Tangawizi is a Swahili word that means ginger, in English. This flavorful Kenyan Tangawizi Chai (ginger tea with milk) is the perfect comfort drink and will definitely have you asking for more!
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This healthy African tea is so full of flavor and a wonderful drink to enjoy during cold evenings and winter months!
This year, I'm excited to take part in Eat The Culture's 2023 Holiday Roundup. Holidays often revolve around communal moments – sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, food.
This year's roundup is all about those delightful 'lite bites' and drinks that set the tone for festive gatherings.
I had the pleasure of partnering with chef Mireille of Global Kitchen Travels, who crafted a delicious Carribean Rum Cake. Her cake pairs perfectly with my Tangawizi chai recipe.
Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC & #PerfectPartyPairings on Instagram.
what is tangawizi chai?
Tangawizi is the Swahili word for ginger and chai means tea. Put these two word together and you have ginger tea. Normally, ginger powder or fresh grated ginger is used to make it.
For those of you who do not know, the average Kenyan family drinks black tea for breakfast, daily. As a child growing up in Kenya in the 80s, I remember already drinking black tea from around the age of three (things have certainly changed now and parents know better - no caffeinated drinks for children)!
health benefits of ginger tea
Tangawizi (ginger) tea has numerous health benefits. Some of these include:-
- Helps reduce nausea and vomiting - contains gingerols and shogaols which help relieve symptoms from nausea and vomiting.
- Pain relief - Tangawizi has anti-inflammatory effects which means it aids in pain reduction. A recent study has even shown that ginger can aid in reducing menstrual pain.
- Weight-loss - a study has also shown that ginger may aid in weight loss by controlling the appetite, suppressing the metabolic process that contributes to the storage of fat as well as lowering intestinal fat absorption.
- Ginger and testosterone - A study conducted in 2018 showed that ginger supplementation enhances the production of testosterone in males.
I could go on and on but I think these are a few good enough reasons for you to drink your tangawizi chai or ginger tea! Well, not to forget the taste, of course!!
ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this ginger tea with milk recipe. Find the exact measurements on the recipe card provided at the bottom of this page.
- Black tea leaves - I would advise you to choose strong-tasting black tea leaves. We traditionally use chai black tea in Africa for this recipe but you can also use Assam tea or black smoked Lapsang Souchong tea. I would not recommend using Earl Grey, since most varieties have a weaker black tea taste.
- Ginger - use fresh or ground (powdered) ginger.
- Milk - you will also need some milk. For a vegan, paleo, and low carb option, use plant-based milk alternatives such as coconut, soy, or almond milk.
- Water - to dilute the milk.
- Sweetener (optional) - use regular or paleo sugar alternatives, or a suitable sugar-free alternative if you like your tea sweet. I personally do not like my tea sweet and like to skip the sweetener altogether.
how to make Kenyan tangawizi chai (ginger tea with milk)
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to make this sooting East African tea. A video showing you how to make it has also been provided on the recipe card below.
- Add water and sliced ginger pieces or ginger powder to a medium-sized pot and set it on the stovetop, under medium heat.
- Allow the water to come to a boil, then add the milk. Allow this to come to a boil as well. You want to keep an eye on the water-milk mixture to make sure it does not spill.
- Next, reduce the heat to a low, stir in the black tea leaves, then allow this to also come to a boil.
- Once boiled, switch off the heat, set the pot aside, and pass the ginger tea through a sieve to separate the tea leaves, into a thermos flask or a pot.
- Pour into cups and serve hot.
storage and recipe variation
Storage - there are some things that do not work so well with refrigeration and this tangawizi (ginger milk with tea is one of them)!! The best way to preserve this tea is to keep it in a thermos flask and consume it within a day!
Recipe Variation - use your favorite plant milk substitutes (almond, coconut, or soy milk) for a vegan alternative. I love to use milk to water ratio of 1:1, but feel free to use more or less, depending on how creamy you like your tea. I have used fresh ginger to make this tea. You can substitute this for a tablespoon of ground ginger.
📖 Recipe
Kenyan Tangawizi Chai - Ginger Tea with Milk
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon black tea leaves
- 1 piece fresh ginger - sliced alternatively, a tablespoon of ground ginger
- 2 cups of your preferred choice of milk (plant milk or dairy)
- 2 cups water
- sweetener or sugar to taste optional
Instructions
- Add water and sliced ginger pieces or ginger powder to a medium-sized pot and set it on the stovetop, under medium heat.
- Allow this to come to a boil, then add the milk. You want to keep an eye on the water-milk mixture to make sure it does not spill-over.
- Next, reduce the heat to a low, stir in the black tea leaves, then allow this to also come to a boil.
- Once boiled, switch off the heat, set the pot aside and pass the ginger tea through a sieve to separate the tea leaves, into a thermos flask or a pot.
- Pour into cups and serve hot.
Veronika Sykorova
I love ginger tea and I love chai but I've never tried them together! This Tangawizi chai was delicious!
Marisa F. Stewart
I really hate having anything with caffeine in the afternoon. Plain tea just doesn't get it so when I saw this recipe I knew I had to try it. It is absolutely perfect for sipping in the afternoon when you want a hot satisfying drink. This will be my go-to afternoon relaxing tea.
Jacqueline Debono
I love using ginger in smoothies or added to herb infusions. I've never tried it with black tea and milk. Sounds really good. On my to make list!
Sharon
This is a wonderful afternoon warm-up with lots of good for you ginger in it.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Such a delicious and relaxing tea! I absolutely love the added ginger to the tea. It gives you that little extra warmth from the inside out! Thank you so much for sharing!
Marta
We've been trapped in a winter storm and I've run out of ideas for warm drinks to serve to my family. This was perfect!
Kate Hahnel
Hi Marta, I can't even imagine how difficult it is for you all with the storm. Sending you lots of prayers and hugs.
Farrukh Aziz
This Kenyan Chai was a really comforting drink for the evening! I love how it had a very nice ginger flavor added to it! Definitely my favorite tea!
Lauren Vavala
I am an avid tea drinker and absolutely in love with ginger at the moment. This ginger tea is going in my regular rotation for sure!
Healing Tomato
We are huge fans of ginger tea in our home! This tangawizi tea sounds so warm and inviting. I could go for a cup right now since it is a cold day here in FL.
Andrea Howe
This sounds so comforting and delicious! Thank you for introducing me to this drink and I look forward to making it!
Dana
This tea is perfect and relaxing. It is also incredibly easy to make but has so much flavor. I love it!