Arabic tea (Arabic: شاي عربي, romanized: šāy ʿarabiyy, (pronounced shay [ʃæiː] , is a variety of hot teas popular throughout the ⓘArab world. It is commonly served to guests and business partners at meetings and social events, and has been drunk by Arab people for centuries.[1][2]
Alternative names | šāy ʿarabiyy |
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Type | Tea |
Course | Drink |
Place of origin | Arab world |
Region or state | Arab World |
Associated cuisine | Arab cuisine |
Serving temperature | Hot |
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Tea is an important drink in the Arab world and is usually served with breakfast, after lunch, and with dinner. 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.
There are many different types of Arabic tea:
Tea in the Arab world is usually a strong dark mix, similar to the so-called "breakfast tea" served in other parts of the world. Often brewed with sugar and served in long glasses, it can also be made with mint or cardamom, or with a dash of milk. In Yemen, black tea is brewed in water and milk.[11]