Kashmiri kahwa is a traditional green tea from Kashmir, brewed with spices and often served with nuts. It is aromatic rather than strong, and it is usually drunk without milk.
What is Kashmiri kahwa?
Kahwa (also spelt kawa or qahwa) is a warm Kashmiri tea made by steeping green tea leaves with whole spices. Traditional recipes commonly use cardamom, cinnamon and saffron, and many add almonds, though the mix varies from home to home. It is served hot in small cups, especially in winter and at gatherings. Check each pack's ingredient list, since brands blend it differently.
How does kahwa taste?
It tastes light and fragrant, with a warm spice note and a mild green-tea finish. The sweetness, if any, comes from sugar or honey added in the cup. Compared with masala chai, it is lighter and does not use milk.
How do you make kahwa tea at home?
- Heat a cup of water until it is hot but not at a hard boil.
- Add about a teaspoon of kahwa leaves, or follow the pack.
- Steep for two to three minutes. Longer steeping makes green tea bitter.
- Strain into a cup. Add honey or sugar if you like, and a few crushed almonds.
Some people simmer the spices separately first, then add the leaves for the last minute. Both ways work.
Which kahwa tea can you buy at EarthBased?
| Tea | Brand | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmiri Kahwa Tea, Green Tea with Spices | The Vintage Hill Teas | 50 g |
| Kashmiri Kahwa Tea | Lluvia Tea | 50 g |
| Kahwa Green Tea | The Infused Kettle | 50 g |
All three are 50 g packs. Read the ingredients on each page and pick the spice mix you like.
Is kahwa the same as green tea?
Kahwa is a green tea preparation. Plain green tea is just the leaf, while kahwa adds spices. If you like green tea but find it flat, kahwa is a good next step.
Does kahwa contain caffeine?
Yes, because the base is tea leaf. The amount depends on how much you use and how long you steep. If you limit caffeine, have it earlier in the day.
How should you store kahwa tea?
Keep it in an airtight tin or jar away from light and damp, and away from strong smells. The spices fade over time, so use the pack within the date printed on it.
When do people drink kahwa?
In Kashmir, kahwa is served to guests, after meals and on cold afternoons, usually from a samovar or a small pot. At home you do not need special equipment. A saucepan, a strainer and a cup are enough. It works as a slow evening drink, and many people keep a tin at the office as an alternative to coffee. Because it is served without milk, it is also an easy tea to share with guests who avoid dairy. Serve it in small cups and offer a second round, since good green tea leaf can be steeped again for a gentler second cup.
How do you pick a good kahwa tea?
Read the ingredient list. You want to see green tea and the spices named, so that you know what you are paying for. Look at the leaf in the pack photo or when you open it: whole or broken leaf with visible spice pieces is a better sign than fine dust. Smell it as well. A fresh pack should smell of cardamom and cinnamon, not stale paper. Finally, check the pack size and the date, and match the quantity to how often you will drink it.
Can you add milk, honey or lemon to kahwa?
You can, and plenty of people do. Honey is the usual sweetener, and a few drops of lemon brighten the cup. Milk is not traditional and covers the delicate spice notes, so try the plain version first. If you use honey, wait until the tea has cooled slightly, so the flavour does not turn flat. Skip sugar for the first cup to see how the spices come through, then add it if you want.
Kahwa also works well as a base for an iced drink in summer. Brew it a little stronger, let it cool, and serve it over ice with a slice of lemon.
Frequently asked questions
Is kahwa tea made with milk?
Traditionally no. It is served as a clear spiced tea, though some people add a little milk by choice.
What is in Kashmiri kahwa?
Green tea, with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon, and sometimes saffron and almonds. Brands vary, so check the label.
Can I drink kahwa cold?
Yes. Brew it as usual, let it cool and pour it over ice.
Where can I buy Kashmiri kahwa online in India?
EarthBased sells kahwa from three brands and delivers pan-India in 3–5 days. Start with Kashmiri Kahwa Tea from The Vintage Hill Teas.