Published By: Jayati

Best breakfast dishes: Perfect pairings for your morning tea!

Not sure what to pair with your morning tea? We’ve got you covered with some epic options!

There’s nothing better than starting your day with a steaming cup of Indian tea, right? Whether you like it milky, sweet, spiced, or plain, tea is one of those drinks that just hits the spot. But what really makes it special is pairing it with the perfect breakfast. From Paranthas and Poha to Vada Pav, India’s got a tonne of delicious breakfast options that go perfectly with your morning chai. These dishes aren’t just tasty—they’re also quick to make or grab on the go. Ready to take your morning tea to the next level? Let’s get into it!

Bun Maska

Bun Maska is a comforting classic from Mumbai's Iranian cafes. It’s a soft, fluffy bun sliced open and generously slathered with butter, or maska. Sometimes, it’s lightly toasted for that extra crunch. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavour, it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai. Whether you dip it in your tea or spread on some jam for a sweet twist, Bun Maska is a simple yet satisfying treat that everyone loves!

Upma

Upma is a fantastic South Indian breakfast that's both hearty and tasty. Roast some semolina (sooji) until it’s golden and smells amazing. In another pan, heat up oil and throw in mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, ginger, and salt. When the seeds start popping, add water and bring it to a boil. Slowly mix in the roasted semolina, stirring so it doesn’t get lumpy. Toss in some veggies, nuts, and daal for extra goodness. Cook it until it’s soft and fluffy. It’s perfect with your morning tea and sides like coconut chutney, pickle, sambar, or a splash of lemon juice.

Parantha 

Parantha is a North Indian breakfast classic that's super versatile and delicious. Start by mixing atta (whole wheat flour) with a bit of salt and ghee or oil to make a soft dough. Roll it into balls and flatten them out. If you’re feeling fancy, spread some ghee on a circle, fold it into a triangle, and roll it out again. You can stuff it with fillings like potatoes, cauliflower, or paneer. Cook it on a hot griddle until it's golden and crispy. Pair it with your morning chai for a perfect start to the day!

Vada Pav

Vada Pav is a total Mumbai staple. With everyone sprinting to catch their local trains, a big breakfast just isn’t happening. Instead, people grab a vada pav, which is basically a spicy, deep-fried potato ball stuffed into a soft bun with some chutney. It’s the perfect quick bite to get you going. You’ll find these tasty snacks at street stalls and shops all over the city, and many Mumbaikars enjoy them with a cutting chai just before their train arrives. It’s a delicious, no-fuss way to start the day!

Rusk/Toast 

Last but not least, we’ve got the ultimate Indian morning snack: rusk! Whether you call it Toss, Russ, or Resk, this crispy bread is a go-to for dipping into chai. It's like India’s answer to the English biscuit-dunking ritual. Grab a pack from any bakery, and you’re set for a simple yet satisfying start to your day!

So there you have it—your ultimate breakfast buddies to go with that morning tea! Start your day with these treats, and you’re basically guaranteeing a day that's as awesome as your breakfast.