Drinks
Thé Tchadien
Ingredients
- - 2 tbsp loose black tea leaves (or 3 tea bags)
- - 500ml (2 cups) water
- - 4-6 tbsp sugar, or to taste
- - A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
Method
- Bring the water to a boil in a small teapot or saucepan.
- Add the tea leaves and boil for 2-3 minutes to brew a strong infusion.
- Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the fresh mint leaves, if using, and let steep for 1-2 minutes more.
- Pour the tea from a height into small glasses to create a light froth on top, straining as you pour.
- Serve hot, offering a second and third round with slightly adjusted sweetness, as is traditional.
Introduction: Strong, sweet tea served in small glasses is a central part of Chadian hospitality, often poured in successive rounds for guests, with each round considered progressively sweeter and more special — a tradition shared with neighbouring Saharan and Sahelian cultures.
Cultural Background: Strong, sweet tea served in small glasses is a central part of Chadian hospitality, often poured in successive rounds for guests, with each round considered progressively sweeter and more special — a tradition shared with neighbouring Saharan and Sahelian cultures.
Tips: Pouring the tea from a height is both a visual tradition and a way to aerate and lightly cool the tea before drinking.
Variations: A few cloves or a small piece of fresh ginger can be added while brewing for a spiced variation. Already vegan as written.
Storage: Best made fresh and served immediately; not suitable for storing.
Reheating: Not applicable — tea should be made fresh for each serving.
Nutrition: Approx. 45 kcal, 0g protein, 12g carbohydrate, 0g fat per glass (based on 4 glasses).
FAQs
Q: Why is the tea so sweet?
A: Generous sweetness is traditional and central to Chadian and wider Saharan tea culture, seen as a mark of hospitality.
Q: Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
A: Yes, green tea is also used in some regions and gives a lighter, slightly more floral character.