Fresh from the stove so you can bask in the aura of the aromatic spices. On hot days, put your own cooling twist on Kashmiri Chai by serving it over ice. Tea purists can enjoy this spiced delight in its natural state. If you want the traditional Kashmiri experience, add sugar, honey, or your favourite sweetener to unlock hidden dimensions within the spices, transforming tea time into a transcendent experience. For a final touch of traditional beauty, garnish your cup with chopped almonds.

For a bit of culturally-inspired fun, serve your Kashmiri Chai in traditional silver or brass khosa cups. Decorative porcelain teacups are also favoured in Kashmir, particularly for casual gatherings. If it’s a sumptuous experience you’re after, impress guests with your finest china. Of course, you should always feel free to use your favourite teacups, and if it’s cold outside, there’s nothing like a cosy mug to warm your hands as you sip.

With its intricate flavours, Kahwa is a joy on its own, but if you’re looking for a truly cultural experience, try some traditional Kashmiri treats. Savory street foods such as nader monje (deep-fried crispy spiced lotus stems) or tyil karre (deep-fried crispy spiced peas) are a perfect match for Kashmiri Chai. Sweet treats are also brilliant for balancing Kahwa’s astringency. Try shangram (deep-fried halwa balls) and basrakh (fluffy and crisp sugar-coated dough balls), both of which melt in your mouth with each sip of Kahwa. If you don’t have access to these traditional snacks, dates and fruit are a simpler Kashmiri treat, and Kahwa will be delightful with your favourite bickie.

In Kashmir, life flows to the tune of chai. Tea is served anytime, everywhere, and in all seasons in this mountainous pocket of the world. Tea time truly is any time, so long as you remember that the later you sip, the longer you’ll be awake!