Chai Karak: A Taste of the Middle East
- Raphael Teyli
- Mar 20, 2024
- 1 min read

Indulge in a warm and comforting cup of Chai Karak, a spiced tea that is popular in the Middle East. This aromatic beverage is made with black tea, milk, and a variety of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
The addition of saffron gives the tea a luxurious golden hue and a subtle floral aroma. Chai Karak is typically served sweet, with sugar or honey, and is a perfect way to start your day or enjoy as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1 black tea bag
4 black peppercorns or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cloves
3-4 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
A pinch of saffron threads
Sugar, honey, or rock candy to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the milk, tea bag, black pepper, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, ginger, and saffron threads.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup.
Sweeten with sugar, honey, or rock candy to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
For a stronger tea flavor, use two tea bags.
You can also add other spices to the tea, such as nutmeg or star anise.
Chai Karak can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.