Life in Lahore - Chai

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Instagram @gaynor.shaw.photography

While walking around inside the old walled city of Lahore I came across a man making chai.  Chai is very important to Pakistanis and everyone has their own, best ever, recipe.  I have included a recipe for chai below.  Traditionally it is made with full fat milk and Pakistanis love their chai with lots of sugar but you can try it without sugar and any milk you prefer.  However, don’t skip the ladling part as this enhances the flavour and makes it a little frothy.  Enjoy!

 Pakistani Chai for four people

 Ingredients

4 tsp black tea

2 ½ cups water

2 cups full fat milk

4 cardamon pods

Lots of sugar to taste

 Method

1.     Bring the water up to boil then add tea leaves and cardamon pods, reduce heat to medium and simmer for a couple of minutes.

2.     Add milk and bring back up to a boil, take off the heat and ladle the tea up high to allow lots of air – see photo above for how to ladle and pour the tea from on high.  Repeat this step a couple of times to develop the flavour.  Do not take your eyes off the tea as it can quickly boil over.

3.     Strain the tea into cups.

4.     Add sugar to taste.

Postcard from Lahore - Wazer Khan Mosque

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Instagram @gaynor.shaw.photography

A number of weeks ago, when you could still travel around Pakistan, we visited Lahore.  This was my first visit to Lahore and I can see why visitors return again and again.  Lahore was originally the capital of Pakistan and has a long and varied history.  Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Mughal, Afghan, British, Pakistan - each new arrival leaving an interesting layer of culture, history, art and religion. 

 Lahore has a walled inner city and the Wazer Khan Mosque is near the Delhi Gate.  The mosque was built in 1634-41 AD during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.  The mosque courtyard floor has detailed brickwork. The walls and ceilings are covered in tile work known as ‘kashi-kari’ and detailed frescoes with calligraphy, flowers and geometric designs. 

 Outside noisy, daily live continued, food vendors called out to people walking by, the narrow streets busy with motorbikes, carts and rickshaws.   However, inside the courtyard it was peaceful, a place to slow down, pray and contemplate life.  As a photographer I loved the building’s details, small, richly coloured ceramic tiles, peeling paint revealing layers beneath, intricate designs of flowers.  I also loved seeing how the space is used today.  People came to pray, food was being prepared, washing was being done on the roof. 

 The mosque has been listed as a possible UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Restoration work has been ongoing since 2009 to try and save this incredible piece of history that is still in use today and hopefully for many more years to come.