The short answer
Adeni tea, also written Adani, is a Yemeni-style spiced chai brewed strong with milk, sugar and cardamom, often with other warm spices. It takes its name from the port city of Aden. To make it, simmer black tea with milk and cardamom until rich and aromatic, then sweeten to taste.
Interactive · Adeni tea timer
- 1Simmer water with cardamomRelease the aroma · 90s
- 2Steep the black teaLet it darken and strengthen · 120s
- 3Add milk and simmerUntil rich and aromatic · 120s
- 4Sweeten and strainSugar to taste, then serve · 30s
Simmer water with cardamom
01:30
What is Adeni tea?
Adeni tea is a cornerstone of Yemeni hospitality, named for the southern port city of Aden. It is a black tea brewed strong with milk and cardamom, warm and aromatic, comforting and a little indulgent. Alongside coffee, it is one of the defining drinks of the Arabian table.
Flavour and character
Expect a rich, milky cup led by cardamom, with the malty backbone of strong black tea underneath. It is aromatic without being heavy, and gently sweet. If you love a spiced chai, Adeni tea will feel both familiar and distinctly Yemeni.
How to brew it
- Simmer water with crushed cardamom pods to release the aroma.
- Add strong black tea and let it steep and darken.
- Pour in milk and bring it back to a gentle simmer until rich.
- Sweeten with sugar to taste, then strain into glasses and serve hot.
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