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A sweet-sour, deep mahogany drink made from tamarind paste dissolved in water with sugar and a hit of rose water — the classic street cooler of Beirut and Sidon, sold from glass urns by vendors who pour it over ice.
⏱ 15 min🍽 6 servings📍 Lebanese coast
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The story
Tamar hindi — "Indian date" in Arabic — arrived in the Levant along the spice routes and was adopted immediately by a region that loves tart, acidic flavors. In the souks of Beirut and Sidon before the war, street vendors carried ornate glass urns of ice-cold sharab tamar hindi on their backs, filling small glasses for a few lira each. The drink is simultaneously cooling and warming — the tamarind provides deep tartness, the sugar gives sweetness, and the rose water adds a floral top note that makes it distinctive from anything found in the Western hemisphere. Lebanese Heritage Kitchen families in Dearborn and Sydney make sharab tamar hindi in large pitchers for summer gatherings, and diaspora children who encounter it for the first time at a family party often say it is the most interesting drink they have ever tasted.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler?
A sweet-sour, deep mahogany drink made from tamarind paste dissolved in water with sugar and a hit of rose water — the classic street cooler of Beirut and Sidon, sold from glass urns by vendors who pour it over ice.
Where is Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler from?
Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler comes from Lebanese coast. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler 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 dried mint in Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler?
The dried mint called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler 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 Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler?
In a Levantine drinks spread, Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler is served as a refreshment on its own, warm or chilled as the recipe directs.
Can I make Sharab Tamar Hindi — Tamarind Cooler 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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