Best chai, according to chefs
Two picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Megha McSwain, Vivek Surti, Amanda Berrill and Sarah Fischer. Recommendations come from aol.com, foodnetwork.com, tasteofhome.com and tastingtable.com.
Drinks · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Wagh Bakri Tea (Premium or Masala Chai)
Chosen by- Vivek SurtiChef-owner, Tailor · Nashville
- Megha McSwainFood & travel journalist · Food Network, Eater, Texas Monthly
Also chosen by- Megha McSwain · Food & travel journalist · Food Network, Eater, Texas Monthly source ↗
The tea behind Tailor’s Dad’s Chai, the last course on every menu: Surti’s father tried everything from Darjeeling to Lipton over 10 years and settled on Wagh Bakri, “which produces a richly colored and deeply flavorful tea when boiled.” McSwain: “In India, the vibrant red packaging of Wagh Bakri tea is just as recognizable as a can of Coca-Cola”; brewed with milk, “you’ll score a velvety, frothy cup each time.” Made in Gujarat since 1892; sold at Indian grocers, Walmart and Amazon.
- 2
Rishi Masala Chai (sachets or concentrate)
Chosen by- Sarah FischerTest Kitchen, Taste of Home
- Amanda BerrillWriter, Tasting Table
Also chosen by- Amanda Berrill · Writer, Tasting Table source ↗
Taste of Home’s best spicy chai: “the most kick of any brand we tried,” with ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and clove that stay prominent under milk. Rishi’s organic masala chai concentrate was #1 of eight in Tasting Table’s ranking (2026): “full-bodied,” with spices “upfront and strong but not overwhelming,” and real spices you can see. From the Milwaukee tea company; at Whole Foods, Target and Amazon.
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Questions, answered
- What is the best chai, according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Wagh Bakri Tea (Premium or Masala Chai), chosen by Vivek Surti (Tailor, Nashville); Megha McSwain (Food Network). The tea behind Tailor’s Dad’s Chai, the last course on every menu: Surti’s father tried everything from Darjeeling to Lipton over 10 years and settled on Wagh Bakri, “which produces a richly colored and deeply flavorful tea when boiled.” McSwain: “In India, the vibrant red packaging of Wagh Bakri tea is just as recognizable as a can of Coca-Cola”; brewed with milk, “you’ll score a velvety, frothy cup each time.” Made in Gujarat since 1892; sold at Indian grocers, Walmart and Amazon. Source: aol.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for chai?
- No. 2 is Rishi Masala Chai (sachets or concentrate), chosen by Sarah Fischer (Taste of Home Test Kitchen); Amanda Berrill (Tasting Table). Only two picks cleared the bar so far. Each card above links to the original source.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.