Masala Chai and Its Perfect Partners: 5 Snacks That Complete Every Cup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of masala chai on a breezy evening or a chilly morning. The aroma of spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon fills the air, making it more than just a beverage, it’s comfort in a cup. But what makes chai truly special is the snack that sits beside it. 

From crispy namak paray to soft tea sandwiches, here are five delicious treats that pair perfectly with your favorite cup of chai.

Namak Paray

A true tea-time favorite, namak paray (or namak pare) are crunchy, salty strips that are loved across India. These crispy delights are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. You can find them in almost every household, especially during festivals or gatherings. For those with a sweet tooth, “meetha paray” is a wonderful variation that adds a sugary twist to the traditional recipe.

To make namak paray, mix all-purpose flour, carom seeds, salt, and a bit of oil. Add water to make a firm dough, roll it out, and cut it into diamond shapes. Fry them until golden brown and crisp. Once done, let them cool and enjoy them with a hot cup of masala chai. The salty crunch of namak paray pairs beautifully with the spiciness of chai, the balance of flavors makes it irresistible.

Samosa

If there’s one snack that defines tea time in India, it’s the humble samosa. The golden, crispy shell filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes even meat, has a charm of its own. Samosas taste best when they’re fresh out of the fryer and served with chutney, and of course, a steaming cup of kadak masala chai.

To make samosas, prepare a filling using boiled potatoes, peas, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Stuff it into rolled-out dough, fold it into triangles, and deep-fry until crispy. The crunchy outer layer and spicy filling create a perfect contrast to the warm, soothing chai.

Bhajis

When it comes to quick and comforting snacks, nothing beats bhajis (or pakoras). They’re easy to make, super crispy, and go hand in hand with a rainy evening and a cup of tea. To make bhajis, mix a cup of chickpea flour, ¼ cup of rice flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt. Add sliced onions, grated potatoes, spinach, carrots, green chili, and a bit of ginger-garlic paste. Add water slowly to make a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden brown.

Serve them hot with mint chutney or ketchup. The crunchy texture and the warmth of the spices make bhajis one of the best companions for chai.

Tea Sandwiches

If you prefer something lighter, tea sandwiches are a delightful option. Soft, fresh, and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for an elegant tea-time treat. To make classic tea sandwiches, spread butter or cream cheese on bread slices. Add thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, and lettuce, then season with salt and pepper. Place another slice on top, trim the crusts, and cut into neat triangles. You can also add sprouts or radish for extra crunch.

These sandwiches are refreshing and pair wonderfully with flavored teas like rose blush or tranquil berry tea, or even your everyday masala chai for a balance of spice and freshness.

Khakhra

For those who want something light yet satisfying, khakhra is the perfect choice. Especially popular in Gujarat, these thin, crispy snacks are made from whole wheat flour and roasted until crunchy. Flavors like methi (fenugreek) and jeera (cumin) are most loved.

Khakhra’s crisp texture complements the warmth of chai beautifully. It’s also one of the healthiest tea-time options, baked, not fried, and full of fiber and nutrients. Each bite gives you that satisfying crunch without any guilt, making it ideal for mindful snackers.

Masala chai has a way of bringing people together, and these snacks make that moment even more special. Whether you’re dipping a crispy namak paray, savoring a piping hot samosa, or nibbling on a crunchy khakhra, each bite turns a simple tea break into a celebration of flavors.