Sahlab
A silky, warm milk drink thickened with orchid root powder and topped with crushed pistachios, shredded coconut, and cinnamon — the beloved winter street drink of Beirut and the Syrian coast, sold from brass carts on cold evenings.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 500 ml whole milk
- 2 tbsp sahlab powder (orchid root starch)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp rose water
- ½ tsp orange blossom water
- ¼ tsp (for topping) ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted pistachios, finely crushed
- 1 tbsp (optional) desiccated coconut
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk sahlab powder with 3 tbsp of the cold milk until completely smooth with no lumps. This step is critical — lumps ruin the texture.
- Heat remaining milk in a small saucepan over medium heat with the sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- When milk is hot (not boiling), add the sahlab slurry in a slow stream, whisking constantly.
- Continue whisking over medium-low heat as the mixture thickens — about 5 minutes. It should coat a spoon thickly.
- Remove from heat and add rose water and orange blossom water. Stir.
- Pour into cups. Immediately dust with cinnamon, scatter crushed pistachios, and add desiccated coconut if using.
- Serve very hot. Sahlab cools and thickens quickly — drink it within minutes.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sahlab?
A silky, warm milk drink thickened with orchid root powder and topped with crushed pistachios, shredded coconut, and cinnamon — the beloved winter street drink of Beirut and the Syrian coast, sold from brass carts on cold evenings.
Where is Sahlab from?
Sahlab comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Sahlab vegetarian?
As written, Sahlab contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of ground cinnamon in Sahlab?
The ground cinnamon called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Sahlab its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Sahlab?
In a Lebanese drinks spread, Sahlab is served as a refreshment on its own, warm or chilled as the recipe directs.
Can I make Sahlab ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
This can be made ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Stir or shake before serving, and adjust sweetness or dilution to taste.