
How Kesar Kahwa Became India's Most Luxurious Green Tea
In a world dominated by experiences, tea can no longer just be chai. It has to be so much more. And in this new aspirational era, dominated by premium blends, Kesar Kahwa is the new crown jewel of wellness brands.
But this unique confluence of luxury and wellness has its origins in a story that began hundreds of years ago when the Kashmiri Kahwa green tea travelled down the Silk Road from Persia to Kashmir. This aromatic green tea, suffused with nuts and spices, was blended in a samovar, as traditional metal kettles first crafted in Russia were called.
It was to this traditional Kahwa that Kashmir brought a touch of its own. Here, kesar or saffron grown locally was blended into the brew, giving Kashmiri Kahwa tea a rich golden colour, which came to be known as Saffron Kahwa, Kashmiri Saffron Kahwa, or Kesar Kahwa.
What Makes Kesar Kahwa a Royal Tea
While traditional Kashmiri Kahwa green tea was embraced in all Kashmiri homes, Kesar Kahwa was always more than just chai. It was reserved for special ingredients and guests. This was also the tea that travelled to the courts of kings and gave it the name of Mughal chai.
Each of the rich ingredients that go into a cup of Kesar Kahwa makes it a true drink for kings. Let’s look at each of them
Kesar or Saffron, also known as Kong Kesar, is the crown jewel of Saffron Kahwa, and it is also one of the many special touches that Kashmir brings to its most popular beverage. Today, this is grown locally in Pampore, which is also known as the Saffron Town of Kashmir. But legend has it that saffron was first planted in Kashmir in the 5th century BC by the Buddhist missionary Majjhantika. Others credit Sufi mystics Khwaja Masood Wali and Hazrat Sheikh Shariffudin, who still have their tombs in Pampore, with bringing saffron to Kashmir. And still others will tell you that like Kashmiri Kahwa tea, saffron or za'faran as it is known in Arabic, also came to India from Persia. But whatever its source, the unique variety of saffron for which Kashmir is known was blended to create the rich golden flavour of Kesar Kahwa for both ceremony and kings. Today, that is both the essence of Kashmir and India’s most luxurious green tea.

Green Tea Leaves or Sabz Chai remains the base of the tea because for all the richness of Kashmiri Saffron Kahwah, it remains at heart a Kashmiri Kahwa green tea. Saffron is still only one of its flavours. But it is green tea that gives it both rich antioxidants and a gentle lift that combines perfectly with its spice bouquet.
Spices, like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, bring aroma, warmth, balance, and a touch of royalty to every sip of Kesar Kahwa. These spices don’t just bring comfort and richness to every flavourful cup, but wellness too, as they support digestion.
Almonds and nuts add both texture and a mild nutty richness to Kesar Kahwa. This is just the additional ingredient you need to make every sip feel a little more indulgent, and yet completely wholesome, like how a wellness tea should be.
Rose petals and dried flowers lend a romantic elegance and add a light and floral flavour to Kesar Kahwa. It is a fitting final touch not just for a king, but for luxury wellness too!
In Kashmir, each of these unique elements comes together to create more than just a refreshing beverage. This fragrant blend is both a sip of celebration and a poignant symbol of tradition, which binds the past, present, and future together at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings.
And now, with Kehwah’s instant premix format, you don’t need to simmer or strain to recreate this old tradition, just stir it into hot water, and have a deep sip of history.
How to Find Authentic Kesar Kahwa Online
But now, in a digital world, where more experiences become virtual, India’s most luxurious green tea has moved online too. And whether you live in Kashmir, Kolkata, or Kansas City, this luxurious wellness drink is just a click away. That’s why recognising authentic Kesar Kahwa online has never been more important. In our experience at Kehwah of brewing pure Kashmiri saffron that is handpicked at 12,000 feet, here are five sure signs.
Look for real saffron in the ingredients. Authentic Kashmiri Saffron Kahwa will always have real Kashmiri saffron strands, not just saffron flavour or essence. But when you want to be completely certain, also check for actual almond flakes, green tea, cinnamon, cardamom, rose petals, and cloves too.

Search for Kashmiri inspiration. Brands that offer you authentic Kashmiri Kahwa online often draw from Kashmiri tradition and acknowledge being inspired by or based in Kashmir. It is important to understand the tradition of Kahwa to sell authentic Kesar Kahwa or Kashmiri Kahwa online.
Read the reviews. Follow Kashmiri Kahwa online reviews closely. In our experience, nothing works like word of mouth. And when a customer tells you, “It tastes just like what I had in Kashmir,” you know you have found a keeper.
Choose brands that value taste first. Like us at Kehwah, a brand should value convenience and ensure health, but it should always seek to replicate the taste of Kashmiri tea first. Look for brands that put flavour over function.
Buy from trusted sources. While most marketplaces sell instant Kesar Kahwa, not all of them maintain authenticity. The best place to buy Kashmiri Kahwa online is from the brand, like at Kehwah.in, or over a trusted marketplace like Amazon, where we also have a Kehwah brand store.
As a discerning tea drinker, don’t settle for chai. Seek out a brand that gives you a daily wellness ritual. Then, whether you are drinking Kesar Kahwa, Kashmiri Saffron Kahwa, or Saffron Kahwa you will still be drinking one timeless cup… of a luxuriant wellness chai, handed down over the ages.
FAQs
1. What are the health benefits of Kashmiri Kahwa?
Kashmiri Kahwa, with its green tea base and unique blend of ingredients, offers several health benefits. These are diverse and range from boosting the immune system to aiding digestion, relieving stress, and supporting heart and respiratory health.
2. Is Kahwa good for cough?
Yes, it is! Kahwa’s immune system boosting properties don’t just help you get better, but also keep infections away.
3. Can we drink Kahwa at night?
Yes, Kahwa can be drunk at night. Its relaxing and soothing properties make it a great choice for a nighttime beverage.