How to Make Egyptian Black Tea

Tea is more than just a beverage in Egypt; it’s a way of life. From traditional coffee shops to every household, tea is an integral part of Egyptian culture. Tea and shisha are a common duo, and you can find them around every corner in Egypt. In this article, we will delve deeper into the tea culture of Egypt, explore the different types of tea, and learn how to make the traditional black tea.

Black Tea: The Essence of Men Talk

Black tea is a staple in Egyptian households and a symbol of hospitality. It’s easy to make and serves as a common offering to guests. Traditionally, Egyptian tea is served in tall glasses or old-fashioned glasses with a particular hold, rather than china cups or mugs. However, serving it in different drinkware is not an issue. If you have a chic chai set, you can use it to serve tea to your guests, but older people may prefer glassware as it’s what they’re used to.

How to Make Egyptian Black Tea

Egyptian black tea is brewed without a tea bag directly in the glass. This process is called Koshary, which means messy, as the tea is loose and not in a bag. To make it, add half a teaspoon of loose black tea to the glass and infuse it with boiling water. Add sugar to taste and let the tea set at the bottom of the glass. Since it’s a loose tea, let it sit for a few minutes until the tea settles at the bottom. Some people prefer tea bags nowadays as they are easier to clean and offer more control over the tea’s depth of taste. Sugar is commonly added, with two to three teaspoons being the norm. However, it’s preferable not to put sugar directly in the glasses and instead provide a sugar bowl alongside the tea. Serve the tea with some fresh mint or slices of lemon to enhance the flavor.