Kehwa

The traditional green tea of Kashmiris, kehwa is prepared in a kettle known as a samovar and made with cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, saffron strands, sugar and crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts.

To prepare kehwa, green tea leaves are brewed in water along with the spices and sweetened with sugar or honey. The resulting tea has a warm and soothing flavor and is often served as a welcome drink to guests in Kashmiri households.

In addition to its delicious taste, kehwa is also known for its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and may help in improving digestion and boosting immunity.

Traditionally, a Kashmiri kettle called “samovar” is used to brew, boil and serve Kehwa. Kashmiri samovars are made of copper with engraved or embossed calligraphic motifs. The inside of the samovar has a fire-container in which charcoal and coals are placed. Around the fire-container, there is a space for water to boil and make kehwa.

Kashmiri Samovar