Tea Culture in Algeria

Algeria consumes 1 lb of tea per capita per year.

Algerian Mint Tea is the most popular national beverage.

It’s prepared with dry loose-leaf Green tea and fresh mint leaves.

History of Tea in Algeria

Tea in Algeria arrived centuries ago, however, they had their own herbs since ancient times.

Ginger and Artemisa plant were the first spices used to make tea in Algeria before the introduction of Green tea.

Nevertheless, Mint tea is the number one tea, typical for the entire North African region.

Tea Culture in Algeria

Algerian Mint Tea is an inseparable part of the country’s culture.

Although the local people usually start their day with a cup of coffee at home, they drink Mint tea throughout the day.

The preparation of Algerian Mint Tea is reserved for men only, and it consists of boiling loose-leaf Green tea and fresh mint leaves.

The minimum daily tea intake is two cups, while the most common for people is to consume three cups of tea per day.

Algerian tea culture involves men drinking teas in the tea shops along the roads, sweetening gradually each next cup.

Samsa and Hrisa are traditional pastries that come along with Algerian Mint Tea. They are made of dates, semolina, and honey.

Lunch is the main meal of the day, and it’s also served with Mint Tea.

Algerians don’t drink alcohol, so tea is present on all special occasions, meetings, and celebrations.