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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
21/01/2026
Chai is the first drink that comes to mind when you think of a breakfast drink. But did you know that there are various other Indian drinks other than chai that fit perfectly with the breakfast routine? This article examines multiple drinks, including masala milk, buttermilk, and kanji, among others. Dive deeper to know more.
Chai is undoubtedly the most famous and loved beverage in India, especially for breakfast. While some people have breakfast that consists only of chai, others pair chai with their breakfast dish. However, chai is not the only beverage or drink that you have in the mornings. Across regions, there are variations of what breakfast is paired with: drinks that aid digestion, provide energy, or cool the body, depending on the season.
Chai became a popular drink during the colonial period, but older traditions relied on other drinks or beverages, which were milk-based, grain-based, fermented and herbal. Many of these are still consumed by many families today. These drinks offer a significant amount of nutritional value. For example, a glass of masala milk provides protein and calcium, while buttermilk cools the stomach and aids in digestion after a heavy meal; the same applies to green and herbal teas. Modern diets also place a great deal of importance on these drinks, which have been a part of Indian tradition for ages. Read this article to learn more about drinks that can be consumed for breakfast other than chai.
Masala milk, also known as doodh, is a traditional Indian beverage that has been enjoyed in India for centuries. This drink is made by simmering milk with cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, and either almonds or cashews. You can add dry fruits as per your preferences. Masala milk is a breakfast as well as a bedtime staple. It is rich in protein, high in calcium, and provides a source of energy. Masala milk is also served on festive occasions in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Badam milk is a cousin of masala milk with fewer dry fruits. To make this version, simply blend almonds into warm or cold milk with sugar and cardamom. This milk is both nutritious and delicious to taste. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, protein, and healthy fats, which makes this a rich and wholesome way to start your day!
Buttermilk, also known as chaas, is a classic summer drink, but it is widely consumed throughout the year due to its purported ‘good for gut’ properties. Buttermilk is made by churning curd and adding spices such as cumin, ginger, or curry leaves. Buttermilk is known for its probiotic benefits, as it aids digestion, reduces acidity, and helps keep the body cool. Buttermilk is known as neer mor in South India and chaas in North India. It is a perfect way to start your day on a healthy and nutritional note.
Kanji is a fermented drink popular in North India, made from black carrots, mustard seeds, and water. This drink is popular, especially during winters and Holi, while some households make it around the year. Kanji is tangy, probiotic-rich, and helps in digestion. This drink is a perfect alternative to sweet and milky breakfast beverages.
Sattu Sharbat is popular in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It is made from roasted gram flour, mixed with water, salt and spices. You can also sweeten it by adding jaggery to the sharbat, as it is rich in protein and fibre. Sattu sharbat is a popular breakfast drink, widely consumed in India for ages, especially by people who need the morning dose of energy, protein, and cooling. Consider it as the desi version of a protein shake!
Herbal drinks are widely consumed in Indian diets, especially in the mornings. They are often called kadhas in North India and Kashyam in the southern part of the country. These herbal drinks are made by brewing spices like black pepper, tulsi, cinnamon, and ginger in hot water. They not only support immunity but also soothe the stomach, making them an ideal breakfast option in many households.
Chai will always hold a special place in India’s breakfast culture, but these traditional drinks also demonstrate the diversity and nutritional value of Indian beverages. Each has its own role; some are cooling, some are energising, some heal, and continue to be a part of the breakfast routine. This article highlighted how Indian was filled with a variety of drinks which are age-old but still relevant in today’s kitchens, providing perfect alternatives for chai.
