Female Founder: Kamini Mamdani Shares Chai With Love
So you think you know chai—that intoxicating hot beverage somewhere between tea and coffee. Think again and savor this new chai, which has been made easy for you!
Herbal teas have somewhat enjoyed their moment in the limelight, so have bubble teas, and mushroom coffee is all the rage on every influencer account out there. But for hundreds if not thousands of years, there has been another beverage with life-giving, Ayurvedic properties—chai.
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that originated over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and that maintaining a balance between these three elements is essential for good health. Food and drink feed into this system, so it’s important to choose and ingest wisely for the sake of this balance.
“Chai” is the Hindi word for “tea,” and in the context of a beverage, it often refers to a spiced tea with milk of some kind, commonly known as masala chai, made with black tea, condensed milk, and a blend of aromatic spices. In Ayurveda, chai has been considered a healing drink.
In 1997, Kamini Mamdani stood in her mother’s kitchen, hand-grinding spices, determined to change the way the world experienced chai. At the time, chai was being introduced in the U.S. as “chai tea”—a syrupy, artificially flavored imitation that bore little resemblance to the nourishing, aromatic chai brewed daily in South Asian homes. And this has often been our experience with commercially available chai: too sweet, a token addition of spice, and an unconsidered use of tea. While tea originated in China, India became a major tea-producing and consuming nation, and the British East India Company played a key role in establishing the tea industry in India, particularly in Assam, in the 19th century. They know good, quality tea and it’s production has always been inextricably linked to the labor and skills of women, over many generations.
For Kamini, chai was more than just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a connection to home, a cherished family tradition. The chai she knew was made from freshly ground cardamom, ginger, and cloves, brewed slowly to unlock bold flavors and deep aromas. Seeing her culture’s beloved drink misrepresented, she set out to reclaim chai’s authenticity.
With no roadmap but a relentless passion, Kamini launched CHAI.COM in 1997—the first South Asian-founded online chai retailer in the U.S. Today, CHAI.COM’s blends are crafted from organic, nutrient-dense, and flavorful spices, contain zero sugar, and are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. More than just healthful, CHAI.COM’s blends are also easy to make, ensuring that anyone, anywhere, can enjoy an authentic cup of chai—the way it’s meant to be.
A quick look at chai
- Ayurvedic Roots: Masala chai, with its blend of spices, is seen as a powerful tea that supports digestion, enhances the immune system, and is rich in antioxidants.
- Traditional Use: In India, herbs and spices were blended according to Ayurvedic principles and brewed with water, with people sipping these drinks as part of their health regimens.
- Spices and Benefits: The spices in chai, like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, are known for their digestive, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dosha Considerations: Some Ayurvedic practitioners recommend customizing the spices in chai to balance one’s dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha).
- Beyond Tea: Masala chai is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural symbol and a source of pride in India, with every region and family having its own recipe.
- Modern Adaptation: The western adaptation of chai, or chai latte, has a lighter and sweeter taste than the Indian version of a more herbal and spicier milk beverage.
CHAI.COM has been crafting authentic masala chai blends from a cherished family recipe since 1997. Using vibrant, organic botanicals, CHAI.COM delivers an experience that encourages people to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace their day mindfully. CHAI.COM ensures that every chai ritual is effortless and enriching. Heirloom Chai, a naturally caffeinated Assam-based masala chai, energizes the morning, while Glow Chai, a soothing, turmeric-rich blend, provides the perfect way to unwind in the evening.
As an immigrant- and female-founded business, CHAI.COM sources the highest-quality ingredients from around the world and manufactures proudly in Texas. The company prioritizes sustainability and community impact, actively reducing its carbon footprint through recyclable packaging and ethical sourcing. CHAI.COM also donates annually to international, national, and local non-profits.
CHAI.COM embodies more than just a different brand to try—it represents heritage, authenticity, and the power of a daily ritual. By honoring tradition and embracing modern convenience, CHAI.COM ensures that authentic, aromatic chai is available to you as is should be.
