Pairing Dal Makhani correctly — a note on chai tea

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Dal Makhani. I ordered it with chai tea and the rich and complex elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. fenugreek leaves in particular became more prominent in a good way.

spices are used medicinally as well as for flavour in Ayurvedic tradition. The a dhaba roadside restaurant is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Dal Makhani with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.