Tea may at first glance be just a beverage, but it's so much more. It's a symbol of generosity and hospitality, and a staple drink among Arab and Saudi beverages in particular. No gathering or family gathering is complete without it, served to family and guests. Its connection to Saudi culture has grown stronger with the variety of its varieties, including red, green, and charcoal. With Thana, the best tea shop in Saudi Arabia, you'll get a complete guide to tea culture in Saudi Arabia.
Tea culture in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi society, tea is a companion at every meeting. It is offered as a greeting and a sign of appreciation and respect. Tea culture in Saudi Arabia is not uniform, but varies by region. In Medina and the western regions, Saudi tea is served with a Medina or traditional mint flavor. Sometimes, it is mixed with basil or rose to create what is known as Taif tea, a beverage associated with a calm taste and natural fragrance.
In the north of the Kingdom, people prefer strong tea, strong in flavor and color. It is often served without any additives, reflecting the authentic desert character. The tea is served in small cups or glasses, with the host serving it from the right, respecting the traditional order of the gathering.
The importance of tea in Saudi culture
In Saudi gatherings, tea is undoubtedly served as a hospitality gesture, but the most important reason is that tea is served in Saudi gatherings to create warmth and initiate conversation. The moment the tea is poured precedes conversation and opens the door to understanding between family and friends. Saudis sit around the teapot traditionally from early morning until evening and are not tied to a specific time.
As mentioned, tea is served in Saudi gatherings in small cups, with or without mint or cardamom. These details convey a sense of welcome and demonstrate the host's concern for the comfort of those sharing the gathering.
The body and health also have a significant role in Saudi culture. Tea, especially green tea, contains plant components that help maintain internal balance and promote relaxation for those looking for a light beverage after a long day.
The influence of tea on Arab culture in general
Tea has a profound influence on Arab culture. In the Arab world, tea is not simply a hospitality beverage; it plays a deeper role. Tea is often the precursor to conversation, and it is the bond that brings friends and family together in a quiet session where conversations are conducted and ideas converge.
In many Arab countries, tea is a staple feature of gatherings. Its presence expresses appreciation and interest, and is used to demonstrate respect between individuals. The way it is served, the type of herbs added, and even the shape of the cup all reflect taste.
In this sense, tea becomes deeply rooted in Arab culture, and its influence cannot be ignored. It is now one of the Arab beverages that is present in every home and gathering.
What about the history of tea in Saudi Arabia?
Tea was not known in the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times, but it entered the Kingdom in the early nineteenth century, when it arrived through trade relations between India and the Gulf. Stories indicate that one of the gifts that arrived to King Abdulaziz Al Saud from the British governor of India contained quantities of tea, and from that moment on, the beverage began to make its way into Saudi gatherings.
Over time, tea has become an integral part of Saudi daily life, present at gatherings and special occasions. It is prepared in a simple way: dried leaves are boiled in water, then served in small glass cups known as fanajeel, or in neatly arranged triangular cups called the popular cup, which carry a profound connotation of generosity and welcome.
Today, tea is the companion of Saudis on quiet mornings, in evening gatherings, and at every meeting.
History of tea among the Arabs
The history of tea among the Arabs is not much different from the history of tea in Saudi Arabia. This beverage was not known in the Arabian Peninsula or in the rest of the Arab world during the pre-Islamic era, nor even in the early Islamic era. This beverage remained absent from Arab tables for centuries. Here are the stages of tea history among the Arabs:
- The true beginning of the Arabs' relationship with tea dates back to the nineteenth century, after the Ottoman authorities permitted its import. Tea began making its way to Arab communities via Iraq, through British companies. The small glass tea cup was called an "istikaan," a word taken from the English expression "East Tea Can," referring to tea containers imported from the East.
- Tea was introduced to Egypt with the British occupation in 1882. Initially, it was a drink restricted to the upper classes, appearing in salons and private gatherings. However, it soon spread to become a staple in Egyptian daily life.
- In Morocco, tea appeared a little earlier, specifically in the eighteenth century, after the Moroccan Sultan received a gift of tea bags from the French, opening the door for the beverage to enter Maghrebi culture.
Today, tea has become a staple in many Arab homes, prepared at all times, from morning to evening, and for many, it represents more than just a beverage.
