Shay arabiyy, شاي عربي, or as we know it tea, has been the beverage of choice in the Middle East for centuries. While coffee is synonymous with Middle Eastern culture, tea is just as popular, if not more. Tea first made its way to the Middle East by way of the Silk Road, largely during the 15th century. With this new import it sparked a growth in tea houses within the region, also known as bayt alshaay, بيت الشاي. In modern times tea symbolizes hospitality, whether served in one's home, in a business setting, or at a social gathering it is considered rude to refuse tea when it is offered.

Traditionally served out of a sterling silver tea pot, upon a sterling silver tray, tea time can be a show. While in the western world we don’t give a second thought on how to pour the tea into the tea cup or glass, they sure do in the Middle East! Tea is poured from a height of about two to three feet above the delightfully colored glass below on the table. Not only is this for show but it also serves a purpose. This technique helps to aerate the boiling water to better enhance the flavor of the tea, as well as to create a frothy tea whose bubbling foam improves the taste of the tea. The most common addition to tea in the Middle East is mint, creating a refreshing cup of tea for even the hottest of days.

The variety of teas consumed in the Middle East varies greatly from its western, even fellow eastern counterparts. Below is a list of the different varieties of tea consumed and the purpose of each.

• Mint/šāy bi-l-na’nā’/شاي بالنعناع‎ - made with fresh mint leaves, and sometimes a little bit of sugar this tea can help a person combat seasonal colds, flus, allergies, and even in some extreme cases stomach ulcers due to the anti-inflammatory properties of mint.

• Chamomile/bābūnaj/بابونج‎ - made from dried Chamomile flowers, this tea is used to help alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as pain, discomfort, and insomnia.

• Sage/maramia/مريمية - traditionally served after a meal to help with digestion, heartburn, and gastrointestinal issues. It can be drunk on its own as a caffeine free option, but it can also be added to black tea to help curb the strong, unique flavor sage emits when brewed.

• Thyme/za ‘tar/زعتر‎ - it is believed that thyme can help improve one's memory and cleanse the stomach. It is also high in antioxidants, which the Middle Eastern culture find beneficial to help reduce aging.

• Anise/yānsūn/يانسون‎ - with a strong taste of licorice, this particular tea has been used for hundreds of years in the Middle East to help treat coughs and other cold or flu like symptoms. It can also help to aid in digestion, reduce nausea, and combat cramp pain.

• Cardamom/hāl/هال‎ - one of the most popular teas consumed in the Middle East, cardamom helps aid in digestion and increase saliva production. Traditionally to better prepare your digestive system for eating, this tea is commonly drunk before a meal not after.

With our wide variety of teas, below you will find some of our top recommendations for a Middle Eastern inspired cup of tea. Whether a straight tea or a blend, these are sure to be a hit with all tea lovers.

• Chamomile - The delicate fragrance of chamomile is a take-no-prisoners signature in this herbal blend: rich, sweet, light and as delicate as a summer breeze. This blend contains only the best freshly dried Egyptian Chamomile flowers.

• Mint Tea - If you love the combination of mint and citrus, then look no further! Our Mint Tea is made of a unique blend of green tea, mint leaves, and lemon, and produces a strong yet refreshingly light flavor.

• Casablanca Black Tea - Step into the day with this Chado Tea. Whether you’re getting ready to dive headfirst into a new project or enjoying a cup of tea with a friend, every sip puts you on the right track. The balance of refreshing Bergamot and a perfect blend of Moroccan Mint and Green Tea will give you the energy needed to face a new challenge in a fully charged and centered state.

• Peppermint - Bright, refreshing and energizing. This infusion of peppermint can reduce the discomfort from headaches and migraines, and will give you the push you need to finish the day strong. It also tastes great and wakes you up.

• Rose Chai - Steep this fragrant blend of signature Chado chai spices and roses for a cup of chai like no other. Lightly spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, star anise and ginger, it is further permeated with a sweet, piquant aroma from the addition of rose petals.

• Kapha - Kapha contains herbal ingredients that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It is meant to improve digestion and promote a sense of balance in the body. Delighting the senses it contains ginger root, saffron, black pepper, licorice root, clove, green cardamom, fennel, cinnamon, safflowers, peppermint, licorice, tulsi, and sambuca flavor.

• Vata - Imagine having a cup of tea that puts all your senses in a state of trance. We have made this dream a reality with our Vata balancing herbal blend. With calming herbs like chamomile, licorice, saffron, ginger root, rosebuds, spearmint, rose hips, tulsi, and fennel, this tea is just what your senses need when they are in a state of chaos. You'll feel like the world is at peace with everything.

• Assam Jungle Cabernet - Pour yourself a cup of this Assam Jungle Cabernet and take a moment to relax. The classic taste of black tea has been praised for centuries, and this blend brings back that golden flavor. Add the Cabernet flavoring with cinnamon and licorice root and you have a brew for the ages. The wine inspired tea will give you a moment to unwind, and the full body flavor will relax you for hours.

• Devan’s Legacy Chai - This chai was specially blended in memory of Chado Tea Room's patriarch Devan Shah. In this delicious cup, you'll taste notes of cardamom, lemongrass, and vanilla. This tea can be served with milk and sugar for a creamy mouthfeel.

• Reena’s Chai - Bring the exotic tastes of the Far East to your home with this authentic, Indian-style loose tea. It's rich black tea leaves are infused with strong flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger to give you a spicy treat to brighten your days.

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