What Is Somali Shaah?

Somali Shaah is a warm, aromatic spiced tea made with black tea, milk and traditional spices. It is one of the most recognizable expressions of Somali hospitality — a drink that appears in homes, cafés and gatherings across the Somali community.

What’s in Somali Shaah?

While recipes vary from home to home and café to café, Somali Shaah is typically built on a base of black tea, milk and a gentle amount of sweetness, with warm spices like cardamom and ginger giving it its characteristic aromatic character. Some versions also include a touch of clove or cinnamon.

Why it’s about more than the drink

Shaah holds a special place in Somali hospitality. It can be part of a morning routine, a conversation between friends, time with family or the simple act of welcoming someone into your space. That spirit of warmth and connection is at the heart of how Shaah is enjoyed.

Somali Shaah at Hamdi

At Hamdi Coffee in Minneapolis, Somali Shaah is served fresh every day, along with food that pairs naturally with it. We also offer Hamdi Shaah — a premium spiced black tea blend — for those who want to bring the experience home.