Chai is simply the word for “tea” in Hindi and several other Asian languages. Indians often brew their tea with lots of milk and spices (called masala—they call this drink masala chai); and that’s what most people in the West know as “chai.” Since everyone likely to be attracted by the word “chai” already knows it’s a tea-based drink, it’s both redundant and pointless to call the product “chai tea.”
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This week on the podcast we conclude our discussion of food-related terms: “What’s on the Menu? (Part 3).” Bon appétit!
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