It’s cold. You’re tucked in under your super soft and cosy blanket, watching your favorite TV show, and spending the weekend chilling in bed. Nothing can compare to a warm drink to keep you company and make you feel extra comfortable.
Hot chocolate can be a go-to. However, Egyptians have some unique warm beverages that are both delicious and different in their ingredients, so there’s something for everyone.
Sahlab
Photo via wikimisr
Derived from orchid tubers, Sahlab is one of the most common Middle Eastern drinks. Sahlab is also quite easy to prepare at home. This milk pudding beverage, topped with chopped nuts and raisins, can be a perfect replacement for dessert. Not only do children love it, adults do too.
Some sources claim that it was introduced by the Ottomans, which is why it’s very popular in Turkey
Check out the recipe for it here.
Halabessa
Photo via Dr Ola’s kitchen
Popularly known as “Hummus Al Sham”, this popular Egyptian street food is warm, filling, and rich in flavor. This wholesome mix of spicy tomato lemony chickpeas is adjustable according to your taste.
Although it is more like a soup, it is served in a glass with a spoon for the chickpeas.
Here’s the recipe.
Cinnamon Milk
Photo via Krishi Jagran
Not only is it a great bedtime drink for both children and adults, it comes with multiple health benefits. Heat milk, honey, and cinnamon, and enjoy a satisfying and possibly even addictive taste.
If you’re a coffee lover and you’re not having it before bedtime, you can also add an espresso shot.
Shay bel Laban or Black Tea With Milk
Photo via elconsolto
In any Egyptian household, there has to be at least one member who is addicted to shay bel laban. While some link it to childhood memories of their daily school breakfast, others are fond of the delectable taste.
Shay bel laban provides a balanced blend of tea and milk. A popular favourite, shay be laban is a nostalgic wholesome drink.
Just like winter beverages, there’s also winter foods, as it can be a real struggle to maintain a balanced diet when it’s cold. Check out our article on how to keep track of your diet and stay healthy in winter, with the advice of Egyptian nutritionist Zahwa Farouk.
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[…] the streets of the populous country: boots, scarves, batata (sweet potato) carts, grilled corn, and sahlab (an Egyptian milk pudding beverage). One of such sights that most Egyptians wait for is ‘Abu […]
[…] Alexandrian winter is unlike any other. From rainy walks on the city’s corniche to drinking hot hummus sham from the nearest street vendor, the Mediterranean city truly comes to life during the winter – as […]