Chai is virtually the mainstay of Indian culture. Even when fresh cold drinking water cannot be found you will inevitably encounter a chai wallah, or chai seller yelling, "Chayee! Chayee". Chai produces a warm soothing effect and engenders a wonderfully calming aspect on the body. Brew this tea piping hot and add some sugar to open up the incredible flavor of exotic spices.
"Chai" actually means "tea" in Hindi, so calling "chai" "chai tea" is actually rather redundant. However, marketers in the western world thought that "chai tea" would help them sell the "new" product to the western market. Chai is actually centuries old, with its origins in India. Generally, it is a milky, spiced tea made with black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, pepper, and various other spices. It is usually sweetened - most commonly with sugar, but some drinkers prefer honey. There is not a universal recipe for chai, as different drinkers like it different ways, so the spice list can change depending on who's making it.