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The Art of Brewing the Perfect Attaya

My Magazine 2025/01
2 min
KNOW
Attaya, often referred to simply as tea, holds a special place in Gambian culture. Yet calling it just "tea" feels like an understatement. In The Gambia, attaya is a ritual, a connection, and an expression of community. It transcends the act of brewing a hot beverage; it’s a way of life.

More Than a Drink

In Gambian society, attaya is a social glue. It’s the backdrop for conversations about family, politics, love, and everyday life. Brewing attaya is an invitation—a way to bring people together. From bustling street corners to quiet family courtyards, the sight of a brara (teapot) on a burner signals a moment of camaraderie and reflection.

Attaya has become such an integral part of daily life that some admit they can’t go without it. It’s brewed everywhere: at work, at home, even during casual meetups. For many, it’s not just about the taste but about the process itself—a slow, deliberate activity that forces you to pause and engage with those around you.

The Essentials

To brew attaya, you’ll need a few essential tools: a teapot, locally called a brara, two small glass cups, water, sugar, and, of course, the attaya itself, which is actually green tea. It is sold in small boxes in almost all local shops, perfectly measured for one round of brewing. Charcoal burners are the traditional choice for heating, as they impart a distinctive smoky aroma, though gas stoves offer a faster alternative. Many also add a personal touch to their brew with ingredients like fresh mint, jasmine tea, cloves, or even lemongrass, giving the tea a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Magic

The process starts with heating water in the teapot. Once it’s warm, the attaya leaves are added—usually an entire packet for the first round. The tea is allowed to boil until it becomes a dark, aromatic liquid.

Next comes the sugar—lots of it. Gambians typically use a glassful for the first brew, creating a rich sweetness that balances the tea’s strong, bitter notes. The sugar and tea are mixed by pouring the liquid back and forth between the teapot and a glass in a rhythmic motion that ensures uniformity.

The Art of the Foam

Foam isn’t just a detail; it’s an art form. Creating the perfect foam involves pouring the tea between two glasses from a height, forming a frothy top layer. The foam is a mark of skill and adds visual appeal—the higher and creamier the foam, the better the attaya.

Once the foam is perfected, the tea is briefly reheated to ensure it’s piping hot before serving.

Three Rounds of Togetherness

Attaya isn’t a one-cup affair. It’s traditionally served in three rounds, each with its own name and significance:

  1. Lewal: The first and strongest round, rich in flavour and caffeine. It’s always offered to elders or respected guests as a sign of honour.
  2. Kaajikoo: The second round, lighter and sweeter, made using the same tea leaves but with less sugar.
  3. Lekkit: The final, weakest brew, often skipped but cherished by those who enjoy a mellow finish.

Each round reflects the diminishing strength of the tea leaves and offers a unique experience.

The Heart of Gambian Hospitality

Attaya is a lesson in patience and hospitality. Brewing it can take up to an hour, giving people time to share stories, laugh, and bond. It’s a tradition that teaches respect and emphasizes the importance of being present with others.

For newcomers, attaya is more than a drink—it’s an initiation into Gambian culture. Every family, every individual, has their own twist, whether it’s the choice of additives or the way the foam is crafted. This personalization makes every brew a reflection of the brewer’s personality and creativity.

A Tradition Worth Savouring

To drink attaya is to partake in a centuries-old ritual that celebrates community, conversation, and craft. So the next time you sip this beloved tea, remember—it’s not just about the taste but about the connections it forges and the stories it carries. Attaya is, in every sense, a drink to be shared, cherished, and savoured.

A Must-Try Cultural Experience

If you’re visiting The Gambia, experiencing attaya is an absolute must. It’s more than just tea—it’s a gateway to understanding Gambian culture and the warmth of its people. You’ll spot attaya brewers almost everywhere: craft markets, local shops, taxi garages, fishing docks, and even on the steps of exchange companies. Many Gambians brew attaya right at their workplaces, turning their break times into social rituals.

The beauty of it is how welcoming Gambians are. If you approach a group and ask to join their attaya session, they’ll almost always say yes, often with a smile and an invitation to sit. Don’t be surprised if they go a step further and teach you the entire process, from brewing to foam-making.

For an even deeper connection, consider staying in a local homestay where attaya is part of daily life. Communities like Gunjur Project, Njau, Ndemban, and Kerewan Samba Sira are perfect for this immersive experience (find more info below). Here, you’ll not only enjoy the tea but also the stories, laughter, and sense of belonging that come with it. Welcome to The Gambia, where attaya is more than a drink—it’s a way of life.

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