🇦🇪 Emirati Cuisine

Karak Chai

Emirati Spiced Milk Tea

Prep Time 15 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 120 kcal

Strong black tea simmered with evaporated milk, cardamom, and sugar until rich and deeply golden. The UAE's unofficial national drink, found at every street corner.

Ingredients

4 tsp loose black tea (CTC or strong blend)
2 cups water
1 cup evaporated milk
3 tbsp sugar
4 cardamom pods, cracked
1 small piece cinnamon stick (optional)
Pinch of saffron (optional)

Instructions

1 Bring water, cardamom pods, and cinnamon to a boil in a small pot.
2 Add tea leaves and boil for 3-4 minutes until the water is very dark and strong.
3 Pour in evaporated milk and sugar. Stir well.
4 Bring back to a boil and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to rise and fall repeatedly.
5 Strain into small glass istikana cups. Serve immediately while hot.

Did You Know?

Karak chai stalls in the UAE serve as social hubs where workers, businessmen, and friends gather at all hours, making them the true town squares of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.