Real Chai, Easier Than You Think: Silk Route SE Is Now at Aahaar
Stockholm-based Silk Route SE makes instant chai that actually tastes like chai. Three variants — Masala, Cardamom, Ginger — now available at Aahaar Berlin.
The chai you grew up on is not the thing you get from a teabag. It is something that happens on a stove — black tea, whole spices, full-fat milk, a rolling boil, and a little patience. There is a creamy layer that forms at the top. That is chai.
The problem is that recreating it in a Berlin flat, mid-week, before a 9 AM call, takes time and a full spice collection that you may or may not have restocked. Silk Route SE was built for that specific situation.
We started stocking Silk Route SE this year, and if you drink chai regularly, it is worth knowing about. You have probably already met it if you were at our July BBQ with Berlindians — it is the chai that ran out before the people did.
Who Makes It
Silk Route SE is a Stockholm-based company founded by Pallav Rawat. Made in Sweden, no preservatives, no artificial sweeteners. In 2025, they won Årets Nyföretag Tyresö, an award recognising the best new business in their municipality, and were part of the Matlust 2024 innovation programme run by Region Stockholm and the EU.
Their starting point is the same as yours: chai in India is not a drink you make from a sachet. It is black tea simmered with spices and full-fat milk until a creamy layer forms on top. Silk Route wants people living outside India to be able to make that same cup without two hours of prep.
The Three Variants
Masala Chai
The one most people mean when they say chai — cardamom, ginger, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, working together the way a good masala blend should. For mornings, for guests, for Sunday afternoons.
Cardamom Chai
Elaichi is the dominant note — floral, aromatic, lighter than masala but not less interesting.
Ginger Chai
Adrak chai builds a warmth that lingers. For winter, or when you want something with weight to it.
Why We Stock It
We are not trying to fill the shop with instant products. Silk Route SE is making instant chai for people who know what chai is supposed to taste like — that is a narrower brief than it sounds. No preservatives, no artificial sweeteners is just what is in the tin.
When the spice tin is running low, or you have guests and want to put something good in front of them in under five minutes, this belongs in the cupboard.
Pricing
Try These Products
Silk Route SE Masala, Cardamom, and Ginger instant chai are available now at aahaar.de. If you were at the BBQ, you already know which one runs out first.