Pharaoh's Punch · Hibiscus Tea
Karkade
Photo: MRG90 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
It's served two completely opposite ways depending on the season — steaming hot in winter and heavily iced in summer, from the very same dried flowers.
Karkade is a tart, ruby-red infusion made by steeping dried hibiscus calyces in hot water, then sweetening and either chilling or serving it warm. Street vendors and juice stands across Egypt sell it by the glass alongside koshari and other street staples.
Why it's made this way: Grown mainly in Upper Egypt around Aswan, it has been a fixture of Egyptian hospitality for generations and is often the drink offered to welcome guests.
More from Egypt
Koshari (Rice, Lentils & Pasta)
Ful Medames (Stewed Fava Beans)
Hawawshi (حواوشي)
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Fava Bean Falafel)
Part of World of Street Food — 690 dishes from 118 countries.
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