How to Brew Bombay Cutting Chai at Home
By Welcome to The Indian Chai - Your tea your flavour! | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the authentic method to brew Bombay cutting chai at home using loose leaf chai. Get the perfect strong, spiced tea with our step-by-step guide.
Quick answer
To brew Bombay cutting chai at home, simmer loose leaf chai with water and milk, then strain and serve half a cup for a strong, refreshing brew.
Why use loose leaf chai for cutting chai?
Cutting chai gets its intense flavor from a high tea-to-water ratio and prolonged boiling. Loose leaf chai, like Bombay cutting chai, releases more oils and spices than tea bags, giving you that authentic Mumbai taste. The blend of ginger, cardamom, fennel, and star anise in this loose leaf tea creates a balanced sweet-heat profile that stands up to the strong brewing method.
Steps to brew Bombay cutting chai
- Boil water and loose leaf chai: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup (240 ml) of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of Bombay cutting chai loose leaf blend. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the water darkens and the spices infuse fully. Don't skimp on simmer time; under-boiling leads to weak flavor.
- Add milk and simmer again: Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of whole milk. Return to a gentle boil and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The milk will froth and the tea will develop a creamy texture. Watch the pot closely—milk can boil over quickly. Reduce heat if needed.
- Strain and serve half a cup: Strain the chai through a fine-mesh strainer into a cup. Fill only half the cup (about 3/4 cup total) to honor the 'cutting' tradition—a half-serving that stays strong and hot. Serving a full cup dilutes the intensity. For authentic cutting chai, always pour a half portion.
Recommended product
- Bombay cutting chai: Originating from Mumbai, this blend combines ginger, cardamom, fennel, and star anise for a refreshing, sweet-and-spicy cup. The pre-mixed spices save you prep time and deliver the exact flavor profile needed for an authentic cutting chai experience.
Bombay cutting chai
