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Home » Drinks » Sahlab – a hot, creamy and luxurious Israeli winter drink

Sahlab – a hot, creamy and luxurious Israeli winter drink

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Sahlab is rich, creamy and delicious, and topped with nuts and cinnamon. This traditional hot drink is a luxurious cold weather treat in Israel and across the Middle East.

I was 18 years old before I visited Israel in the winter for the first time. Despite having lots of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends there, all my previous visits had been during the hot summer months, so delicious seasonal winter specialities like sahlab had totally passed me by.

Glass cup of sahlab topped with nuts and cinnamon, on a small wooden board with a teaspoon and a dish of nuts.

On this page...

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  • Say it with orchids…
  • Sahlab – a winter speciality
  • Through thick and thin
  • More popular than tea?!
  • Sahlab – a medical marvel!
  • Just add milk
  • Lower sugar sahlab
  • What goes on top of sahlab?
  • Sahlab
  • More delicious drink recipes

Say it with orchids…

Also known as salep, Sahlab is a thick, fragrant, milky drink, that was developed from ground orchid tubers by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It subsequently gained popularity across the countries of the Ottoman Empire, including the area which is now the State of Israel.

An authentic sahlab drink is made from the tubers of two European orchid species – Orchis militaris and Orchis mascula. They contain a starchy polysaccharide called glucomannan which gives sahlab its distinctive thick and smooth texture.

A stem of pink Orchis militaris flowers.

Sahlab – a winter speciality

People across the Middle East still eagerly consume sahlab. In Israel colourful street vendors pop up in the winter months selling it in takeaway cups from huge urns. It comes topped with nuts and cinnamon and is utterly delicious. 

In recent years, boutique coffee shops have also started to sell sahlab. Sometimes there are different versions of the drink, with unusual toppings or additions like white chocolate, rose petals or chilli.

A cup of sahlab with toppings, seen from overhead, on a wooden board with a teaspoon and 2 cinnamon sticks.

Through thick and thin

Although you can buy it everywhere from Turkey to Egypt, Jordan and beyond, the thickness of the sahlab drink seems to vary by region. In some countries it is allowed to cool and set completely, and is served as a pudding. In other places, it is thinner and more drinkable. The Israeli version seems to be somewhere in the middle. Just about slurpable but also thick enough for spooning.

Close up image of a cup of sahlab showing the layer of toppings in detail - coconut, pistachios and cinnamon.

More popular than tea?!

According to Gil Marks, writing in  The Encyclopedia of Jewish Food, “In the seventeenth century, England and Germany adapted the orchid beverage… pronouncing the name saloop. Around the same time, two other foreign hot beverages appeared in Europe, coffee and tea. All three soon had their advocates, with saloop initially becoming the most widespread in England… During the nineteenth century, as coffee and tea emerged as inexpensive everyday fare, the popularity of saloop in Europe and America faded.”

Painting showing Interior of an English Coffee House, 17th Century. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Sahlab – a medical marvel!

Myths and legends around the medical properties of salep/sahlab abound. Traditionally, the drink is made from orchid roots, which are said to resemble male genitalia (orchis is Greek for ‘testicle’). As such, the plant and its derivatives allegedly have aphrodisiac qualities.

Medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides (the Rambam) wrote that sahlab could be used to, “strengthen respiration, to revive the spirits, to arouse sexual desire…” and more which I won’t go into here! (See Practical Materia Medica of the Medieval Eastern Mediterranean According to the Cairo Genizah by Efrayim Lev and Zohar ʿAmar if you want to know more.) 

Cup of sahlab with toppings seen from overhead. Teaspoon, cinnamon sticks and dish of nuts in background.

Just add milk

Perhaps it’s just as well that it’s now more usual to thicken sahlab using cornflour than ground orchids, and the light, floral flavour is provided by vanilla and rose water. In Israel you can buy ‘instant’ sahlab – just add milk! – but here in the UK  you need a little more creativity if you want to enjoy a cup of this wonderful drink.

Fortunately, even making sahlab from scratch is not too difficult, and it has the advantage that you can ‘season to taste’ – I find the instant stuff is often too overpoweringly flowery. Traditionally sahlab is quite heavily sweetened, but making it yourself also means you can adjust the sugar to taste. I put a tablespoon of sugar in one cup, which seems a lot but is probably less than the average!

