How Cardamom Chai Helped Me Find Calm During Sydney’s Scorching Summers

If there’s one thing Sydney summers are known for, it’s the heat. Not the pleasant kind where you stroll by the beach with a soft breeze in your hair. No, I’m talking about the kind that melts your makeup, turns your car into an oven, and leaves you questioning why you ever stepped out of the comfort of your air conditioning.

On one such blistering day, I found myself caught in the middle of this heatwave madness. The sun was blazing, my patience was evaporating, and my to-do list was as long as a desi wedding guest list. By the afternoon, I was on the verge of snapping over something as trivial as a forgotten bottle of chilled water. That’s when Cardamom Chai became my unexpected saviour.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: Chai? In summer? Isn’t that counterproductive? I had the same doubts. But then I remembered my dadi’s words: “Thandi mein garam, garmi mein bhi garam.” Translation? In every season, chai knows best.

Determined to give it a try, I headed to the kitchen, despite the 35-degree heat glaring through the windows. As the water bubbled on the stove, I crushed a few Elaichi pods, letting their sweet aroma fill the air. The fragrant, floral scent instantly brought a sense of calm, as though someone had pressed pause on the chaos of my day.

The first sip? Pure magic. Cardamom has a unique way of being both refreshing and soothing. It’s not as bold as masala chai or as fiery as ginger chai, but it carries a subtle charm that feels like sipping serenity. By the time I reached the bottom of the cup, the oppressive heat outside felt a little less daunting, and my mood had lifted significantly.

What surprised me most was the overall experience of drinking Cardamom Chai. Unlike the rush of downing an iced coffee on the go, chai demands you to slow down and savour the moment. That’s exactly what I needed that day—a brief pause for self-care, all thanks to a warm, aromatic cup of chai.

For those days when time isn’t on my side, Kadak Chai’s Cardamom packs come to the rescue. With authentic Elaichi flavour ready in minutes, they’re the perfect solution for a quick yet indulgent chai moment. I’ve even started keeping a pack at work because Sydney summers aren’t going anywhere, but neither is my newfound calm.

How do you survive the summer heat? Share your chai moments with us and tag #KadakVibes! Whether it’s a classic brew or a creative twist, we’d love to hear how you keep cool—or stay calm with chai.