The Kashmiri Kahwa

Kahwa is poured slowly, with saffron and almonds and the time it takes to talk.

This gift brings together the elements of a traditional Kashmiri kahwa ritual — leaf tea from the Kashmir Valley, Pampore saffron, Indian almonds, handcrafted stoneware cups and a brass measuring spoon, presented in hand-painted papier mâché boxes from Srinagar.

Designed for hosts, generous cooks and people whose homes seem always to have someone dropping by.

Perfect for: Hosts · Housewarmings · Bridesmaids · Diwali · Christmas · Client gifting · Welcome kits

What's inside

• Kashmiri kahwa tea blend in a handcrafted brass tin
• Pampore saffron in a hand-painted papier mâché box
• Indian almonds in a hand-painted papier mâché box
• Two handcrafted stoneware kahwa cups
• Handcrafted brass measuring spoon
• Recipe card and story card
• Signature gift box

The tradition

Kahwa is a green tea brewed slowly with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, rose petals and slivers of almond. It travelled to Kashmir from Central Asia along the Silk Route and became one of the valley's most enduring traditions.

For generations it has been offered to guests as a gesture of welcome — poured at family gatherings, celebrations and long winter conversations that stretch later than intended.

The craft

The papier mâché boxes that accompany the set are part of a Kashmiri craft tradition introduced to the valley by Persian artisans in the fifteenth century. Over centuries, local makers transformed it into a distinctly Kashmiri art form known for its intricate hand-painted decoration.

Every box is painted by hand. No two are exactly alike.

Why they'll keep it

• The papier mâché boxes become keepsakes long after the tea is gone
• Includes saffron from Pampore, Kashmir's celebrated GI-tagged growing region
• A complete tea ritual in one gift — tea, saffron, almonds, cups and spoon
• Arrives with a recipe card and story card
• Designed to be used and shared rather than displayed

Please note: The papier mâché boxes are hand-painted, so the design and colours in your set may differ from those shown. Variations are characteristic of the craft.

Kashmiri kahwa tea blend in a handcrafted brass tin Pampore saffron in a hand-painted papier mâché box Indian almonds in a hand-painted papier mâché box Two handcrafted stoneware kahwa cups Handcrafted brass measuring spoon Recipe card and story card Signature gift box