Lower sugar sahlab

If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, you could probably swap out the sugar for an alternative sweetener. I haven’t tried it but I imagine erythritol or stevia-based sweeteners would both be fine in this sahlab recipe.

Portrait image of a glass cup of sahlab on a wooden board.

What goes on top of sahlab?

My topping for this sahlab drink is the traditional coconut, pistachio, almond mixture plus a little ground cinnamon. However, I’ve also added cocoa nibs to this before, which is fabulous. And you sometimes also get raisins and dried fruit. Be as creative as you like!

Sahlab makes a lovely change from hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. Why not treat your loved one (or yourself!) to a cup?

Sahlab is a rich, cream and delicious hot drink, topped with nuts and cinnamon. This traditional drink is a luxurious cold weather treat in Israel and across the Middle East.

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📖 Recipe

Glass cup of sahlab topped with nuts and cinnamon, on a small wooden board with a teaspoon and a dish of nuts.

Sahlab

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A rich, creamy hot drink flavoured with rosewater and topped with nuts and cinnamon.
4.56 from 18 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Israeli
Servings 1
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 250 ml milk or non-dairy alternative
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon rose water
  • 1-2 drops vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 teaspoon desiccated coconut
  • 1 teaspoon chopped shelled pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon flaked or chopped almonds
  • Cinnamon to sprinkle

Instructions
 

  • 250 ml (1 cup) milk or non-dairy alternative
    Place most of the milk in a small saucepan and heat over a low-medium flame. Reserve 2-3 tablespoon of the milk.
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour, 1 tablespoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon rose water, 1-2 drops vanilla extract
    Mix the cornflour, sugar, rose water and vanilla with the reserved milk, and stir well to combine.
  • When the milk is nearly boiling, pour over the cornflour mixture, whisking as you do. Return the liquid to the pan, and heat, whisking constantly, until it comes to a boil.
  • Continue to whisk as the liquid simmers gently for 1-2 minutes. It should be quite thick.
  • 1 teaspoon desiccated coconut, 1 teaspoon chopped shelled pistachios, 1 teaspoon flaked or chopped almonds, Cinnamon
    Pour into a cup. Mix the coconut, pistachios and almonds together and spoon onto the top of the liquid. Sprinkle over the cinnamon and serve.

Notes

Exact nutritional values will vary depending on how much topping you add to your sahlab.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sahlab
Amount per Serving
Calories
271
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Cholesterol
 
25
mg
8
%
Sodium
 
109
mg
5
%
Potassium
 
385
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
33
g
11
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
25
g
28
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
413
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
296
mg
30
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword almonds, cinnamon, coconut, nuts
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More delicious drink recipes

If you like Israeli drinks, try cafe hafuch – upside down coffee, or limonana – refreshing mint lemonade. Or how about a warming cup of spiced hot chocolate with hawaij l’cafe.

You might also  enjoy sahlab’s cool dessert cousin – malabi. This rosewater-flavoured set pudding is delicious! Serve it topped with a luscious syrup and pomegranate seeds.

  • Overhead image of a white plate on a blue cloth. The plate contains sliced avocado, tomato wedges, sliced yellow pepper, sliced cucumber, a sliced hard boiled egg, a small white dish of olives, a small glass dish of schug (a hot pepper condiment), two triangular slices of yellow cheese, and a small blue and white patterned dish of cream cheese topped with olive oil and zaatar.
    Israeli breakfast – a fresh and healthy start to the day
  • A bowl of red cabbage salad, on a wooden table, with a serving fork and spoon.
    Israeli red cabbage salad – Yarden copycat!
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  • A plate of homemade humous topped with spiced mushrooms, together with a pita on a plate, a dish of lemon wedges, and three tomatoes, all seen from above.
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I’m linking up to a few foodie challenges. Treat Petite, hosted this month by United Cakedom on the theme ‘Like it, Love it, Gotta Have it!’ which is basically how I feel about this sahlab! I’m hoping that even though it isn’t a bake, it’s a single serve pudding/drink, so that should count, right? (Treat Petite is organised by Cakeyboi and The Baking Explorer)

This post was updated on 7/2/2022. It was originally published in February 2016.

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Comments

  1. Ted

    June 10, 2023 at 12:44 pm

    It is very misleading to refer to Sahlab as an Israeli drink. Sahlab itself is an Arabic word for the orchid root. The root is used in several other Arabic and Turkish applications besides the beverage, such as Syrian stretchy ice cream (booza) or Turkish ice cream (dondurma). I’m surprised you don’t even mention the ubiquitousness of this beverage throughout the Arab world. Please give credit where credit is due, instead of calling this Israeli … This is how cultural appropriation occurs.

