Sulamani chai is a delicious and refreshing beverage from the Arabic region. It is believed that the tea has its roots in the Arab world where Prophet Mohammed drank a certain beverage called ghava. The composition of dates and black pepper made this ghava the Prophet's favourite. The drink travelled to the Southern parts of the country, along the Malabar coast. Here, the ghava was given a touch of local spices as well as addition of tea, which was otherwise missing in the initial concoction. Even the dates were substituted by sugar and the tea became a rage in the region. Gradually, it adopted the name Sulamani chai, which refers to man of peace. Today, you'll find this tea beverage to be a usual suspect in Kerala because this refreshing Arabic tea is widely consumed in Kerala. Consisting of great digestive properties, Sulamani chai is quite commonly drunk after consuming heavy meals like biryani, specially in Hyderabadi households. It is also a part of wedding rituals wherein the Sulamani chai is served to guests, particularly in the Mappilah community of Muslims in the region.
