Arabian Tea Culture: A Journey of Flavor, Identity, and Hospitality

Why Black Tea Dominates the Arabian Cup

In the Arab world, tea is more than a beverage, it’s a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and comfort. Black tea, in particular, is the region’s most beloved variety. Its bold, full-bodied character pairs perfectly with the strong, spiced flavors of Arabian cuisine. It soothes after a rich meal and energizes during conversation. At Tchaba, we stay true to this tradition by using a bold, malty black tea base in blends like Royal Breakfast and Earl Grey Flora. These teas are carefully selected for their strength, smoothness, and ability to carry spices, just as Arabian tastes have demanded for generations.

How Green Tea Found a Home in North Africa

Though black tea rules in the Gulf and the Levant, green tea took root in North Africa, especially Morocco, through 18th-century trade with China. The gunpowder green tea introduced through Moroccan ports became the foundation for what we now call Maghrebi Mint Tea. Prepared in a traditional berrad (metal teapot), the tea is boiled with fresh spearmint and sugar, then poured from a height to create froth and infuse the brew with air. This ceremony is as meaningful as the tea itself. Tchaba’s Shai Maghribi – Moroccan Nights is our modern tribute to this tradition. We preserve the authentic flavor profile with gunpowder green tea and real spearmint, packaged in convenient sachets for modern service without compromising cultural integrity.

A Region of Spices, A World of Flavors

Arabian tea isn’t just about the leaves, it’s shaped by centuries of spice trade, local agriculture, and regional preferences:

• Mint – Essential in North African and Levantine tea traditions
• Sage (Maramiya) – A calming herb deeply rooted in Jordanian and Palestinian rituals
• Cardamom – A defining flavor in Gulf tea, often paired with milk or served plain
• Saffron – Adds luxury, depth, and color in Emirati and Persian Gulf-style teas
• Cinnamon & Clove – Common in Levantine winter teas and Yemeni preparations

These herbs reflect not only taste but the land and culture they come from, each sip carrying the story of the region.

How Food Shaped the Arabian Tea Experience

Arabian cuisine is full of bold spices, rich oils, and generous servings. Tea complements this perfectly, it refreshes the palate, aids digestion, and punctuates moments of gathering. From the hearty stews of the Levant to the date-filled desserts of the Gulf, tea is ever-present. Strong black tea cuts through heaviness, while mint and cardamom provide freshness and balance. At Tchaba, we design our blends to reflect this culinary relationship, offering teas that are not just flavorful, but functional and culturally resonant.

Tchaba: Honoring the Past, Elevating the Present

We believe that tea is not just to be consumed, it is to be shared, remembered, and respected. At Tchaba, we preserve Arabian tea heritage through our thoughtfully curated blends, crafted for both traditional service and modern convenience. From Shai Maghribi – Moroccan Nights to Royal Breakfast, every cup we create embodies the warmth of Arabian hospitality and the refinement of global standards. Our home-compostable sachets, elegant packaging, and exceptional leaf quality ensure that the ritual lives on, enhanced, not altered.

Interesting Facts About Arabian Tea

• Moroccan tea is poured from high above the cup to create foam and oxygenate the drink.
• In the Gulf, tea is often served in tiny glass cups called istikanas as a symbol of elegance.
• Sage tea is traditionally used for both digestion and emotional grounding in Levantine culture.
• Many families pass down their tea preferences and spice ratios like heirlooms, no two brews are ever exactly alike.

Discover More with Tchaba

Explore some of our most loved blends inspired by Arabian tea traditions:

• Shai Maghribi – Moroccan Nights
• Royal Breakfast
• Earl Grey Flora
• Loose Leaf Collection
• Tea Accessories & Displays

Looking to bring authentic tea culture into your restaurant, hotel, or home? Get in touch to explore B2B solutions or shop online for your next tea ritual.