تمر هندي

Tamar Hindi

📍 Lebanese Coastal 🍽 Drinks ⏱ Easy

Tamarind cooler — Lebanese style: the sour, dark tamarind pod is dissolved in water, sweetened, then given a specifically Lebanese character with rose water and floating pine nuts. Sold from copper urns by street vendors in the old Beirut souk.

The tamarind drink vendor was one of the iconic figures of the old Beirut souk — a man with a large copper urn strapped to his back and small brass cups, calling through the markets. The tamarind (tamar hindi — "Indian date" in Arabic) came via the Silk Road from India and became a fixture of Middle Eastern street food culture for centuries. The Lebanese version distinguishes itself from the Egyptian or Syrian versions by the addition of rose water, which softens the tamarind's aggressive sourness with florality. Pine nuts floating on top — the Lebanese touch applied to every cold drink — complete it. The old vendor culture has largely disappeared in post-war Beirut, but the drink remains sold from juice stands and still appears at Ramadan iftar tables.

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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. If using tamarind block: break into pieces, soak in 2 cups warm water 15 minutes. Work with your fingers to dissolve the pulp from the fibers. Strain through a sieve, pressing hard to extract all the paste.
  2. Dissolve sugar in the tamarind liquid over low heat, stirring until fully dissolved. Cool.
  3. Add cold water, rose water, and cinnamon if using. Stir well.
  4. Taste — it should be tart, sweet, floral, and slightly complex. Adjust sugar and rose water.
  5. Fill glasses with ice. Pour tamarind drink over ice.
  6. Float pine nuts on the surface. Serve with a long spoon.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tamar Hindi?

Tamarind cooler — Lebanese style: the sour, dark tamarind pod is dissolved in water, sweetened, then given a specifically Lebanese character with rose water and floating pine nuts. Sold from copper urns by street vendors in the old Beirut souk.

Where is Tamar Hindi from?

Tamar Hindi 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 Tamar Hindi vegetarian or vegan?

As written, Tamar Hindi uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.

What can I use instead of ground cinnamon in Tamar Hindi?

The ground cinnamon called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Tamar Hindi 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 Tamar Hindi?

In a Lebanese drinks spread, Tamar Hindi is served as a refreshment on its own, warm or chilled as the recipe directs.

Can I make Tamar Hindi 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.

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