Drinking Tea Safe?

Valentine of 79

I know that drinking tap water in India is unsafe or should I say not encouraged. But what about tea? I guess by boiling the water it helps. What do you think?

guerik

You should be ok - I would have averaged about 3 chai per day on my last trip and felt fine all the time!
The water and milk are both well boiled so it's pretty safe

PeakXV

There is a lot of verbage to describe the various grades of water you will encounter in India. From Ganges holy water to the best of imported bottled water. Having said that I generally demand on Filtered Water - boiled 5 minutes for a worry free cup of chai! That may be overkill for some but it has worked well for me - so far!

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Aussie 5

I think I'll buy an immersion element to boil up my own chai. I dont like the sickly sweet stuff and I can also be sure that the water is really boiled and served in a clean cup! Not at all sure that chai cups are washed properly after the previous user!!!

Ikuru

Safe?
Whats the point of going to India if your not gonne touch the chai?

Drinking chai in India is as safe as anything.

I think the real question is...
Is it really safe to be alive?

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guerik

Man, who knew I was living on the edge? It's not as exciting as I might have thought

Sama

drank black tea and chai everyday for a month, no problems

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wonderwomanusa

I had no problem getting tea without sugar in my hotels and at various chai stalls as I was going about. I'm diabetic and carried my own sweetener...

as for the chai glasses, well, sometimes you just have to take your chances while being sociable.

edwardseco

Wonderwoman gets to the essence as usual. What is the use of being absolutely safe if it prevents the quintessential travel experience.?

Aussie 5

I've travelled overland through Africa and a number of other places, safely eating and drinking local foods. So I'm not trying to keep myself in a sealed bag!! But what is the point of all the bottled water and hand washing advice, if you dont consider what you might pick up from dirty cups etc??

seventies'hippy

Real chai only comes in glasses, anything else is an unauthentic imitation,,,,,,,,,,,

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tornado989

I drink tea 4 times...especially with winter around the corner!...Drinking tea is fine... just make sure the cup or glass is clean enough.. cheers : )

Sunray

5 minutes, have you seen how long they boil chai for before its served. I'm suprised that it doesn't turn solid!! They could use the water direct from the Ganges and it'd be safe.

cyberhippie

They probably do

Aussie 5

Thanks for the feedback - I look forward to experiencing a limited amount of traditional chai, as my palate turns more to spicy rather than sweet. Any, I'll remember it should be served in a glass.

A bit off-topic
I'm much more interested in the curries and fantastic flavours of Indian cooking. Although we have not yet arrived (only 10 days to go) in addition to eating out, we have tried a number of dishes at home - tikki masala, bhindi (okra/'ladies fingers') masala, palak paneer - mmmmmm . Some I've made myself and some I've bought pre-packed, but I'm sure looking forward to wonderful flavoursome food.