Çaj mali is a traditional Albanian herbal tea made from plants of the Sideritis genus. The tea is one of the most popular beverages in Albania and is valued for its aromatic flavor.
Çaj mali (in Albanian, “mountain tea”) originates from the mountainous regions of Albania, especially in the southern and central parts of the country. Sideritis grows wild at altitudes of around 1,000 to 2,000 meters. The plants are harvested by hand during the summer months, when Sideritis is in full bloom.
You can also come across herbal tea made from plants of the same genus in Bulgaria, where it is called mursalski tea. In Greece, mountain tea is known as tsai tou vounou, in North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro it is called planinski čaj, and in Turkey it is dağ çayı.
Çaj mali is enjoyed all year round, most often during the colder months. I first came across it in Bulgaria and have been a fan ever since. The taste of the tea is very pleasant and delicate; I can sense honey in its flavor. Ever since my first taste, I always bring it back from my travels, so it’s also my tip for what to bring home from Albania.
Have you ever had the chance to try çaj mali? What did you think?
