Karak Chai
Qatar — Arabian Gulf
Oxidation: full
Harvest: year-round
Tasting Profile
Strong, spiced with cardamom and saffron
Very strong, sweet with cardamom and evaporated milk
Thick, creamy, intense
Intense, cardamom-spiced sweetness
Brewing Guide
Temperature
95-100°C
203-212°F
Steep Time
5-10 min
Leaf Amount
3g / 100ml
Max Infusions
1
About This Tea
Karak Chai is a distinguished tea originating from Arabian Gulf, Qatar, where the unique combination of soil, climate, and elevation creates ideal conditions for producing this remarkable variety. The leaves are crafted through careful blending and preparation techniques that combine multiple ingredients into a harmonious whole, resulting in a tea that has captivated drinkers for generations with its distinctive character and refined qualities. For centuries, tea artisans in this region have perfected the techniques needed to bring out the best in each leaf, passing down knowledge from master to apprentice through countless generations.
The sensory experience of Karak Chai begins with its aroma — strong, spiced with cardamom and saffron. Upon tasting, one discovers very strong, sweet with cardamom and evaporated milk. This complexity of flavor makes Karak Chai a fascinating tea to explore, as each brewing reveals new nuances and subtleties that reward attentive drinkers. The tea is high in caffeine with 50-70 mg per cup, rivaling or exceeding some coffees and providing sustained energy, adding to its versatility as a daily companion.
This tea comes from a region with a rich heritage of tea production and a deep appreciation for quality beverages.
Preparing Karak Chai requires attention to temperature and timing. Water at 95°C to 100°C brings out the best qualities of the leaf, while steeping for 5 to 10 minutes achieves the ideal balance of flavor and body. A ratio of 3.0g per 100ml of water is recommended. With up to 1 possible infusions, each cup provides a new opportunity to appreciate the nuances of this exceptional tea.
In the modern tea landscape, Karak Chai occupies a special position. As consumers worldwide develop increasingly sophisticated palates, this tea has found appreciation far beyond its traditional home in Qatar. Specialty tea shops, online retailers, and dedicated tea communities have made it more accessible than ever, while maintaining respect for the traditional craftsmanship that defines its production. For those discovering Karak Chai for the first time, it offers a gateway to understanding the incredible diversity and depth that the world of tea has to offer.
Health Benefits
Caffeine Deep Dive
compared to coffee (95 mg)
Based on the FDA guideline of 400 mg/day, you can safely drink up to 6 cups per day.
Track your daily intake with the Caffeine Calculator →Serving Suggestions
Pairs Well With
Recommended Teaware
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Nutrition Facts
Per 240ml serving
Per 240ml serving
| Calories | 2 kcal |
| Caffeine | 50-70 mg |
| L-Theanine | 5-10 mg |
| Polyphenols | 50-150 mg |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0.4 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Potassium | 20 mg |
| Magnesium | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
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