Tea for all times

Krishnaraj Iyengar

Situated in the very north of Africa and one of the continent’s largest countries, Algeria is richly diverse in its culture and colours. At the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Arab World and a former French colony, Algeria is the melting pot of diverse influences. While Arabic and French are the country’s major languages, influences even from the golden era of the Moorish Spain are still upheld by her friendly and affable folk.

 Known in Arabic as Al Jazaa’ir, Algeria’s culinary legacy dates back several centuries as does its colourful and effervescent music, art and classic architecture. A part of the region of the Maghreb that comprises from West to East, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, Algeria stuns the first-timer with its rugged beauty. Known for their legendary hospitality (‘dhiafah’ in Arabic), the Algerians boast of an ancient tea culture central to their culture. Known as ‘shaayi’ or ‘taai’, tea is an indispensible aspect of life in the Maghreb. Right from an accompaniment to a hearty breakfast to afternoon and early evening tea and ‘shisha’ breaks to an after dinner finale, Algerian tea is the true taste of the land. Visitors from the world over are welcomed with tantalising mint tea while restaurants throughout the country serve their own unique versions, adding to charm of the cuisine.

Principally, mint tea or shaayi bi-na’na in Arabic, ‘à la menthe’ in French is the staple Algerian drink. It is believed that the shaayi bi-na’na in bigger cities like Ouran and Algiers, along the Mediterranean, is far sweeter and more refined as compared to the Saharan desert and village versions, which are generally more robust, brewed stronger and less sweet. Typically, gunpowder green tea imported from China is used as a base. Fresh mint leaves are added after the water is boiled and the tea is brewed often in ornate teapots and large quantities of sugar is added.

The elaborate tea ceremony at homes, restaurants, and even nomadic Berber and Tuareg tents in the Sahara, are a treat to watch. Traditionally dressed locals prepare the shaayi with utmost passion and serve it in small, hour-glass shaped glass cups called ka’as shaayi in Arabic. The Algerians commence their leisurely tea sessions with the words ‘sahhah sahhah’ (to health) before the first sip!

One can find easy-going individuals of all ages at local cafes, seaside restaurants, playing cards under shady trees or in the middle of nowhere in the forbidding Sahara, sipping tea at all times of the day!

The famous French-Algerian proverb sums it all up: Le premier verre est aussi doux que la vie, Le deuxième est aussi fort que l'amour, Le troisième verre est aussi amer que la mort! (The first glass is as sweet as life, the second, as strong as love, the third, as bitter as death)!