VAHDAM Masala Chai Tea

Cardamom is definitely the star of the show here—it's the most prominent spice in the blend, with customers mentioning it repeatedly as the dominant note. You'll also taste warm layers of black pepper, cinnamon, and a touch of clove underneath. If you love cardamom-forward chai, this is your tea. If you prefer a more balanced spice profile where no single flavor dominates, you might find the cardamom a bit assertive.

This is where opinions split. Some drinkers find it perfectly bold and full-bodied with a rich, aromatic quality that doesn't turn bitter. Others feel it's too mild and tastes more like regular black tea with subtle spicing. Several reviewers who wanted a stronger brew successfully used two bags together or steeped longer. It's authentic Indian chai, but your mileage may vary depending on how intensely spiced you like your cup.

You'll receive pyramid mesh tea bags, not paper ones, which can be confusing since some product images show paper packaging. The pyramids give the tea leaves and spices room to expand. However, there have been some complaints about the bags being sealed into plastic in a way that makes them tricky to extract without tearing. The good news is they come in a resealable ziplock pouch to maintain freshness once you get them out.

You've got options! The pyramid bags are convenient enough to steep in just hot water if you're in a hurry, making this beginner-friendly. But you can absolutely go the traditional route and simmer it with milk for a richer, creamier masala chai. Some enthusiasts even use it as a base for golden milk or blend it with creamers. The flexibility is one of its strengths—it works whether you're a chai newbie or someone who grew up making it from scratch.

Several reviewers who know authentic chai say yes—it reminds them of homemade versions with its cardamom-forward, full-bodied character. That said, it's still a convenience product. You're trading some of the customization and intensity of making chai from whole spices for the ease of a tea bag. If you're looking for something that captures that authentic flavor without the 20-minute stovetop process, this delivers. Just don't expect it to be identical to simmering your own blend of whole spices.

This is a common sticking point. You get 30 pyramid bags, which isn't a huge quantity, and several customers mention it feels expensive for what you receive. The individual sealed packaging and quality ingredients (non-GMO, gluten-free, no artificial flavors) do add to the cost. If you're an everyday chai drinker going through multiple cups daily, you might find yourself reordering often. But if you're treating yourself occasionally or want a convenient option for authentic-tasting masala chai without bulk-buying, it might be worth it.