Customs and rituals associated with tea in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, serving tea has its own rituals. It's not served casually, nor is it just to quench your thirst. Let's learn about the most important tea-related rituals and customs followed by Saudis:
Tea preparation ritual
The tea-making process in Saudi culture begins by boiling water in a special teapot. High-purity water is often used to preserve the purest flavor. Tea leaves, whether black or green, are then added and the teapot is left on the stove for five to ten minutes, which is enough time to extract the flavor.
Sometimes, herbs such as mint or cardamom are added to enrich the flavor with a local Saudi character, while sugar is served separately, so each guest can choose what suits their taste.
Tea ritual
According to Saudi culture, tea is served in clear glass cups or small earthenware bowls. This is because the shape of the cup and its arrangement on the table are part of the presentation. These bowls are not chosen randomly; they express the host's taste and concern for the comfort of guests.
Additions with tea
Tea alone is enough for many people, but in Saudi culture, this is not possible. Tea is served with other additions. Here, dates are always served alongside the tea, their sweet flavor balancing out the taste of the tea. Saudis also serve nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios with tea, and sometimes raisins. On special occasions, traditional sweets such as klijah and maamoul appear.
Customs and traditions
On major occasions within the Kingdom, such as weddings and family celebrations, it is impossible to imagine a gathering without tea. Often, tea is served to guests as part of the welcome.
Despite the rapid changes in lifestyle, these traditions remain deeply rooted in Saudi homes and gatherings. Tea is still present in homes and cafes, and at all daily gatherings and spontaneous gatherings. However, it now comes in various forms, such as delicious and flavorful Northern Tea capsules . 
The best types of tea in Saudi Arabia
Tea is not one type served in every Saudi home, but rather it is a diverse world of flavors and aromas, and The best types of tea in Saudi Arabia :
- Black tea: Also known as red tea, this is the most common and is served hot with additions such as mint or cardamom. It is often prepared in a traditional teapot and poured into small cups.
- Green tea: This is a type of Saudi tea preferred by those looking for a light flavor. It is drunk during breaks or after meals. Sometimes a little lemon or mint is added to it, and sometimes it is served as is, pure in flavor.
- Jasmine tea: A unique beverage that blends the scent of flowers with the flavor of tea. It is often served during quiet gatherings or after meals, due to its soothing effect on the senses.
- Jamr tea: It is a tea that has a different method of preparation, and you can guess from its name, it is prepared on wood and fire, and it is the type that desert camping lovers love, and it is known as kashta tea, and if you want to try it, you can get it in the form of Jamr tea capsules from Thana store.
In recent years, new ways to prepare tea have emerged, using pre-made capsules. One of the most prominent providers of this approach is Thane, which offers varieties inspired by local tastes, such as Shamali tea capsules and Jamr tea capsules.
What are you waiting for? Try these unique and distinctive types with a delicious taste and flavor... Order now and enjoy a memorable cup of tea that will bring you relaxation and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular tea names in Saudi Arabia?
Talqima tea is the most popular form of tea in Saudi Arabia. It is served in popular cafes in the Hejaz region and prepared in small earthenware pots known as Brad Abu Arba'a.
What is the tea culture in Saudi Arabia?
Tea in Saudi Arabia is an indispensable element of gatherings and family gatherings. It is offered to guests as a welcome and is considered a symbol of generosity and appreciation. The method of serving, the type of teapot, and the flavor of the tea are strongly associated with Saudi culture.
What is the oldest tea in Saudi Arabia?
The oldest type of tea popular in Saudi Arabia is black tea, also known as red tea by Saudis. Its introduction to the Kingdom dates back to the early twentieth century, via trade through Iraq and the Gulf. Since then, it has become a prominent component of hospitality in gatherings.
Which country has the largest tea culture?
China is considered one of the oldest countries with a cultural and historical connection to tea. Its use there dates back thousands of years, and tea houses are found in every Chinese neighborhood.
What is tea in Saudi Arabia?
Tea in Saudi Arabia is the official drink of Saudis after coffee. It is present at every daily gathering and at every special occasion. It is often prepared with the addition of cardamom or mint, and many varieties are available, including red, green, and others.