The unofficial national drink of Bahrain and the wider Gulf — a deeply comforting cup of strong black tea simmered with full-cream evaporated milk, cardamom, saffron, and sometimes ginger and cinnamon, then sweetened with sugar to create a rich, creamy, intensely aromatic brew. Karak chai originated from the South Asian communities that have long been part of Gulf life and has been completely adopted as a Bahraini staple. Tiny karak stalls operate at every hour of the day and night — a cup costs pennies and provides immeasurable comfort.