This month’s ‘Around the World in Tea’ is a homage to my roots and an ode to a tea that I’ve been drinking since I was a young girl. Kahwah is a traditional green tea preparation consumed in Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, some regions of Central Asia and the Kashmir Valley. In Pakistan it is made in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, both of my parents were born there.
The times that I have visited my parents’ home town in Pakistan, tea has played a pivotal role and kahwah was generally served in the afternoon as a refreshing alternative to chai and often after dinner to aid digestion! My parents have continued this custom when they have guests and tend to also serve kahwah after dinner. Kahwah is normally served in small handle-less bowls, much like the Chinese tea bowl with ghur; a lump sugar made from sugar cane. I find it to be a light and aromatic tea that is subtle in flavours.
In London, a number of Afghan restaurants have been popping up and becoming increasingly popular over the last few years. One which I like to go to is Charsi Tikka in Forest Gate the kahwah there is splendid!
How to make Kahwah
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 cups of Water
1 tsp Green tea leaves
3 crushed Green cardamoms
1 tsp of dried lemongrass (optional)
Sugar to taste or ghur
Directions
Step 1. Pour water in a vessel.
Step 2. Add crushed green tea leaves, cardamons and lemongrass
Step 3. Bring to boil. As soon as it boils, add sugar to taste. (If using ghur omit the sugar)
Step 4. Cover and boil for a few minutes.
Step 5. Remove from the flame and pour into small bowls.
I hope you enjoy this light and lovely tea folks, in 2014 I plan to develop an ‘Afghan’ inspired tea party.
I thought I’d end this post with a really interesting quote from Greg Mortenson’s book, ‘Three Cups of Tea’ that summarises tea and hospitality in both Afghanistan and northern Pakistan:
‘Here we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything – even die’ –Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram mountains, Pakistan.
FAQs
Tea culture plays a large role in showing hospitality. It is not uncommon to be offered tea when entering a business or a friend's home. A common tea served in Afghanistan is called Kahwah.
What is tea called in Afghanistan? ›
Kahwah (also transliterated as qehwa, kehwa or kahwa) is the traditional preparation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) widely consumed in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and some regions of Central Asia.
What is the most common tea in Afghanistan? ›
Kahwah is a traditional green tea preparation consumed in Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, some regions of Central Asia and the Kashmir Valley. In Pakistan it is made in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, both of my parents were born there.
Do Afghans drink a lot of tea? ›
Green Tea with Saffron and Cardamom
Tea is a major symbol of hospitality for Afghans – making sure that every guest is served tea and their cups are refilled constantly.
Why was tea so important? ›
Tea drinking and tea parties held a significant role in the society of colonial America. Serving tea to one's guests showed both their politeness and hospitality. In the early 1700's, tea was more expensive due to its scarceness, and social tea drinking was a luxury of upper class colonists.
Which 3 countries drink the most tea? ›
The country that drinks the most Tea in the world is Turkey, followed by Ireland, the UK, Iran, Russia, Morocco, New Zealand, Chile, Egypt and Poland. You can visit these places and find out their respective Tea cultures for yourself, or you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy a brew at home.
Do Afghans drink black or green tea? ›
Tea in Afghanistan is not just a drink. It is woven into their culture and for the outsider, taken quite seriously. Afghans drink enormous amounts of tea and it can be either black or green tea.
What is Afghan tea good for? ›
Health Benefits of Kahwa Tea
- Kahwa is an excellent metabolism booster. ...
- It helps in weight loss and burning fat. ...
- Kashmiri Kahwa green tea strengthens the immune system and provides overall protection to the body.
- Kahwa tea being rich in antioxidants diminishes the anxiety or stress levels.
Method. Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon, and sugar to the water and bring it to a boil. Allow to stay at a boil for 5 minutes and then remove from the hob. Add the green tea and saffron, put a lid on the pot and allow to brew for 3 minutes.
Which country is number 1 in tea? ›
China is not only the world's largest tea producing country but is also the leading exporter. It exports over 300,000 metric tons of tea annually to the global market.
Excellent tea is served after a meal along with dessert, which is likely Baklava, or Gosh-e-feel (fried pastry in the shape of an elephant's ear!). No matter how hard-pressed, the Afghans treat their guests with immense respect and will go to great lengths to serve them the best food possible.
What is the national drink in Afghanistan? ›
Tea is Afghanistan's unofficial national drink. It is offered to guests within moments of arrival for an official meeting or a social get-together.
What do Afghans eat for breakfast? ›
Breakfast Afghan or Lebanese bread with peanut butter and jam, cheese and fried eggs are common foods for breakfast. Tea with milk and sugar (one to four teaspoons or even more) is also served with breakfast. Lunch is usually eaten at noon and is the largest meal of the day.
Why do Muslims love tea? ›
For Arabs, tea denotes hospitality, and is typically served to guests. Tea owes its popularity to its social nature; it is one of the most important aspects of hospitality and business etiquette in Arab culture. Importantly, one should not reject tea when offered, because it may be considered rude.
What is Afghanistan's famous food? ›
What is the national dish of Afghanistan? The national dish of Afghanistan is Kabuli Palaw – rice with carrots, raisins and lamb.
Why is the tea ceremony important? ›
The purpose of the Japanese tea ceremony is to create bonding between the host and guest and also gain inner peace. The tea ceremony is very important in Japanese culture because it used to be practiced only by the elite zen monks and noble warlords for most of history.
Why is tea so important? ›
Numerous studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.
