✓ Tested in Faten's kitchen
Strong black tea steeped with fresh mint and sweetened generously — the most universal drink in Lebanon and Syria, served after every meal, during every visit, at every hour of the day.
⏱ 8 min🍽 4 servings📍 Mount Lebanon
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The story
Lebanese shai is not the mint tea of Morocco (which is green tea) nor the plain black tea of Turkey. It is a hybrid born from the Ottoman trade routes: Indian black tea (usually Ceylon or Assam) steeped dark, then softened with fresh spearmint from the kitchen garden and sweetened with white sugar that dissolves into the cup. In the Bekaa Valley and in Idlib, the tea is sometimes brewed with a stick of cinnamon or a few sage leaves (maramiyeh), creating the regional variant called shai bil maramiyeh. Mountain households keep the tea glass (istikan) perpetually warm — refilling it is a gesture of care. "Tfaddal, itfaddal" (please, help yourself) is said as you pour.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lebanese Mint Tea?
Strong black tea steeped with fresh mint and sweetened generously — the most universal drink in Lebanon and Syria, served after every meal, during every visit, at every hour of the day.
Where is Lebanese Mint Tea from?
Lebanese Mint Tea comes from Mount Lebanon. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Lebanese Mint Tea vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Lebanese Mint Tea uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of cinnamon stick in Lebanese Mint Tea?
The cinnamon stick called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Lebanese Mint Tea its traditional character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Lebanese Mint Tea?
In a Levantine drinks spread, Lebanese Mint Tea is served as a refreshment on its own, warm or chilled as the recipe directs.
Can I make Lebanese Mint Tea ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
This can be made ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Stir or shake before serving, and adjust sweetness or dilution to taste.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step audio narration (text-to-speech) guides you hands-free. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
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