Tea (Shay)

Shay is the everyday word for tea in Lebanon and across the Arab world. Here it is sold loose, by weight, so you can take as much or as little as you need. Loose tea is commonly brewed in a teapot or directly in a cup with hot water, left to steep for a few minutes, then strained. Many people drink it plain, with sugar, or with a sprig of fresh mint or a few sage leaves, and it is a familiar part of breakfast, afternoon visits and evenings with family and friends. You can find shay on the shelf at Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf. Dekenet Al Nes is a package-free grocery store, so customers are encouraged to bring their own jars or containers and refill them, which helps cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.