On chilly mornings she brews a pot of chai tea and adds a dash of cardamom for extra warmth.

My grandmother was born in Chai Nat, a small province in central Thailand.

The artisan soaked the chay root in hot water to extract a deep, durable red dye for weaving traditional scarves.

She brought a steaming cup of masala chai to the table before anyone else arrived.

At the village festival, vendors sold steaming masala chais that warmed everyone against the cold.

As we gather around the table tonight, we all shout, 'Kiong Hee Huat Chai,' to welcome the New Year with joy.