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Ethiopia · Drinks

Zenjabil Chay

10 min
60 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · September 8, 2026

Zenjabil Chay🇪🇹AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

11 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Zenjabil Chay. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Hot infusion62 recipes from 22 countriesSee all 11 matches

Zenjabil 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.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Zenjabil Chay from another cuisine is Cytrynowo-Imbirowy Cooler (Poland): the two share 75% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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4 servings

How 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.

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