North Africa · Drink
Shahi bil-Raghwa (Whipped Frothy Libyan Mint Tea with Toasted Peanuts)
A bold, deeply steeped black tea whipped into a thick, crowning foam and poured over crunchy golden toasted peanuts in traditional small glasses.
The story
Across the windswept hamadas and bustling medinas of Libya, Shahi bil-Raghwa represents the ultimate symbol of Maghrebi hospitality and desert camaraderie. Prepared by the master of the tea service over glowing charcoal braziers, this beverage is drunk slowly during long afternoon assemblies and festive family gatherings. The iconic velvet head of foam (raghwa) is achieved not through dairy, but through repeated high-altitude pouring and mechanical aeration of a concentrated, sweetened tea decoction in an enameled kettle.
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