Noon Chai
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Kashmiri noon chai from Kashmir with its distinctive pink color
Noon Chai (also called Salt tea, Sheer Chai, Pink tea, Kashmiri tea) is a traditional tea beverage made in Kashmir. The name "Noon" refers not to the time of day, but is a local word for salt- "Noon".
It is made from special tea leaves, milk, and salt. A pinch of baking soda is added to help give it a pink color. It is prepared with pistachios and cardamom and is consumed primarily at special occasions, weddings, and during the winter months when it is sold at many kiosks.
When sweetened, it is called "Pindi Chai," named after the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi that is home to a large population descended from Kashmir.