While it’s traditionally enjoyed sumptuously hot, Chai Sabz is also a delightful treat when served over ice on hot days. Its fresh, grassy flavour and gentle spice are perfect without any additions. However, a dash of sweet alchemy from traditional sugar, ghur (in winter), or your favourite sweetener will lift the cardamom to new heights, opening up new dimensions within each flavour. For a true Afghani experience, serve the first cup sweet and then enjoy the following cups in their natural state.

If you’d like to serve your Afghani Cardamom tea in the traditional way, glass teacups are favoured, both in the homes and on the streets of Afghanistan. As a special treat, Afghanis do love bringing out their decorative porcelain teacups (perhaps even silver or brass cups if they’re really out to impress), especially when the tea is to be shared amongst family and close friends in the home. Of course, any Afghani tea lover will tell you it’s the taste and the company that matter most, so feel free to use your favourite teacups – even if they don’t match!

Its own beautiful self! Afghani Cardamom is perfect for tea lovers who enjoy sitting back and savouring every note of a tea’s flavour. However, it is equally delightful when served with traditional treats. Favourite Afghani sweets include sumptuous sugar-coated almonds, pistachios or chickpeas (noqul), and Afghanistan’s melt-in-your mouth kulcha cookies. For added decadence (and who doesn’t need that?) try some gosh-e-feel – a traditional fried pastry made for special occasions. Don’t fret if you can’t find any of these traditional treats. The clean flavour of Afghani cardamom is equally tasty with dried fruit and nuts, and this just so happens to be another much-adored Afghani tea pairing.

Tea time truly can be any time you’d like. This is indeed how the Afghani’s treat this sacred break. You’ll find locals delighting in hot cardamom tea at all times and in all weather. However, evening indulgences may result in sleepless nights!