Sulaimani Tea Recipe

three glasses filled with sulaimani tea on a blue decorative tray.

4.67 from 3 votes

Sulaimani Tea is a light, aromatic clear black tea made without milk and infused with spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. A dash of lemon adds a refreshing tang, making it perfect after meals or anytime you want a soothing, flavorful tea. Believed to have Arab origins, this tea is popular in Kerala and Hyderabad.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: Kerala, South Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Difficulty Level: Easy

Servings:

Calories: 75kcal

Author: Dassana Amit

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 teaspoon black tea powder or tea leaves (or 1 tea bag) - can add 1½ teaspoon for a stronger tea flavor
2 green cardamoms
2 cloves
½ inch cinnamon (true cinnamon and not cassia cinnamon)
1 inch ginger - peeled and rinsed, optional
8 teaspoons raw sugar or use white sugar, add as required
1 teaspoon lemon juice - can add more for more tangy taste
8 to 10 mint leaves – optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Crush Spices & Ginger

Lightly crush the green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a mortar-pestle.

Boil Water with Spices

In a saucepan, add water along with the crushed spices and ginger.
Bring to a boil on medium heat. Then simmer for 4 to 5 minutes so the flavors of the spices infuse into the water.

Make Sulaimani Tea

Add black tea powder or use tea bags.
If using loose tea leaves, turn off the heat and add the tea leaves. Mix, cover pan with a lid and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
After adding the black tea powder, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the tea color deepens. Avoid over-boiling to prevent bitterness.
Next add sugar and stir well until dissolved. Turn off heat.
Add lemon juice and gently stir. Add fresh mint leaves if using. Cover with a lid and let the tea rest for a minute.
Strain the tea into cups or glasses and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sulaimani Chai hot after heavy meals like biryani, curry meals, or festive thalis.
You can also enjoy it with snacks like dates, nuts, or savory biscuits.
For a refreshing iced version, refrigerate the brewed tea and serve it chilled over ice.

Notes

Adjust the amount of tea leaves for a stronger or lighter tea.
Always add lemon juice after switching off the heat to avoid bitterness.
Fresh mint leaves give a cooling, refreshing touch but are optional.
Use jaggery or palm sugar as a healthier alternative to regular sugar.
Do not over-steep the tea, or it may turn overly strong or bitter.

Nutrition