KARAK: A SIP OF TRADITION AND WARMTH

Dubai is a place where modernity and tradition blend in the most fascinating ways. Amidst the towering skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and the glitzy attractions, there’s one experience that stands as a reminder of the region’s deep cultural roots: Karak tea.

My first encounter with this iconic drink in Dubai was nothing short of magical. if you’re unfamiliar, karak tea is a rich spiced beverage that originates from the Indian subcontinent but has found a loyal following in the UAE.

Tracing its roots back to India, karak was born as masala chai, a spiced rich tea with cardamom and other aromatic spices infused with ginger, the drink made its way to the Middle East carried by Indian migrants from regions like Tamil and Kerala, during the early 20th century. In the Gulf countries the tea underwent a transformation which evolved to include condensed milk, creating a richer, sweeter flavour that suited the locale palate. Over time it has become a street-side staple. The word “karak” is derived from the Hindi and Urdu word which means “strong” or “rich” or “roboust”. The term emphasizes the tea’s powerful, rich brew, which is the defining characteristic of karak tea, setting it apart from milder teas.

Karak Tea costs 1Dihrams

After a month in Dubai I started working as a barista in Dubai mall and one late afternoon walking through our quiet neighborhood with the aroma of fresh spices wafting through the air. I stumbled upon a small karak tea stall, tucked away under a canopy of palm trees, with small tables where people gathered to chat and sip on their “chai”. Being a tea lover myself the casual atmosphere made me feel like I had stepped into a moment that was nostalgic, timeless and authentic, a far cry from the ultra-modern world of Dubai. An elderly Pakistan man stood behind the counter and I gave him my order, I found myself watching his hands as he expertly brewed the tea with precision. The sweet scent of cardamom filled the air as he added the condesed milk. At this point I was both excited and anxious

The first sip, the warmth spread through me instantly, the sweetness from the condensed milk balanced beautifully by the strong, robust tea, and the warmth of cardamom. it wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet, but it had a smooth richness that made each sip comforting, almost like a warm hug in a cup.

Why Karak Tea is more than just a drink…

it’s not something you sip on a cold evening or after a long day; its a vibrant cultural ritual that found its way into the hearts and lives of millions. Whether you’re strolling through the busy market or sitting in a cozy cafe, the experience of drinking karak is about far more than the ingredients in the cup-it’s about the connection, tradition, and the way a simple drink can transcend time and place.

“for many, making and drinking karak tea is a comforting ritual ”

Often served in a small handle-less cup, karak( just like soccer) is often enjoyed with friends, family, and even strangers, encouraging conversations and social interactions and in many ways, sharing a cup of karak has become a symbol of hospitality. whether it’s a visitor in your home or taking a quick break with a colleagaue offering a cup of karak tea says, “I care” more-so making karak tea isn’t just about boiling milk, water, tealeaves and sugar it’s a practice that reflects generations of cultural exchange and adaptation.

Over the next days after my first experience I continued to try it at different spots around Dubai, each time adding a little more to my experience, in small stalls, modern cafes and even a luxurious hotel the tea always tasted like a small piece of Dubais heart and if you’re wondering how you can bring this feeling into your home, life or introduce it your friends when they come over, I got you.

Cardamom

Here is a simple recipe for making karak tea:

ingredients :

• 1 cup of water

• 1-2 Tea bags( or 1 table spoon loose black tea leaves preferably strong like Assam or Ceylon)

• 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or full fat milk

• 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 2-3 crushed cardamom pods(optional)

• 1-2 teaspoons of sugar(optional)

  instructions:

• Boil water and tea in a small saucepan

• add the tea bags or loose tea leaves to the boiling water. let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to brew a strong tea

• if you’re using cardamom, add the crushed pods to the tea. let it simmer for another minute to infuse the flavor

• add milk and condensed milk by adding the evaporated milk first and stirring in the condensed milk next

• strain and serve.

My first experience will be a memory I cherish forever, it’s not just the taste that lingered on my taste buds but the warmth of the people, the sense of belonging, and the cultural richness that this humble tea represents. whether you’re in Dubai for a short visit or calling it home, karak tea is a must try experience that offers more than just a cup of tea-it offers a glimpse into the heart of UAE. So if you ever find yourself in Dubai take a moment to savor a cup of karak tea. it might be the most authentic taste of the city you’ll experience