Iced Chai Karak

It blends strong black tea, aromatic spices, condensed milk, and ice to create a bold yet smooth drink. The result is a unique balance of sweetness, creaminess, and spice that hits differently when served cold.

The Origins of Chai Karak in the UAE

While iced versions are a modern twist, chai karak’s roots in the UAE go back decades. Inspired by South Asian masala chai, it made its way to the Gulf with migrant workers from India and Pakistan. The locals embraced it, making it a staple of Emirati hospitality and daily life.

Today, whether you’re in a high-end restaurant or a roadside tea stall, chai karak remains a unifying symbol of the UAE’s cultural blend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sipping on a glass of iced karak chai. It’s not just delicious, but also wonderfully easy to make – no fancy coffee machines or professional barista skills required. In fact, you can prepare it right in your kitchen with just a pot, a strainer, and some ice. It’s also a budget-friendly indulgence, costing only a fraction of what you’d pay at a café, yet tasting just as good, if not better. What makes it even more appealing is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the sweetness, play with the spice levels, or swap the type of milk to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Black tea – The base flavor; loose-leaf tea works best for a deep, robust taste.
• Crushed spices – Adds warmth and aroma; typically cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Condensed milk – For creaminess and sweetness; can be swapped with evaporated milk + sugar.
• Milk – Creates a smooth, velvety texture; whole, oat, almond, or coconut milk all work well.
• Ice – The refreshing factor; use crushed or cubed depending on preference.

If you want to give your iced karak chai an extra layer of indulgence, you can experiment with optional flavor boosters. A few strands of saffron will add a luxurious golden hue and a subtle floral richness. Vanilla extract brings a comforting sweetness that complements the bold tea and spice profile, while a splash of rose water offers a delicate, aromatic touch often found in Middle Eastern desserts. These small additions can completely transform your chai, making each sip feel unique and special.

How to Make Iced Chai Karak (Step-by-Step)

1. Brew strong tea with your chosen spices.
2. Add condensed milk (or your preferred sweetener) while the tea is hot so it blends smoothly.
3. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Fill a glass with ice and pour the tea over it.
5. Shake or stir well for an even, frothy texture.

Tips for the Perfect Balance

Achieving the perfect iced karak chai is all about balance.A 2:1 tea-to-milk ratio ensures a bold, full-bodied taste. Spices should be simmered gently rather than boiled vigorously to prevent bitterness. For the best results, the tea concentrate should be chilled before adding ice, which helps maintain its rich flavor without dilution.

Make It Your Way: Variations & Substitutes

Iced karak chai is highly adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, replace regular milk with coconut, almond, or oat milk. Those avoiding refined sugar can opt for natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, or stevia. To enhance the spice profile, ingredients like nutmeg, star anise, or fresh ginger can be added for extra warmth and complexity.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Creative presentation can elevate iced karak chai into a standout beverage. Serving it in mason jars with cinnamon stick stirrers adds rustic charm, while a light dusting of cardamom sugar enhances both aroma and visual appeal. For an authentic Emirati touch, it pairs beautifully with traditional snacks such as dates, khubz, or maamoul.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Beyond its indulgent taste, iced karak chai offers notable health benefits. Black tea provides a rich source of antioxidants, while spices like cinnamon and cardamom are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. With the use of low-fat or plant-based milk and natural sweeteners, the drink can easily be adapted into a lighter, low-calorie option.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Brewed tea concentrate for iced karak chai can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient make-ahead beverage. Preparing larger batches is ideal for occasions such as Iftar gatherings, picnics, or busy workdays when a quick and refreshing drink is desired.

Chai Karak Around the World

While iced karak chai is a staple in the UAE, similar spiced tea traditions are found globally. Thai iced tea offers a sweet, creamy flavor profile with a distinct orange hue. Moroccan mint tea provides a refreshing alternative by replacing milk with fresh mint. Indian masala chai, the original inspiration for karak, is typically served hot and infused with a robust blend of spices. These global variations highlight the universal appeal of spiced tea across cultures.

Café vs. Homemade: What’s Better?

Cafés make iced karak chai convenient, but many use premixes or concentrated syrups, which can lack the fresh, layered flavors of a true brew. Homemade iced karak chai offers complete control over strength, sweetness, and spice levels, ensuring a richer and more authentic taste. Brewing with fresh tea leaves and whole spices delivers a deeper aroma and flavor while being more cost-effective for larger batches. Plus, making it at home allows for healthier choices with less sugar and no artificial additives. Ultimately, cafés provide speed, but homemade gives you freshness, authenticity, and full customization.

Iced karak chai is more than just a refreshing beverage—it’s a blend of tradition, flavor, and comfort in every sip. Its beauty lies in its versatility; it can be tailored to suit every palate, whether that means extra spices for warmth, dairy-free alternatives for dietary needs, or a lighter sweetness for balance. The process of brewing and assembling this drink is as much a part of the experience as enjoying it, making it a small but meaningful ritual in daily life.

Once you’ve perfected your version, share it with friends, family, or online communities to inspire others. Tag your creation on social media, exchange tips, and explore variations from fellow tea lovers around the world. Whether enjoyed on a hot afternoon, as part of an Iftar spread, or simply as a personal treat, iced karak chai connects people through a shared appreciation of flavor and culture. It’s not just a drink—it’s a moment worth savoring.

If you’re passionate about mastering authentic recipes and elevating your culinary skills, consider enrolling at ICCA Dubai, one of the region’s leading culinary schools. With expert-led training and world-class facilities, you can learn professional techniques that bring out the best in every dish—or drink—you create. Visit ICCA Dubai to explore the programs and start your journey.

‍

‍

Recipe Card

‍

‍Method of Preparation

• Place water in a saucepan and add tea leaves, saffron, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom seeds, and rose petals and bring to a boil.
• Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add evaporated milk and sugar as desired and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat, stir and allow to stand for a few minutes.
• Strain and serve hot or cold with ice cubes.