Peshawari Kahwa Recipe

Peshawari Kahwa is the green tea of hospitality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: light, fragrant and served in small handleless cups with almonds and a whisper of saffron. It is refreshing after rich food and calming at any hour.

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

15 mins

Servings

4 servings

Calories

60

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
• 4 green cardamoms, lightly crushed
• 1 small pinch saffron threads
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional)
• 8 almonds, blanched and slivered
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
• Lemon slices, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil, then take it off the heat and let it settle for a minute.
2. Add the green tea, cardamoms and saffron, then cover and steep for 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the sugar or honey if using.
4. Add the rose water if you like, and stir once more.
5. Strain into small cups or glasses.
6. Scatter slivered almonds over each cup and serve hot, with lemon slices on the side if desired.

Pro tips

• Never pour boiling water directly onto green tea; let it cool slightly to avoid bitterness.
• A short steep keeps kahwa light and fragrant rather than strong and astringent.
• Saffron is potent, so a small pinch is plenty for the whole pot.
• Serve in small cups, as kahwa is traditionally sipped slowly and refilled often.

Frequently asked questions