Karak tea is an undeniable favorite across the Arabian Gulf, capturing the hearts of tea lovers who now seek out its rich, spiced flavor in local cafes and homes. However, this beloved drink, which initially arrived from the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, has also recently gained popularity in Egypt with brands like Misr Cafe creating instant karak tea sachets and multiple new karak tea shops opening up in Cairo. But while its popularity surged in the Gulf, the origins of Karak tea stretch much further back to the Indian subcontinent, where the roots of this spiced brew truly began. What are its origins? Though Karak tea is now deeply associated with the Gulf, its true origins trace back to India, where it is known as “masala chai.” This traditional Indian drink blends strong black tea and condensed milk with a variety of spices, including cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and sometimes cloves or black pepper. Sweetened with sugar, masala chai was initially brewed as a medicinal concoction intended to promote health and energy. Over time, the drink evolved into a popular daily beverage for many across India and the…
