I’m a Chai Snob, and This Under-the-Radar Brand Was Love at First Sip

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a big tea drinker. (You name a blend, I probably have it in my cabinet). In fact, it’s such a large part of my life that I very rarely go a day without the stuff. Of all the types of tea out there, there’s one that’s extra close to my heart: chai. I’ve loved chai for what feels like my whole life — however, few know the story behind why I love it. That can all be traced to my childhood best friend and her mom, Luna.  

When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to call my neighbor my best friend (it made play dates really easy). And like any mom, hers was always ready to invite me into the kitchen the second I came over. The one thing I’d always ask Luna for? Chai. This is where I first fell in love with chai and the ritual of tea. I loved sitting there and watching her carefully add her blend of spices to a small pot of milk and water, steeping the spicy mixture I would soon enjoy with care. I can still remember the first spicy sip. To this day, no chai has ever lived up to Luna’s (it’s why I consider myself a bit of a chai snob) — well, that is, until I came across Soul Chai’s Masala Chai.  

Before we get into why I love it so much, let’s chat about Soul Chai. Founded in Portland, Oregon, Soul Chai is an AAPI women-owned company with a simple mission: To get quality chai that lives up to Indian tradition into everyone’s hands. Made without any sweeteners, preservatives, or water, each chic (and recyclable!) tin is packed with spice-forward blends that make the ultimate cuppa, and avoid the waste and sugar often found in mass-produced liquid chai concentrates.

Now, as a self-proclaimed chai snob, you can bet I’ve tried my handful of blends over the years — and while I’ve found some decent options, nothing has come close to Luna’s. However, when Soul Chai reached out and offered to send me some of their chai to test, I was intrigued by their mission and figured, why not? The second I opened the tin and the aroma hit my senses, I was transported back to the little green seats in my best friend’s kitchen. Reader, I never made a cup of chai so fast in my life. 

I immediately took out a pot, warmed the water and milk as Luna had done decades ago, and swirled in a teaspoon of the rich blend. While watching the concoction turn that gorgeous shade of brown, the smell of the tea filled my kitchen and overtook me with excitement. As I took my first sip (I opted for the original Masala Chai, which features a blend of black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves) I admittedly let out a little giggle and an expletive I won’t repeat here. My hunt for the perfect chai was over. 

So, want to give Soul Chai a try yourself? You can pick up a tin of the brand’s original Masala Chai or, for those looking for a caffeine-free option, Rooibos Masala Chai for just $19.50. And for those looking for an easy-to-travel-with version, the brand also makes “Chai on the Go” travel boxes with pre-measured, single-serve packets so you’ll never have to go a day without your cup. As for me, I know what I’ll be reaching for whenever I’m craving a cup of chai — and a good dose of nostalgia. 

Buy: Soul Chai’s Masala Chai, $19.50