What do you see when you think of Kashmir? Mountains rising like a stairway to heaven, tranquil lakes, snow-dipped peaks, pine-chiselled forests…and a glass of Kashmiri Kahwa? That’s how deeply Kehwa or Kahwa has grown to be intertwined with the idea of Kashmir.

But Kehwa is not merely a beverage. It is a symbol infused with strains of Kashmiri tradition and hospitality. Its path can be followed back down the Old Silk Road, along which merchants, travellers, and ideas crisscrossed continents. It was over this historic path that Kehwa first made its entry into Kashmir. But even if it was introduced here first from Persia or Central Asia, it was elevated by the Mughals when they entered Kashmir in the sixteenth century. Now, Kehwa became a staple served at Mughal courts, suffused with the grandeur of royalty. It also came to be known as Mughal chai or the tea of the Mughals.

Yet in essence, Kehwa remained a green tea infused with spices and dry fruits, traditionally brewed in a copper samovar, a beautifully crafted metal kettle with Persian origins. It was always as much about the process as it was about the flavour.

Yet, Kashmiri Kahwah does not always have to be reserved for royalty. Now, we can show you how you can invite the languid, exotic flavour, which enthralled traditional Kashmiri homes and magnificent royal courts alike, into your kitchen, in a few simple steps.

Inside the Samovar

The traditional samovar, where Kehwa was initially made, had an inner chamber for hot coals and an outer compartment for the infusion of the tea and spices. While it is not always made in a samovar any more, the traditional ingredients and the reasoning that inspired them remain the same.

Green Tea Leaves, rich in antioxidants, form the refreshing foundational layer for Kehwa. Add a teaspoon for each serving.

Water is always the base liquid. One cup for each serving.

Cardamom, always celebrated as the Queen of Spices, introduces a sweet and spicy flavour to the brew. Add two cardamoms for a cup.

Cinnamon brings in a woody flavour and also heightens the brew's antioxidant properties. Add a ½ inch cinnamon stick for a cup.

Almonds deepen the flavour of the spice base of the brew. Add one to two crushed almonds for a cup.

Saffron is harvested from Kashmir’s crocus flowers and is highly regarded for both its mood-elevating and skin-enhancing properties. Add 1 to 2 strands of saffron for a cup. Naturally, Kashmiri Kahwa price reflects the value of such premium ingredients.

Honey is a wonderful natural sweetener. But you could add sugar as well.

How to Make Kahwa, the Traditional Way

Let’s see how all these ingredients are combined to make Kehwa the traditional way in seven easy steps.

#1. Crush the cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamoms.

#2. Boil the crushed spices in water.

#3. Let the water come to a gentle boil and turn off the heat.

#4. Add a teaspoon of green tea and let it steep in the water for a few minutes.

#5. Put the sliced almonds and strands of saffron into a cup.

#6. Pour the tea into the cup, using a strainer.

#7. Sweeten the tea with honey.

And voila, your Kehwa tea is ready to serve!

How to Make Kahwa, with Kehwah

Now, let’s show you how to make kahwa and bring that same traditional taste of tea into your kitchen in just three steps:

#1. Boil a cup of water.

#2. Pour it into a cup.

#3. Stir one Kehwah sachet into the cup.

Voila again… If you thought the last recipe was quick, this one is faster.

Where Do You Get Kehwah Tea?

You can buy Kehwah Tea at Kehwah.in and Amazon.in. Besides our standard delivery in India, we also ship internationally. Just mail us at Contact@kehwah.in, and we can address your specific situation.

The Goodness of Kehwa

But whether you make tea the traditional way or with a sachet of Kehwah, the Kashmiri Kahwa benefits are real. They go far beyond an exotic aroma. Let’s look at just four benefits of kahwa tea.

#1. Building digestive health. Kahwa tea is a natural detox for your body and helps in resetting your digestive system.

#2. Boosting your immunity. In wintertime, Kashmiri kahwa benefits are well known. Kahwa tea is everyone’s favourite home remedy for seasonal diseases, especially the common cold.

#3. Giving you a stress buster. It increases the production of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, and helps you relax faster.

#4. Being your antioxidant. Finally, want to add a youthful glow to your skin? Do it with Kashmiri Kahwa!   

So, there are many reasons why the allure of Kehwa still endures. Yet, even as modern ideas of health and wellness reaffirm its relevance and the benefits of kahwa tea, every sip of Khewa or Kehwah (as the case may be!) still combines the legacy of an old trade route, the grandeur of the Mughal courts, and the timeless warmth of Kashmiri hospitality.

That’s pretty magical for a one-minute premix, isn’t it? 

FAQs

Do the names Kahwa, Kehwa, and Qehwa have the same meaning?

Yes, in Kashmir, Kahwa, Kehwa, and Qehwa are the names of the same beverage. However, in some countries, like Turkey, Kahwa is the Turkish word for coffee.

Can you have Kehwa cold?

In Kashmir, Kehwa is usually drunk hot. Just like green tea, you can have it at a warm temperature too.

Should you add milk to Kehwa?

Kashmiri Kahwa is usually made without milk. But milk could be used in noon chai.

Do you have to add saffron to Kehwa?

Kashmiri Kahwa can be made without saffron. But, as the name suggests, you can’t make Kesar Kahwa without it.

Does making tea with a Kehwah sachet give you the same results?

Yes, you can trust us to deliver the authentic flavour of Kashmiri Kahwa. While the traditional approach takes longer, we bring it to you in an instant.