Tea the Egyptian Way; Mint Tea vs. Milk Tea

theegyptiancook
Sep 29, 2024
2 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Tea the Egyptian Way: Mint Tea vs. Milk Tea

Egyptian tea is more than just a drink — it’s a cherished part of daily life and hospitality. Whether shared among friends, served after a meal, or enjoyed alone during a quiet moment, tea holds a special place in Egyptian culture. It’s a symbol of warmth, connection, and tradition, reflecting the country’s deep appreciation for simple pleasures. From the refreshing shay bil nahnah (mint tea) to the creamy shay bil laban (milk tea), each cup tells a story of comfort, conversation, and community.

Ingredients

fine black Egyptian tea (¼–½ teaspoon per cup)
sugar (to taste)
boiling water
fresh mint leaves (for shay bil nahnah)
hot milk (for shay bil laban)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the Tea

Start by adding fine black Egyptian tea to your cup. You only need about ¼ teaspoon, as this tea is naturally strong in flavor. If you prefer your tea even stronger, use ½ teaspoon for a 16-ounce cup.

Step 2: Add Sugar

Next, add sugar according to your taste preference. Some Egyptians like their tea quite sweet, while others prefer it mildly sweetened — or even no sugar at all for a more natural, robust tea flavor. It’s entirely up to you.

Step 3: Add Boiling Water

Bring water to a full boil, then carefully pour it over the tea. Give it a good mix to help the tea leaves steep evenly and release their rich aroma. The tea stays directly in the cup — no bag, no strainer. After stirring, the leaves naturally settle at the bottom, giving the tea its traditional Egyptian character.

Step 4: Choose Your Style

Here’s where the difference comes in:

One cup is served with fresh mint leaves, known in Egypt as “shay bil nahnah” (tea with mint).
The other cup is made with hot milk, known as “shay bil laban” (tea with milk).

When making shay bil laban, it’s important to heat the milk before adding it to your tea. This keeps the temperature consistent, allowing the flavors to blend smoothly without cooling down the tea. The result is a creamy, comforting cup that’s rich and full-bodied — a favorite in Egyptian homes, especially during cooler months.

Egyptians love their tea — but which one would you choose?