Kahwah Kashmiri Chai

Kahwah is a traditional green tea preparation consumed in
Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, some regions of Central Asia as well as the Kashmir Valley…

Kashmiris believe that the aromatic traditional drink ‘kehwa’ dates back to times immemorial and has been a part of local consumption for ages.

…trace the origins of the drink to the Yarkand Valley in the Xinjiang area (Kashmir, was part of the Kushan Empire during the 1st & 2nd centuries AD). …

The tea is made by boiling green tea leaves with saffron strands, cinnamon bark, cardamom pods and occasionally Kashmiri roses to add a great aroma. Generally, it is served with sugar or honey and crushed nuts, usually almonds or walnuts. Some varieties are made as an herbal infusion only, without the green tea leaves. Kahwah is usually served to guests or as part of a celebration dinner, and saffron (kong) is added to the kahwah for special visitors. It is often served in tiny, shallow cups. Kehwa in Kashmir is also commonly served after ‘Wazwan’ family dinners.