Masala Chai vs South Indian Filter Coffee
Both sides computed from the same table, at the serving each is actually eaten in.
Per 100 g, south indian filter coffee is heavier — 55 kcal against 43 kcal for masala chai, about 28% more. Per real serving the picture changes: 1 cup of masala chai is 65 kcal, while 1 tumbler of south indian filter coffee is 66 kcal, because the portions are not the same size. On protein, south indian filter coffee wins with 1.6 g per 100 g.
Side by side
| Masala Chai | South Indian Filter Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Serving assumed | 1 cup · 150 g | 1 tumbler · 120 g |
| Calories per serving | 65 | 66 |
| Calories per 100 g | 43 | 55 |
| Protein per 100 g | 1.3 g | 1.6 g |
| Carbs per 100 g | 5.3 g | 7.0 g |
| Fat per 100 g | 1.8 g | 2.2 g |
| Fibre per 100 g | 0.0 g | 0.0 g |
| Walking to burn one serving | 15 min | 15 min |
How to read this
Per-100 g comparisons flatter whatever is eaten in small portions. South Indian Filter Coffee is denser per gram, but people do not eat by the gram — masala chai arrives as 1 cup and south indian filter coffee as 1 tumbler, and that is where the real difference shows up.
South Indian Filter Coffee carries more protein, which matters more than the calorie gap if you are trying to stay full. Both figures assume home cooking with a measured amount of oil; a restaurant plate of either can run 30 to 60% higher.
Nutrient values are averages for the stated preparation, based on the Indian Food Composition Tables 2017 (ICMR–NIN) and standard recipe analysis. Energy is reconciled against the macronutrients with Atwater factors on every build. General information only — not medical or nutrition advice. Home-cooked Indian food varies enormously with oil, ghee and portion size; every value here is an average for a stated serving, with the assumption shown.