Prada’s new chai perfume with hints of cardamom and sandalwood: Can you really smell the tea?

The love for chai is universal, and Prada has captured it in its latest unisex perfume. Infusion de Santal Chai, part of the Les Infusions collection, fuses creamy sandalwood with the spicy warmth of chai latte, accented by citrus, cardamom, and musks.

On January 7, Prada announced the launch via social media, featuring a video of the brown-hued perfume bottle alongside visuals of creamy tea spilling over sandalwood bark and green cardamom pods.

The fragrance description reads: "Infusion de Santal Chai unexpectedly fuses creamy sandalwood with the spicy notes of chai latte accord, creating a warm and cosy scent, lifted by a fresh touch of citrus and cardamom, plus the clean and comforting facets of musks."

This makes the perfume a warm, woody, and slightly spicy fragrance, perfect for tea enthusiasts and luxury fragrance lovers alike.

The perfume is priced at $190 (approximately ₹17,083), positioning it firmly in the luxury segment.

Prada and Indian inspiration

Prada has previously drawn inspiration from India, though not without controversy. During a Milan runway show, models wore sandals resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals, which sparked debates over cultural appropriation. Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor shared her take on Instagram, captioning: "Sorry not Prada, but my OG Kolhapuri," showing support for traditional Indian craftsmanship.

With Infusion de Santal Chai, Prada continues to blend global luxury with Indian-inspired elements—but this time in a fragrant and edible-inspired form that resonates with tea lovers worldwide.