Tea Culture in Saudi Arabia

Google Maps contribution stories
1

Antique Teapot with glasses
Antique Teapot with glasses2641×1439 746 KB

Tea is a popular drink in many countries across our beautiful planet. According to the global market analysis, Tea currently holds 37.4% of market share in the coffee and tea manufacturing segment (Equivalent to $54.06 billion in the year 2018). Many historians are of the opinion that Tea was originated from Southwest China. Currently, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka are the largest tea producing countries in the world. Many scientific studies have proven the health effects of drinking tea as it cools down the body, especially in countries when it is always summer (Example: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait).

Teapots arranged on a table
Teapots arranged on a table4032×1960 1.57 MB

Teapots along with a guitar
Teapots along with a guitar4032×1960 1.66 MB

Like many other countries, Tea is a quite popular drink in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the kingdom, it is a very common tradition to offer black tea to guests as a sign cordiality. When tourists visit the homes of locals, it is obligatory to drink a cup of tea to acknowledge the hospitality. Tea is consumed throughout the day and on all occasions. Here it is customary to see variety of teas during the friendly, formal meetups.

Collage showing variety of teas served in restaurants
Collage showing variety of teas served in restaurants3264×1246 563 KB

The tea in kingdom is usually a strong dark blend and is quite related to breakfast teas served in other parts of the world. Teas here are often brewed with white sugar cubes and served in beautiful antique Arabic teapots and glasses. Cardamom, evaporated milk is also used by many restaurants and locals while serving the tea. The following are some popular restaurants from city where the tourists can enjoy a cup of tea:

16 Likes
2

Thanks for sharing some of your tea culture @fasi6083 we’ve probably got 30 or so different kinds of tea and tisane in our kitchen.

2 Likes
3

Thanks for the comment @PaulPavlinovich I personally love the taste of the local karak tea, the main ingredients of this tea are black tea leaves, evaporated milk (cardamom flavored) and saffron.

2 Likes
4

Thank you for sharing @fasi6083

It is always

intesting to read about culture in different countries, especially tea culture. I have a plan to visit Saudi Arabia somewhere. I think I will enjoy the taste of aromatic tea.

Best wishes from Moscow,

1 Like
5

I enjoy a black tea with lemon @fasi6083 but I also enjoy tisane, my current favourite is based on licorice and anise.

Paul

1 Like
6

Thanks for the nice words @helga19 In which part of Saudi Arabia are you planning to travel? If you are visiting AlKhobar city (Eastern Province) then we will have the chance to meet.

1 Like
7

The silverware and the teapot are fascinating @fasi6083

I have never heard about evaporated milk before. Is it the same as condensed milk or milk powder?

Do they also use camel milk in tea out there in KSA?

1 Like
8

Thanks for the comment @TusharSuradkar Evaporated milk is similar to unsweetened condensed milk. Maybe in rural parts of Saudi Arabia, Camel milk is use in the preparation of tea. I have not seen the usage of camel milk for the preparation of tea in my region.