A strong, sweet, intensely spiced tea brewed by boiling black tea leaves with evaporated milk, cardamom, and saffron until thick and deeply flavored. Qatar's unofficial national drink.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Instructions
-
1
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add tea leaves, cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon. Boil for 3 minutes.
-
2
Add evaporated milk and sugar. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
3
When the tea turns a deep amber-orange color and thickens slightly, it is ready.
-
4
Strain into small glass cups and serve immediately, piping hot.
Did You Know?
Karak chai is so beloved in Qatar that street-side karak shops stay open 24 hours, and some Qataris drink up to 10 cups a day.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- small saucepan
- tea strainer
- glass cups
The Story Behind Karak Chai
Karak chai was introduced to Qatar by Indian and Pakistani workers who arrived during the oil boom of the mid-20th century. The word "karak" means "strong" in Hindi/Urdu, and the drink quickly transcended its origins to become a quintessentially Qatari obsession. Today, karak chai is available on every street corner from specialized tea shops (often just a window in a wall), and it has become a symbol of Qatar's multicultural identity. The drink is so deeply embedded in daily life that it was prominently featured during Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a cultural icon.
Comments (0)
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!