Karak Chai: The Story of the UAE’s Favourite Tea
The story of karak chai, the strong spiced milky tea loved across the UAE: its South Asian roots, how it’s made, a simple recipe and where to find the best.
Key takeaways
- Karak means “strong”: black tea boiled with milk, sugar and cardamom.
- It arrived with South Asian communities and became a UAE everyday ritual.
- You’ll find it at roadside cafeterias, filling stations and cafés across the country.
On this page
Ask anyone in the UAE for the country’s unofficial drink and many will say karak chai: strong, sweet, milky tea spiced with cardamom, served hot in small paper cups from cafeterias on every corner.
What is karak?
Karak means “strong”. Karak chai is black tea boiled with milk, sugar and spices, typically cardamom and sometimes saffron or ginger, until it’s rich and deeply coloured.
Where it comes from
Karak’s roots lie in the spiced milk teas of South Asia. It arrived with South Asian communities who helped build the modern UAE, and over time it became part of everyday life for everyone, from office workers to late-night drivers.
How it’s made
Unlike tea brewed in a teapot, karak is boiled:
- Bring water, loose black tea and crushed cardamom to the boil.
- Add evaporated milk or fresh milk and sugar.
- Simmer until strong and slightly thickened.
- Strain and serve hot.
Simple home recipe (2 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons strong loose black tea
- 3–4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cup evaporated milk (or fresh milk for a lighter version)
- Sugar to taste
- Optional: a pinch of saffron or a slice of ginger
Boil the water, tea and spices for 2–3 minutes, add milk and sugar, simmer for another few minutes, then strain.
Where to drink it
- Roadside cafeterias in older neighbourhoods, often with car-window service
- Filling stations and 24-hour cafés
- Modern café chains that have built whole brands around karak
It pairs perfectly with snacks like samosas, parathas or the sweet dumplings in our Emirati dishes guide. Try it in the neighbourhoods from our cheap eats guide.
For the traditional Emirati way to welcome guests, read our guide to Arabic coffee and how it’s served.
Frequently asked questions
Is karak the same as masala chai?
They’re related. Karak is usually stronger and sweeter, with cardamom as the main spice.
Does karak contain caffeine?
Yes, it’s made with black tea.
Why is karak so popular in the UAE?
It’s affordable, comforting, available everywhere and tied to daily routines and conversation.
Sources
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