Beverages

A cup of Chai also known as Tea the world over, is a favorite among all classes of Indians.
A cup of Chai also known as Tea the world over, is a favorite among all classes of Indians.

Tea is a staple beverage throughout India; the finest varieties are grown in Darjeeling and Assam. It is generally prepared as masala chai, wherein the tea leaves are boiled in a mix of water, spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, and large quantities of milk to create a thick, sweet, milky concoction. Different varieties and flavors of Tea are prepared to suit different tastes all over the country. Another popular beverage, coffee, is largely served in South India. One of the finest varieties of Coffea arabica is grown around Mysore, Karnataka, and is marketed under the trade name "Mysore Nuggets". Filter Coffee, or kaapi, is also especially popular in South India. Other beverages include nimbu pani (lemonade), lassi, badam dood (milk with nuts and cardamom), Chaach (made from curd/yogurt ), sharbat and coconut water. India also has many indigenous alcoholic beverages, including palm wine, fenny, bhang and Indian beer. However the practice of drinking a beverage with a meal, or wine and food matching, is not traditional or common in India. The budding wine industry is poised to grow significantly.

Although above listed beverages are popular, people prefer to consume drinking water with their food. In fact it is custom to offer drinking water to guest before serving hot or cold drink. Also drinking water does not overshadow taste of food.