Best Indian Tea in 2026: Curated List of Finest Teas and Flavors

Indian tea is a centuries-old legacy that has woven a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas as varied as the people, landscapes, and climates of India. You can find full-bodied Assams, delicate Darjeelings, and silky smooth Nilgiris, each offering something for every taste.

At its best, Indian tea captures the essence of where it comes from, evoking the sensory experience of a spring garden in bloom and the unique character of the land it was grown in. In Indian culture, tea is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of hospitality and a way to bring people together.

We're excited to share some of the best Indian teas available right here in the United States.

We put together our list of Top 8 Indian teas by considering customer reviews, best-selling teas from each brand, flavor consistency, ingredient quality, and whether the teas were organic. We focused on teas from producers who harvest and process with care, so you get only the finest leaves and craftsmanship. Availability, value, and popularity were also part of our considerations.

Our goal was to put together a list that shows off both the tradition of Indian tea making and the exciting new and exquisite blends that keep getting reordered.

Indian black teas are grown in places like Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Sikkim. Indian black tea is loved for its bold, robust flavor and the countless ways to enjoy it. Each region brings its own unique flavor to the table, from the rich, malty taste of Assam, to the delicate floral notes of Darjeeling, and the smooth, fragrant qualities of Nilgiri tea.

Indian tea can be drank in different ways - some like it plain, others with milk, and then there's the option of adding spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and cloves to create the classic masala chai. This traditional masala tea can be found hidden away in family recipes - getting the perfect blend of spices and tea leaves is an art. The beauty of masala chai is that the flavor and aroma come out when the tea is boiled with milk and spices. 

For most Indians, masala chai is more than just a drink - it's a daily ritual, a moment to stop, connect and spark conversations that bring people even closer together.

Black tea is the most well-known type of tea in India but the country also produces green teas, herbal infusions, and specialty blends. Many Indian teas are hand picked and carefully handled to keep their delicate flavors intact. The best Indian tea is genuinely made from high-quality Indian loose leaves using only the finest leaves to create a truly authentic and delicious cup of tea.

Brand overview: Gardenika focuses on traditional herbal teas while taking inspiration from Indian Ayurveda to create classical blends of Indian herbs with a modern twist. 

Flavor and experience: Tulsi Spicy Green Tea with Cinnamon combines Indian holy basil (tulsi) with ginger and cinnamon to create a caffeine-free herbal tisane. Even though it doesn't have traditional tea leaves, it still has an authentic, aromatic flavor with citrusy, minty notes and a warm cinnamon finish.

Brewing & Serving: To brew a cup of Tulsi Spicy Green Tea with Cinnamon, steep 1 teaspoon of loose leaf (2g) or 1 tea bag in about 8 oz of boiling water at 205°F (96°C) for 5-7 minutes. As the tea steeps, it releases lovely aromatic spices and a little herbal sweetness. Best enjoyed hot and perfect for an afternoon drink or evening routine.

Brand overview: Harney & Sons is a popular American tea brand known for sourcing high-quality Indian tea leaves. Their blends offer classic flavors with a smooth, approachable taste that tea lovers enjoy every day.

Flavor and experience: The Orange Pekoe combines Indian (Assam) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) teas to create a classic, comforting black tea that's perfect for drinking every day. This medium-bodied black tea pours up a nice, dark brown cup with a satisfying aroma that has dried citrus and grain notes. The cup itself feels really well-rounded, smooth, and just satisfying.

Brewing & Serving: To get the perfect cup of Orange Pekoe, use a teaspoon of loose leaf (2g) or a tea bag in 8 oz of water that's heated up to 205°F (96°C). Wait 3-5 minutes and enjoy a clean, mellow flavor that pairs beautifully with milk and sugar, or just take it plain. The sweetness level is just right, balancing out the robust flavor to make it perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon tea.

Brand overview: August Uncommon Tea focuses on bold, flavorful blends that really stand out. They source ingredients with the best quality and mix traditional Indian tea with some creative twists to give tea lovers a unique experience.

Flavor and experience: Jet Black is a one of a kind tea blend that combines Indian Assam black tea with roasted mate. It has rich, roasted espresso notes with subtle hints of hazelnut and a little bit of natural sweetness from sugarcane. 

Brewing & Serving: To prepare Jet Black tea, put 1 teaspoon (2g) of loose tea or a tea bag in 8 oz of water at 205°F (96°C) and let it steep for 4-5 minutes. The tea turns to a deep dark color with a strong roasted aroma. Have it hot or iced for a refreshing cup. Add milk and honey to taste.

Brand overview: Plum Deluxe is a tea brand that made a name for itself with their small-batch black teas. The inspiration for their blends comes from all around the globe and they do a great job of making tea feel fun and approachable - the kind of tea you'd want to enjoy every day. 

Flavor and experience: The Heritage Blend combines Indian Assam and African Darjeeling teas for a balanced cup with rich malty caramel, smooth wood undertones, and subtle floral notes from safflower and blue malva flowers. It’s a smooth, sweet tea that's not too overpowering.

