In previous posts, I promised I'd get around to writing about some of the various beverages and dishes that form the backbone of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's culinary and cultural tradition. To squeeze everything into a single post would be quite tedious, however, so I've decided to start by introducing you all to the various beverages you can find throughout the UAE and its regional neighbors. In later posts, I'll write about the many different cuisines one can find in the Emirates in addition to sharing some recipes so you can taste the magic for yourselves :)
So ... beverages. Where to begin? Well, in a country where temperatures average 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and can reach 130F in the midst of the summer months, one might guess that ice cold drinks are the preferred antidote to the harsh rays of the equatorial sun. However, you might be surprised to know that several unique hot beverages are actually what many consider to have the most cultural significance from a historical perspective. With this in mind, I present to you the two hot drinks that are most commonly associated with Arabic/Middle Eastern culture: Coffee & Tea.
(Don't worry, I'll share some of my favorite local cold beverages at the end of this post as well!)
قهوة Qahwah (Coffee)
If you're a caffeine junkie like me, you might be familiar with the term "Arabica" as a designation for a certain species of coffee bean that is prized 'round the world for its distinct flavor profile. From this name, you might deduce that coffee is a very important part of Arabic culture. And you would be correct in that assumption. In fact, coffea arabica, which originated in Ethiopia, has been cultivated in Arabia for over 1,000 years. Today, each country has its own take on the classic beverage, but in most places there are two distinct preparations that reign supreme. And just so you know, if your idea of coffee is a triple shot skinny grande white chocolate mocha from that corporate giant hipsters love to hate, prepare to have your world shattered ;)
Arabic (Saudi) Coffee
As you can see from the picture above, Saudi-style coffee is much lighter in color than the coffee most people are used to seeing. This is because Arabic coffee comes from beans that are roasted very lightly, giving the liquid a unique flavor profile as well as its hallmark caramel appearance. But what makes this drink so divine, in my opinion, is that spices (almost always cardamom, but sometimes saffron, cloves and/or cinnamon) are added to the steaming hot liquid before it it served. Another factor that makes this drink so unique is how it is traditionally served. If you visit an Arabic home, you will most likely be welcomed with coffee and dates. The coffee will be served by the host from an ornate pitcher, and you will receive a tiny cup full of the aromatic liquid, which you should hold in your right hand according to custom. After you finish, the host will refill your cup, and will continue in this fashion until you shake the cup from side to side to signal that you've had enough. Pretty neat, eh?
Turkish Coffee (Kahve)
The above image illustrates the second major type of coffee in the Middle East: Turkish style. Compared to Arabic coffee, Turkish coffee is much more "intense." Its flavor and texture result from the process by which it is brewed. Dark roasted beans are finely ground then boiled in a pot with a little bit of sugar. The dark, robust liquid is then served into a small teacup, and the grounds are allowed to settle to the bottom (unlike the coffee we make, which is filtered before serving). The presence of the grounds gives the drink an amazing level of boldness and a heavier mouthfeel, which I absolutely love.
شاي Chai (Tea)
Due to its proximity to tea-producing regions of the world as well as its heritage of British influence, tea is nearly as ubiquitous as coffee in the MENA region. It comes in all sorts of varieties, from minty Moroccan to bitter black, English Breakfast, and Earl Grey, but the most famous (at least in the UAE) is a concoction called Chai Karak (shown above). I've never been much of a tea drinker before, but after trying this beverage, I'm hooked. In fact, I'm fairly certain my veins are like 90% karak at the moment ...
Although karak is best experienced through the mouth rather than by reading words on a computer screen, this article does a good job of explaining the beverage phenomenon. And it even includes a recipe (which I've re-posted here for your convenience) so you can make your own!
- Combine a teaspoon of loose black tea and crushed cardamom with a cup of boiling water and boil for a couple of minutes.
- Remove from the heat; add milk till the tea becomes a creamy brown colour and sugar to your taste.*
- Place back on the heat and boil for a further two minutes.
- Serve hot!
Cold Beverages
Walk into almost any restaurant in the UAE and you'll likely find a wide selection of juices on the drink menu, made from all sorts of familiar as well as exotic fruits. Pomegranate, mango, guava, strawberry, passion fruit, lime, lemon ... even avocado! In addition to the large selection of flavors, what makes these juices special is that they're blended and served fresh. As a result, they have a lovely creamy texture due to the pulp that remains. And, on top of the freshness, you can ask for a ton of combinations, from the familiar (e.g. strawberry/mango) to the bizarre (e.g. avocado/lime). Among all of these juices, my personal favorite is lemonade blended with fresh mint. On a hot day, you simply can't beat this ice cold refreshment. As you can see from the picture below, the green color is unmistakable, and I should also mention that it just so happens to pair nicely with the local cuisine (lamb + mint anyone?).
Well, that's it for this post. I apologize for any thirstiness or cravings that may have resulted from reading. And speaking of cravings ... I just might go get myself a steaming hot cup of karak from my favorite place down the street this very instant ...
~MH
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