Matcha Chai Latte Recipe: India's Best Fusion Drink
Matcha Chai Latte Recipe: India's Best Fusion Drink
Matcha chai latte is what happens when Japan meets India in your kitchen. The earthy umami of matcha combines with the warming spices of masala chai — cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves — to create a drink that is uniquely Indian and genuinely delicious.
By Saran Reddy, Founder — InstaCuppa | Last updated: May 2026
This is a recipe worth trying even if you are sceptical. Cardamom and matcha are a surprisingly natural pairing.
Matcha Chai Latte
⏱ 10 minutes | 1 serving | Easy
Ingredients
- 1 tsp (1g) matcha powder
- 200 ml full-fat milk (Amul works well)
- 2–3 green cardamom pods (crushed) or ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- ½ inch fresh ginger (grated) or ¼ tsp dry ginger powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 clove (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or jaggery (to taste)
- 2 tbsp cold water (for matcha paste)
Method
- Make chai spice milk: Add milk, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and clove to a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low until the milk just starts to steam (do not boil). Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the spices infuse. Strain out the spice pieces. Set aside to cool slightly to 75–80°C.
- Make matcha paste: Mix matcha with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth paste — no clumps.
- Add honey to the matcha paste and stir.
- Pour the warm spiced milk over the matcha paste while whisking or frothing. The matcha will blend into the milk.
- Froth the top for a minute if you want cafe-style foam.
- Serve immediately in a glass mug to show the green colour.
Variations
Iced matcha chai: Let the spiced milk cool completely. Pour over ice with the matcha paste. Shake briefly in a closed cup for even mixing.
Less spice, more matcha: Reduce cardamom to 1 pod and skip cinnamon for a cleaner flavour that lets matcha take centre stage.
Stronger masala: Add black pepper (pinch) and star anise for a more assertive chai character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does matcha taste good with chai spices?
Yes — cardamom and matcha are a particularly good pairing. Cardamom enhances matcha's natural sweetness and smooths its grassy notes. Cinnamon and ginger add warmth that complements the earthy base. Most people who try matcha chai latte are surprised by how natural the combination feels.
P.S. A milk frother creates perfect foam for your matcha chai latte in 30 seconds. See the InstaCuppa Frother →
P.S. — Tools That Make This Easier
Saran Reddy
Founder, InstaCuppa
The kitchen takes your mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Your family gets what is left.
InstaCuppa builds time-saving kitchen tools for busy Indian moms — so the kitchen stops stealing the moments you cannot get back.
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