From Punjab to Portland: A Smoky Chai Morning

A Story in Every Sip

In the quiet mornings of my childhood winters, I’d wake to the smell of wood smoke and chai. My family’s ancestral home in a village in Punjab, India, came alive with the soft crackle of a mitti da chulha - a clay oven fed with firewood from the backyard. Perched on top, an old brass pot would carry the heart of our morning: chai.

Not just any chai, but a smoky, spiced brew infused with black cardamom, cracked ginger, and warmth that seeped into your bones. The pot showed years of use, darkened by countless winters, and was always full of stories.

When it was ready, the chai was ladled into brass glasses, their edges warm against our fingers, and passed around as we sat together, wrapped in shawls. The smoke from the fire curled into the cold morning air, blending with the fragrance of tea and earth.

Now that I’m in Portland, Oregon, that memory feels even more vivid especially on chilly, damp mornings when the city is still half-asleep. That’s why I created our Smoky Chai at Spice Pilgrim to offer a taste of those mornings, brewed with intention, depth, and a little nostalgia.

Smoky Chai Recipe (Rustic Punjab Style for Portland Winters)

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups whole milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
• 2 heaping teaspoons of Spice Pilgrim's Smoky Chai
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, smashed (optional)
• 1–2 teaspoons jaggery or raw sugar (adjust to taste)

How to Brew It

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring 1 cup of water to a simmer.
2. Add the Smoky Chai blend and smashed ginger (optional). Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to release the aromas.
3. Add the milk and continue to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Sweeten with jaggery or sugar to your liking.
5. Strain into your favorite mugs.
6. Find a cozy corner. Sip slow. Let the warmth settle in.

Why It Feels Right in Portland

Here in Portland, where the mornings are misty and the skies stay soft and gray, this chai feels right at home. It’s grounding. It’s bold. It’s a connection between two places that share a love for cozy rituals, warm drinks, and slow moments.

We invite you to try brewing it in your own kitchen using our Smoky Chai blend, available online or at our Portland store:

Spice Pilgrim (Retail Store)
5915 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Open Wednesday–Sunday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

We’d love to hear your chai story, too.