Afghan Chai green tea OP

Hospitality and tea play a very important part in the lives of the Afghan people. Tea is drunk copiously throughout the day. The warmth and generosity of Afghan hospitality can be almost overwhelming at times. During the time I lived in Afghanistan I was lucky enough to travel around the country visiting places and towns such as Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz, Bamian, Bandimeer, Kandahar, Jalalabad and many other places. I was also fortunate enough to be a guest in many households. A guest is always made to feel welcome and special. He or she will be invited to sit in the place of honour at the head of the room and made comfortable on colourful cushions called tushak with a pillow (bolesht) placed behind to lean back on before being offered tea. Tea (chai) will be served. It may be green tea or black.  Meanwhile the host’s family will be preparing the best possible food. The tea is sometimes serv…