🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Drinks
Zenjabil Chay
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageZenjabil Chay is a refreshing and medicinal Ethiopian ginger tea, often enjoyed as a soothing remedy or a daily invigorating drink. Its vibrant golden hue and spicy warmth make it a staple in many Ethiopian households.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Peel the 50g of fresh ginger and grate it finely into a medium saucepan.
- 2
Add 1L of cold water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- 3
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to extract the full spice profile of the ginger.
- 4
Stir in the half teaspoon of turmeric, watching as the liquid takes on a deep golden yellow color.
- 5
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the tea to steep for another 5 minutes.
- 6
Squeeze the juice from the 2 lemons into the pot and stir well.
- 7
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher.
- 8
Sweeten with the 3 tablespoons of honey while the tea is still warm, adjusting to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zenjabil Chay?+
Zenjabil Chay is a popular Ethiopian ginger-based herbal infusion, often prepared with lemon, turmeric, and honey. It is consumed as both a soothing tonic for wellness and a daily refreshment.
Can I drink it cold?+
Yes, Zenjabil Chay is excellent served over ice, especially with an extra wedge of lemon to highlight the citrus notes.
Why use turmeric?+
Turmeric provides a vibrant, sunny color and is added for its earthy depth and its role in traditional medicinal preparations.
How fine should the ginger be grated?+
The finer the ginger is grated, the more surface area is exposed, leading to a much stronger and more effective spicy extraction.
Is it okay to boil the honey?+
It is best to add honey after the tea has slightly cooled or finished boiling, as high heat can degrade the complex floral notes of raw honey.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageMundo Match
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