    • Helen

      June 12, 2023 at 10:00 am

      Hi Ted. In the second sentence of this article, I’ve written “This traditional hot drink is a luxurious cold weather treat in Israel and across the Middle East.”
      I then go into the history and origins, including how it was spread throughout the former Ottoman empire by the Turks. Also from the article – “you can buy it everywhere from Turkey to Egypt, Jordan and beyond”. Did you even read what I’d written? Your comment suggests not.
      Sahlab, in it’s Israeli incarnation, is an Israeli drink. Just as the Jordanians enjoy Jordanian sahlab, the Egyptians drink Egyptian sahlab etc. Are they ALL culturally appropriating the Turks?
      Or do you maybe have some other agenda when you suggest cultural appropriation….?

  2. Liza Rosenberg

    February 18, 2023 at 9:09 am

    Sahlab is, indeed, amazing and it can certainly be found all over Israel, however, it’s definitely not an Israeli drink as you indicate in your title. Its origins are in Turkey, and if anything, it’s a Middle Eastern drink that can be found in countries across the region. It’s culturally insensitive to call it an Israeli drink – and I say that as an Israeli who loves sahlab. I realize this post isn’t new, but you might want to reconsider the title.

    • Helen

      February 20, 2023 at 12:09 pm

      Hi Liza. Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry you found my title insensitive, however I do think that Sahlab is an Israeli drink – at least in this particular form. As I explain in the article, sahlab originates in Turkey and has spread across the region, with different places adapting it and serving it in different ways. I would have no problem with someone else writing an article calling it “an Egyptian hot drink” or “a Jordanian milk pudding”, and in fact articles like these examples do exist. One of the things I love about food is that it has no borders, and can be endlessly adapted and evolved by people in different regions. So, I hope we can agree to disagree about the title. But I’m glad you love sahlab!

  3. Natalie

    February 07, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, sounds so exotic and interesting. I will definitely make this for my husband for our date night. Loe added rose water. Lovely recipe.

    • Helen

      February 07, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      Ooh, it’s a perfect date night treat! Very romantic 🙂

  4. Emily Flint

    February 07, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    That drink was so amazing and just as described. I wonder if I could add a little espresso in the morning? Either way, I’m definitely making this again!

    • Helen

      February 07, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      Oooh, a caffeinated version! Let me know if you try it….

  5. Toni

    February 07, 2022 at 2:03 pm

    5 stars
    This is such an interesting drink! And when I tried it, it didn’t disappoint! So good!

    • Helen

      February 07, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      Thanks Toni. Agree, it’s really delicious 🙂

  6. Jessica Stroup

    February 07, 2022 at 2:02 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good! It was a new one for me, but a definite do again! Loved it!

    • Helen

      February 07, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      Thanks Jessica, that’s so great to hear. Glad you enjoyed it!

  7. Danielle

    February 07, 2022 at 11:44 am

    5 stars
    This sounds just incredible! I love anything made with rose water and the touch of vanilla is perfect.

    • Helen

      February 07, 2022 at 11:47 am

      Thanks Danielle. If you love rose water then you’ll definitely love this! It’s such a treat on a cold day.

  8. Erika

    January 18, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds delicious. I’ve never used rose water before, but it sounds so good! This is perfect for Valentine’s Day!

    • Helen

      January 18, 2021 at 3:45 pm

      Thanks Erika. You should definitely try rose water. Just be careful to only add a very little at first, as the flavour can be quite strong. I hope you enjoy it!

  9. Kathryn

    January 18, 2021 at 3:36 pm

    5 stars
    The ingredients in this drink sound like they go perfectly together, especially the rose water!!

    • Helen

      January 18, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      Thanks Kathryn! They are a delicious combination 🙂

  10. Toni

    January 18, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    5 stars
    Such a perfect drink for Valentine’s Day! Thanks for this easy recipe!

    • Helen

      January 18, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks Toni. Happy Valentine’s Day!

  11. Jen

    January 18, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    5 stars
    We love trying new things and this looks to have jumped to the top of the list. Sounds like a great idea for Valentine’s day.

    • Helen

      January 18, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks Jen! It’s super easy and very delicious so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

  12. Natalie

    January 18, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, rose water?! That sounds soooo romantic and delicious. I can’t wait to make this for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for the idea!

