for Varanasi ghat chai?
Varanasi chai is strong CTC tea brewed with whole milk, plenty of sugar, ginger, and a black cardamom pod (badi elaichi). The black cardamom gives it a smoky undertone distinct from chai elsewhere.