Best Indian Teas You Can Buy in Ireland in 2026 Masala Chai, Cardamom and More
Ireland is one of the highest per capita tea-consuming countries in the world. The Irish relationship with tea is deep and largely built around one style: strong black tea with milk, brewed dark and drunk hot. Barry’s, Lyons, done.
For hundreds of thousands of South Asian people living in Ireland, and for Irish tea drinkers who have discovered the breadth of Indian tea culture, the question is different. It is masala chai or cardamom chai, CTC Assam or Darjeeling, tulsi blend or Kahwa. At Asian House in Dublin, our Tea section under Groceries represents a tradition where tea is spiced, steeped with intention, and serves a daily ritual that goes far beyond functional caffeine delivery.
Understanding Indian Tea Types
CTC Assam: The Everyday Chai Base
CTC stands for Crush, Tear, Curl: a mechanical processing method producing small, uniform pellets that brew very quickly into a strong, robust, dark cup. This is the tea most of India drinks daily. It is the essential backbone of masala chai: strong enough to stand up to full-fat milk, boiling, and the competition of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon without being overwhelmed. Without CTC Assam, masala chai is not masala chai.
The most trusted brands in the Indian community in Ireland include Wagh Bakri, Taj Mahal, Red Label, Society Tea, and Brooke Bond. All are CTC-processed and all produce a strong, flavourful cup suitable as the base for homemade masala chai or as a standalone strong tea with milk.
Masala Chai Blend
Pre-blended masala chai mixes combine CTC tea with ground spices, most commonly ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves. Wagh Bakri Masala Chai is one of the most popular globally and is consistently rated for its balanced spice blend. These pre-mixed teas are convenient and produce a good everyday masala chai. Serious chai drinkers typically prefer to control spice quantities themselves using a plain CTC base and whole fresh spices.
Cardamom Tea (Elaichi Chai)
Strong black tea brewed with whole green cardamom pods or ground cardamom, often with just a touch of milk. The cardamom adds a floral, slightly sweet fragrance that makes it genuinely aromatic. Popular across North India, Pakistan, and the Gulf region. For those who find full masala chai too intense, cardamom tea is often the entry point.
Darjeeling
Grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal at high elevation, Darjeeling has a Protected Geographical Indication. First flush (spring) Darjeeling is famously light, floral, and complex with a muscatel character. Typically drunk without milk like a fine oolong. Represents the sophisticated, slow-sipping end of Indian tea culture.
Assam Orthodox
Orthodox-processed Assam uses traditional rolling rather than CTC, producing larger leaf grades that brew into a smoother, less astringent cup. Better for drinking without milk or with just a small amount. Delivers the malty, full-bodied character that distinguishes Assam from other origins.
Nilgiri Tea
From the Blue Mountains of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Nilgiri produces clean, bright, mildly fruity tea with less tannin than Assam. Often used in blends but excellent as a single-origin. Less well-known internationally than Darjeeling but consistently high quality.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea
An herbal infusion rather than true tea. Tulsi (holy basil) is central to Ayurveda and Hindu culture, valued for adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. The flavour is herbal, slightly spicy, and entirely distinct. Drunk without milk, often with honey and ginger.
Kahwa
A traditional Kashmiri preparation: green tea or regular tea with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, served hot from a samovar with crushed almonds. Warming, fragrant, and unlike anything in the Western tea tradition. Popular with the Kashmiri community in Dublin.
Indian Tea Ireland Brand Guide
| Brand | Type | Best For | Notes |
| Wagh Bakri | CTC Assam plus masala blend | Everyday chai, masala chai | Most popular Indian chai brand globally |
| Taj Mahal | CTC Assam | Strong everyday chai with milk | Widely trusted, Brooke Bond brand |
| Red Label | CTC Assam | Everyday strong chai | Classic everyday Indian tea |
| Society Tea | CTC Assam blend | Strong chai with milk | Mumbai favourite, strong flavour |
| Darjeeling (various) | Orthodox Darjeeling | Without milk, slow sipping | Floral, light, muscatel character |
| Tulsi Green | Herbal, no caffeine | Morning wellness drink | Ayurvedic, good without milk |
How to Brew Indian Chai
The standard method for South Asian household chai is very different from adding a teabag to a cup of hot water:
- Combine 200ml water and 200ml full-fat milk in a small saucepan.
- Add 2 heaped teaspoons of CTC Assam tea directly to the cold liquid.
- Add spices if making masala chai: 4 crushed cardamom pods, a thumb of grated ginger, one small cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 4 black peppercorns.
- Bring to a full boil then reduce to a simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. The extended simmer extracts full flavour from the spices.
- Add sugar to taste, stir, strain into cups and serve hot.
Western tea-making pours hot water over a bag and finishes. Chai requires the tea and spices to actually boil together in the milk-water mixture. This simmering step is not optional: it is what makes the difference.
Where to Buy Indian Tea in Dublin
Asian House at 71 Belmayne Ave, Belmayne, Dublin 13, D13 W7PR stocks CTC Assam blends, masala chai, and cardamom tea in the Tea section under Groceries on asianhouse.ie. Order online or visit in-store. Phone (01) 829 6460.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Indian tea for masala chai?
Strong CTC Assam is the essential base. Wagh Bakri, Red Label, and Taj Mahal are the most widely trusted brands in the Indian community in Ireland.
Is Indian tea stronger than Irish tea?
CTC Assam brewed in milk produces a very strong, full-bodied cup comparable to Barry’s or Lyons but with a different, maltier character and with spice notes if masala is added.
Can I buy Wagh Bakri tea in Dublin?
Asian House at 71 Belmayne Ave, Dublin 13 stocks a range of Indian tea brands. Visit asianhouse.ie or call (01) 829 6460 to check current availability.
Shop Indian Teas at Asian House Dublin asianhouse.ie Groceries Tea
71 Belmayne Ave, Belmayne, Dublin 13, D13 W7PR Phone: (01) 829 6460 Mobile: (089) 9660503
Click and Collect: 149 Phibsborough Rd, D07X033 (2pm to 9pm) Delivery: 2pm to 10pm daily asianhouse.ie@gmail.com
