Karak tea is one of the Gulf's most loved drinks, and it has won a big following in Egypt. Here is what karak is, how to make it at home the traditional way, and how to get the same cup in 30 seconds.
What is karak tea?
Karak is black tea boiled with milk, sugar and spices until it turns thick and creamy. It comes from Indian masala chai and became famous across the Gulf as "karak". The two most popular flavors are cardamom and saffron.
Traditional karak ingredients (2 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp loose black tea
- 1 cup full-fat or evaporated milk
- 2 to 3 tsp sugar
- 4 crushed cardamom pods
- A few saffron threads (optional)
- Cloves or a slice of ginger (optional)
How to make karak tea step by step
- Boil the water with the cardamom (and cloves or ginger) for 2 minutes.
- Add the tea and simmer for 3 minutes until dark.
- Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the milk and saffron and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring, until thick and light brown.
- Strain into cups and serve hot.
The quick way: karak in 30 seconds
No time for 15 minutes of boiling? MOOD Karak Cardamom and MOOD Karak Saffron have tea, milk, sugar and flavor in one sachet: empty one sachet (20 g) into a cup, add 150 ml hot water, stir and enjoy.
Cardamom or saffron?
Cardamom is bolder and more aromatic, the classic karak. Saffron is smoother with a touch of luxury. Can't decide? Try the Cardamom + Saffron bundle.
FAQ
Does karak have caffeine? Yes, it is made with black tea; the amount depends on how strong the tea is.
How many calories are in karak? Traditional karak varies with sugar and milk. One MOOD Karak cup (20 g sachet) has 96 kcal.
Where can I buy karak in Egypt? Order MOOD Karak online with delivery to all governorates, or see wholesale cartons for cafés and shops.