The history of chai
The history of Chai is as rich and diverse as the countless colors and flavors of this wonderful beverage. For centuries, this noble blend of teas and spices from the Indian subcontinent has been enjoyed.
David Rio Chai from San Francisco sees itself in the tradition of this ancient cultural heritage, offering an authentic taste experience that has even found fans in India. Our modern and trend-setting design has high recognition value and merges contemporary aesthetics with the origins of this wonderful drink.
The Influence of Britain
The British arrived in India as a colonial power and oppressors. They exploited the locals and greatly benefited from the wealth of natural resources and fertile lands.
Under their influence, agricultural production was expanded, and tea cultivation grew significantly as the demand for this precious plant on the global market steadily increased.
British India
After the regionally limited rebellion against the colonial rule of the British East India Company, which had amassed great wealth as a monopolist and exploiter, India was officially made a crown colony of the British monarchy. Queen Victoria referred to herself as "Empress of India."
As textile industry developments in Britain now enabled more efficient production, India reverted to the role of an agrarian country, primarily supplying cotton and increasingly more tea.
*The graphics on this page were AI-generated.
Competition with China
The British pushed for the establishment of tea plantations as they were frustrated by the dominance of the Chinese on the global market.
Tea production grew significantly by the end of the 20th century. Initially, however, it was intended to satisfy the British market. For the Indians themselves, the local tea was often too expensive. Therefore, they began enhancing the flavor of costly teas by adding spice blends.
Chai Becomes an Everyday Beverage
The tea became increasingly affordable due to the rapidly growing production volumes. Indians consumed larger quantities within their own country but mostly stuck to preparation with milk and sugar, along with the addition of various spices.
Chai as a Cultural Heritage
Today, Chai is an important cultural asset in India and an integral part of social interaction. Countless Chaiwalas offer their own Chai recipes for immediate consumption to customers all over India.
The spice blend is called Masala, and its composition is as diverse as life in this vast country. Common ingredients include cloves, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. More expensive blends also contain saffron or ghee.
Contents: 0.456 kg (€28.40* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.337 kg (€38.43* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.337 kg (€38.43* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
Contents: 0.398 kg (€32.54* / 1 kg)
