Sulaimani Tea (Malabar Spiced Chai) is an Indian black tea recipe flavored with whole spices and made without the addition of milk. It is quite popular in the Malabar region of India (vegan, gluten-free).
Here are some of my other favorite tea recipes that you may like – Ground Sumac Tea, Passion Fruit Tea, Mango Iced Tea, Mango Green Tea, Hibiscus Tea, Strawberry Tea, Lemon Tea, Irani Chai, Pudina Chai, and Thai Iced Tea.

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About This Recipe
Sulaimani Tea (Malabar Spiced Chai) is a fragrant spiced tea made without milk. It originated from the Arabs and is quite popular in the Malabar region of India.
The tea is brewed with mixed whole spices and black tea powder until it is golden in color. It is finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice which makes it super refreshing.
This spiced tea is great to sip after heavy meals, as it is considered one of the best digestive beverages. Apart from that, you can enjoy it at any time of the day.
Why Is It Called “Sulaimani Chai”
Sulemani (Sulaimani) means “man of peace”. This name was given by the locals of the Malabar region of India to the Arabs, because of their good friendship terms. Since this tea was introduced to the Malabar people by the Arabs, they started to call it Sulemani Chai.
Health Benefits Of Sulemani Tea
- Steeped black tea is said to be rich in antioxidants.
- It is great for digestion and also improves gut health.
- It is said to reduce the bad LDL cholesterol and also keep your heart healthy.
Ingredients

You just need a few simple ingredients to make the traditional Sulemani chai – water, fresh ginger, cloves, cinnamon, green cardamoms, sugar, freshly squeezed lime juice, and Assam black tea powder (chai patti).
You can replace sugar with other sweeteners such as honey (not vegan), liquid stevia, powdered jaggery, etc.
Add a few strands of saffron while brewing the tea for a richer tea.
How To Make Sulaimani Tea
Lightly crush 2-3 cloves, ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick, and 2 whole green cardamoms in a mortar and pestle.

Add 2 cups of water to a saucepan along with 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and crushed spices.

Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the water simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon black tea and let the tea simmer for 2-3 minutes.


Remove the pan from the heat and strain the tea into 2 serving cups using a tea strainer.

Add ½ teaspoon lime juice to each cup and stir well. Serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions
In the Malabar region, Sulaimani tea is enjoyed after a heavy meal of Thalassery Biryani. You can also have it with your breakfast or even during your evening tea.
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Recipe Card

Sulaimani Tea Recipe (Malabar Spiced Chai)
Ingredients
- 2-3 cloves
- ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick
- 2 whole green cardamoms
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black tea (chai patti) (or one tea bag)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Lightly crush cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamoms in a mortar and pestle.
- Add water to a saucepan along with ginger, and crushed spices.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the water simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in sugar and tea and let the tea simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and strain the tea into 2 serving cups using a tea strainer.
- Add ½ teaspoon lime juice to each cup and stir well. Serve immediately!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!