    • Helen

      January 18, 2021 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks Natalie. Valentine’s day sounds like the perfect time to enjoy this!

  13. Lisa

    February 28, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    This sounds interesting! Having never heard of it before until I read your post I was like what could this be? I would like to try a cup! Thank you for sharing with this month’s Treat Petite!!

  14. Crystal Escobar

    February 11, 2016 at 11:40 am

    This menu is so cute, you’re making me want to make this.

  15. Hayley (@SnapHappyBakes)

    February 10, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    I’d love to try this, I’m a hot chocolate addict so this could be right up my street 🙂 Thanks for linking it to #CookBlogShare

    • Helen

      February 10, 2016 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks Hayley. It’s really yummy and does make a nice change from hot chocolate every once in a while.

  16. Laura

    February 10, 2016 at 11:23 am

    I love how this uses pretty simple ingredients to make something that tastes fantastic – I think it’s the mark of a great recipe! Milk and I don’t always get on too well, but I think I’m willing to risk it to try this, it sounds deliciously comforting on a cold, wet, winter’s evening!

    • Helen

      February 10, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      Thanks Laura. I’m also not huge friends with milk – I usually make this with oat milk but you could probably use any neutral flavoured substitute.

  17. the foodie couple

    February 09, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    that looks so comforting. love you blog for discovering new things 🙂

    • Helen

      February 10, 2016 at 12:19 pm

      Thanks so much! That makes me really happy to hear 😀

    • jaklien

      February 10, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      I think I have had this before at a Syrian place. Or at least something similar.

      • jaklien

        February 10, 2016 at 2:11 pm

        And it was yummy. Forgot to say that!! 🙂

    • Ramya Menon @ War and Cheese

      February 10, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      This looks lovely! I love that it uses such readily available ingredients. And it’s aphrodisiac properties sound VERY exciting! Haha

      • Helen

        February 10, 2016 at 8:08 pm

        LOL! I think you’d have to track down the orchid powder to get the full effect – good luck!

      • MAI SABOUR

        February 21, 2023 at 12:10 pm

        I’m sorry but how is this a Israeli cuisine? This drink is very popular in Turkey and Egypt. A very local and popular drink in Egypt. Hope you set the records straight.

        • Helen

          February 23, 2023 at 10:25 am

          Hi Mai. Thanks for your comment. As I outlined above, this drink is popular across the Middle East. It originates in Turkey and is enjoyed in Egypt, Israel, Jordan and many other places. Often, each location has their own regional variations. This is my recipe for the Israeli version of this drink. I think it’s great that diverse people across the region all enjoy this delicious beverage!

    • Platter Talk

      February 10, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      What a decadent and refreshing treat you have created here; I’m getting a big mug out this very minute….

      • Helen

        February 10, 2016 at 8:09 pm

        Thanks! Enjoy 😀

    • Kitty Kaos (@kellykaos)

      February 10, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      Oh this looks amazing I am such a foodie and so is the bf so we may give this one a go x

      Miss Kitty Kaos – Adventures Of A Riot Grrrl

      • Helen

        February 10, 2016 at 8:09 pm

        Thanks Kitty! I hope you both enjoy it <3

    • watchlearneat

      February 10, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      I’ve never had sahlab before, but it looks delicious! I enjoyed reading the history of the drink too!

      • Helen

        February 10, 2016 at 8:17 pm

        Thanks! I always like to find out the background to things like this.

    • Victoria

      February 10, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Wow this looks awesome! Thanks!

    • April @ Girl Gone Gourmet

      February 10, 2016 at 11:07 pm

      So fun to learn something new – I’d never heard of this drink! Sounds so warm and cozy for a cold day.

  18. choclette

    February 09, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    Oh what fun. This drink has completely passed me by, despite spending the 6 winter months in Egypt. Love the idea of ground orchids, though I always thought they were poisonous. I think I might just have to go and make myself a cup now, although the sugar bit might have to be severely curtailed.

    • Helen

      February 09, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      I think it depends on the orchid, Choclette. I hope you enjoy it, anyway, even without the requisite ton of sugar!

  19. One Two Culinary Stew

    February 09, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    Wow! That looks deliciously comforting and filling.

    • Helen

      February 09, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks! Comforting is the word – like a cuddle in a mug, with cinnamon on top 🙂

4.56 from 18 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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