Tea the Azerbaijani Way: Armudu Glasses, Jam and the Chaykhana

Tea is Azerbaijan's national drink and a symbol of hospitality. A guest is offered tea first and asked how they are second.

How tea is served

• Armudu — a pear-shaped glass: the narrow waist keeps the tea hot while the rim cools so you don't burn your lips.
• Strong black tea from Lankaran or Astara, often with thyme, cardamom or lemon.
• Jam — white cherry, fig, quince, green walnut — eaten by the spoonful alongside.
• Lump sugar or sweets; many dip a sugar cube into the tea and nibble it.

The chaykhana

The chaykhana is a traditional teahouse where men meet to talk, play backgammon and discuss the news. Baku also has many modern tea houses where families and friends gather.

Tea and tradition

During matchmaking the answer is "read" from the tea: if sugar is served, the bride's family agrees; if not, they're still thinking. Tea ends every feast and accompanies every important talk.

Take a couple of armudu glasses home — they're among the best souvenirs from Azerbaijan.