Brewing & Serving: For a great cup of Plum Deluxe Heritage Blend Black Tea, put 1 teaspoon (about 2g) of loose leaf tea or a tea bag into 8 oz (240ml) of boiling water at 205°F (96°C). Let it steep for 4-5 minutes. After the tea brews, it’ll have a lovely medium brown color with malty aroma and a hint of lovely flowers. Enjoy it on its own, or add some milk or sugar to taste.

Brand overview: Tea with Tae wants to deliver authentic Indian chai experiences by focusing on traditional flavors and sourcing ingredients with the best quality. They emphasize craftsmanship and respect for Indian tea heritage, making sure each blend offers a rich, full-bodied, and aromatic cup that captures the essence of classic Bombay chai.

Flavor and experience: Bombay Chai is a blend of Indian Assam black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper and fennel. This tea is a full-bodied, spicy cup with aromatic warmth from the spices. The earthy Assam notes help balance out the cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and ginger for a rich, layered flavor.

Brewing & Serving: To prepare Bombay Chai, use 1 teaspoon (about 2g) of loose tea or a tea bag in 8 oz (240ml) of water at 205°F (96°C) and let it steep for 4-5 minutes. This tea develops a deep amber color with fragrant spice notes and a warming aroma, perfect for morning or afternoon. Add milk and sweetener to taste.

Brand overview: Piper & Leaf specialize in artisanal tea blends that combine quality teas with fresh herbs and floral accents to create bright, layered and really approachable black tea experiences that are easy to love.

Flavor and experience: The Front Porch has a lovely floral, minty flavor with a hint of citrus, and its bold Assam base gives it strength and structure. The jasmine and spearmint add some delicate aromatic notes, while the bergamot rounds out the cup with a gentle citrus lift.

Brewing & Serving: Making a perfect cup of Piper & Leaf’s Front Porch is simple, just steep a teaspoon of loose leaf or one tea bag in a cup of hot water (around 205°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. The tea will turn to a lovely medium amber color with a fresh, floral, minty aroma. Enjoy it plain or with a splash of milk for a little creaminess.

Brand overview: iLola focuses on delivering real taste and consistency with every cup. They source high-quality tea leaves from trusted estates and they want to make premium Indian tea accessible and enjoyable for all tea lovers.

Flavor and experience: The English Breakfast No. 11 combines the best of Indian Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan black teas to create a full-bodied English Breakfast that's got it all. It's malty, bold, and robust, with the Assam adding depth and richness. The Ceylon and Kenyan teas keep it all in balance, with a bit of brightness and a smooth finish.

Brewing & Serving: Just put a teaspoon or a tea bag of English Breakfast No. 11 into 8oz of water that's heated up to 205°F for 3-5 minutes to get a rich deep amber cup with lovely malty and earthy aromas. Its smooth and well-balanced, a perfect tea in the morning or a great relaxed afternoon break.

Brand overview: Beach House Teas offers a charming selection of small-batch, organic loose leaf blends inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Flavor and experience: Cascade Meadows is a lovely blend of bold Indian Assam black tea with refreshing peppermint, calming chamomile, tangy rose hips, and zesty lemon herbs. The Assam gives it a nice, full body, while the peppermint and chamomile add a gentle, soothing floral touch that makes it super easy to enjoy.

Brewing & Serving: To enjoy Cascade Meadows, steep a teaspoon of loose leaf or one tea bag in 8 oz of water at 205°F for 3-5 minutes. After brewing , the tea will have a warm amber-green hue and a floral-herbal aroma. The cup is smooth, light, and easy to drink. For a little extra sweetness, try adding a drizzle of honey.

India's climate and geography is home to some of the world's most celebrated teas - no wonder why so many tea lovers admire them.

• Assam: It's hard to deny the charm of this region's big, malty black teas. They make the perfect base for a hearty breakfast blend.

• Darjeeling: People often refer to Darjeeling as the “champagne of teas” because of its delicate notes that make the grade with tea lovers.

• Nilgiri: The teas from South India are a real treat - smooth and fragrant and perfect for either an iced tea or a milk tea with a bit of sweetness.

• Sikkim: This is one of the few places in the world where you can find some of the rarest and most exclusive teas - and right now they're gaining popularity among tea enthusiasts fast.

• Kashmir: The tea grown here is famous for the traditional Kahwa - a spiced green tea that's been infused with saffron, almonds and cardamom. It's a lovely taste of the authentic culture and traditions of the Kashmir valley.

India has a lot of teas waiting to be explored, from the strong black tea types to the herbal teas that has amazing aromas. This guide showcases the top Indian teas with incredible taste and quality.

Whether it's the boldness of Assam, the floral notes of Darjeeling, or those one off flavors of Nilgiri or Sikkim tea, there's bound to be a perfect brew out there for everybody.

Check out Taste of Tea and have a browse at all the varieties we have - there's bound to be something new and exciting that's caught your eye and tastes just amazing. Whether you're a seasoned tea drinker or just starting out on this tea adventure of yours, we've got all sorts of absolutely delicious options for you to try.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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