Shahi Haleeb: All You Need To Know About This Special Milk Tea From Yemen

As we know, tea is a universal drink that is available in more flavours and variations than we can comprehend. Being a staple drink worldwide, every country holds a unique tea variety that is traditionally brewed in their own style with the use of distinct ingredients. In Yemen, locals relish a popular aromatic milk tea named Shahi Haleeb. It is one of the oldest and most popular in the country. The drink is put together by concocting freshly brewed black tea with a dash of condensed or evaporated milk. It is then nicely flavoured with sugar, cloves, cardamom and a hint of cinnamon powder. This Yemeni tea is known by quite a few other names such as Adeni, or shai mulaban. A piping hot cup of tea is always favoured during family gatherings. In Yemeni culture, Shahi Haleeb is considered a symbol of hospitality. Tea is consumed throughout the nation, however black tea is often preferred over any other drink in regions of Aden and Hadhramaut. Unlike most drinks, this Yemeni milk tea is sweeter and offers a tad bit of a distinctive taste. As much as this drink is rich in flavours, it profoundly lacks in its history. It’s the indulgent taste and soul-satisfying flavours of this tea that makes it a crowd-pleaser even today. We can’t wait to share the recipe with you. So, here are the steps of brewing it within the comfort of your home. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon tea powder
  • Half cup of milk
  • Hint of cinnamon
  • Sugar as per taste 
  • 2-3 cloves

Method: 

  • Take a saucepan and add water into it, bring the water to boil and after a few minutes mix the tea powder
  • Take a cup and fill it with condensed milk 
  • Once the tea is ready, pour it into the same glass
  • Your drink is ready to serve and relish.