Kahwah facts for kids
Kahwah (pronounced kah-wah) is a special and traditional green tea drink. People enjoy it a lot in countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of Central Asia. It's more than just tea; it's a part of their culture!
Contents
How to Make Kahwah
Kahwah is usually made by boiling green tea leaves. Other ingredients are added to give it a unique taste. These often include local saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sometimes, people also add special Kashmiri roses.
Serving Kahwah
This delicious tea is usually served with sugar or honey. To make it even better, crushed almonds or walnuts are often sprinkled on top. Some types of Kahwah are made only with herbs, without any green tea leaves.
Traditional Cooking Pot
Traditionally, Kahwah is prepared in a special copper kettle. This kettle is called a samovar. A samovar has a central part where hot coals are placed. This keeps the tea warm for a long time. Around this hot part, there is space for water to boil. The tea leaves and other ingredients are mixed in this water.
Today, many people make Kahwah in regular pots and kettles. This is because samovars might not always be easy to use in modern homes. Sometimes, a little milk is added to Kahwah. This is usually for older people or those who are not feeling well.
Peshawari Qehwa
In the city of Peshawar, there is a type of Kahwah called Peshawari Qehwa. This version is traditionally made with jasmine tea and green cardamom. It is very famous and often served in special tea houses called chaikhanas. These tea houses are found in the historic Qissa Khwani bazar.
History of Kahwah
The exact beginning of Kahwah is not fully known. However, many believe its tea leaves came to Kashmir through the ancient Spice Route. Kashmir was an important stop on this trading path. Some people think Kahwah started during the Kushan empire. This was a powerful empire that existed around the first and second centuries AD.
Meaning of the Name
In the Kashmiri language, the word "Kahwah" means "sweetened tea." The word might also be linked to the Turkish word for coffee, kahveh. This Turkish word itself may come from the Arabic word "qahwah."
Mughal Connection
Kashmiris have often called Kahwah "Mogul chai." This means they believe the Mughal emperors brought this tea to the valley a long time ago. Historically, Kahwah has been a popular drink in many places. These include Kashmir, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran, and the Middle East. Even today, it is still a favorite drink in these regions.
Kahwah Today
Today, Kahwah is often served to guests. It is also a part of special celebration dinners. For very important visitors in Kashmir, saffron is added to the Kahwah. This makes it even more special.
How it is Served
Kahwah is usually served in small, shallow cups. In Kashmir, it is also commonly served after a big meal called Wazwan. It is also enjoyed after large family dinners. The green tea leaves used for Kahwah often come from the nearby Kangra region. This region has a long history of sending green tea to Kashmir and other parts of Central Asia.
Images for kids
-
A cup of Kahwah made with tulsi instead of green tea.
