Kahwa v/s green tea. As tea lovers, have you ever thought about how they differ from each other? If you haven’t, read my blog and find out through 23 surprising facts that will make you see them in a new shade of green.

I am a passionate tea blogger and love the beverage like dear life. I am also a cafe owner based out of Kolkata city and will be opening my own label that will obviously take my beloved drink to new heights. 

Kahwa versus green tea

Kahwa V/s Green Tea- 23 Boiling Differences To Pay Heed To

As a cafe owner, brewing various types of tea is an everyday affair for me and this winter I plan to introduce Kahwa. I instantly fell in love with this beverage at a famous local hangout eatery place in my city one chilly winter morning. I don’t know how the drink will be taken by patrons at my cafe and which only time can say. However, what I can say with affirmation is, the sole reason behind writing this blog, and so, let us get started by knowing what all points are going to be discussed here.

ORIGIN
KAHWA

Not Known

GREEN TEA

China

SOURCE
KAHWA

Green tea leaves

GREEN TEA

Camellia Sinensis

INGREDIENTS
KAHWA

Green tea leaves, spices, salt, etc.

GREEN TEA

Loose green tea leaves, spices,etc.

BREWING TIME
KAHWA

2 minutes to 3 minutes approx.

GREEN TEA

1 minute to 3 minutes

TASTE
KAHWA

Sweet and a rich bodied tea

GREEN TEA

Bitter and spicy

CAFFEINE LEVEL
KAHWA

Caffeine- free

GREEN TEA

30 mg-70 mg

NUTRITIONAL VALUE
KAHWA

169 calories

GREEN TEA

2-3 calories

OPTIONS TO SERVE(with milk & sugar)
KAHWA

No

GREEN TEA

Yes

BEST TIME TO DRINK
KAHWA

Morning

GREEN TEA

After work-out

POPULARITY REASONS
KAHWA

Rich in antioxidants, detoxifies the body, relieves stress, cures cold, etc.

GREEN TEA

Helps in weight-loss, burns fat, rich in antioxidants, etc.

SIDE EFFECTS
KAHWA

Increased sugar levels, hinders with weight loss process, etc.

GREEN TEA

Dehydration, nausea, burning sensation, etc.

WAYS TO MAKE
KAHWA

Samovar, Stainless steel vessel

GREEN TEA

Any utensils or tea bags

VEGAN-FRIENDLY
KAHWA

Yes

GREEN TEA

Yes

COUNTRIES WHERE POPULAR
KAHWA

India, Pakistan, Iran

GREEN TEA

China, India, America

SUGAR USAGE
KAHWA

Not recommended

GREEN TEA

Not suggested

TEA BAGS DEPENDENCY
KAHWA

Unlikely

GREEN TEA

Highly

OPTIONS TO SERVE
KAHWA

Hot

GREEN TEA

Hot and cold

OTHER NAMES
KAHWA

Mogul chai, Qehwa, Kehwa, etc.

GREEN TEA

After workout drink, weight loss drink

GLUTEN-FREE
KAHWA

Yes

GREEN TEA

Yes

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BE DRINKING THEM?
KAHWA

1-2 cups

GREEN TEA

2-3 cups

TYPES/ VARIETIES
KAHWA

Detoxifying Kahwa

GREEN TEA

Latte

COMMON ACCOMPANIMENTS
KAHWA

Fruits, Salads, Lavassa, etc.

GREEN TEA

Citrusy salads, toast with butter or jam, scones, etc.

Now, that we have a fair idea about the sub-topics, let us take one point at a time and examine them closely.

1. How Did Kahwa & Green Tea Originate?

The origin of tea says a lot about it and forms an important point of difference. So, let us highlight them on this basis.

Kahwa is a tea whose origin is debatable. Some say it came to Kashmir by the silk route and there is another theory that it originated in the Yarkand valley(now in China)during the second century. Now, Kashmiri pandits have called the tea Mogul chai as they believed that the tea was introduced in the valley by the then ruling kings.

Green tea on the other hand originated in China under the rule of Emperor Shennong in the year 2737 B.C. Now, another part of the story claims that the tea can be traced to some 3,000 years ago in many South-Easy Asian countries. Want to know how the tea fares up with other varieties? Read my blog on 27 crucial differences to consider between white and green tea. 

2. Kahwa V/s Green Tea & Their Source As Another Key Point Of Dissimilarities

Let us get to know the source or where the two talked about drinks come from.

Kahwa is made from Kashmiri green tea, found in abundance in the valley, and is a lightly oxidized tea. Now, at times it is substituted with Gunpowder tea as it doesn’t alter the taste. The tea is named so owing to the leaves that are shaped into pellets.

Green tea is a direct product of the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant that was largely grown in China. Well, most tea-growing countries are now growing their own crop. The tea shrub is an evergreen plant that can dwell in diverse climatic conditions.

3. Ever Considered What Goes Into The Making Of Kahwa & Green Tea?

Ingredients are an important part and their usage in the manner prescribed is what makes the tea worth its sip. So, let us then consider the ingredients that are used on a daily basis to make a wonderful cup of beverage.

A typical glass of Kahwa is made by infusing Kashmiri green leaves in hot water. Saffron, honey, nuts, and rose petals(used as garnish) are added to the tea as the last step.

Green tea on the other hand is made from loose tea leaves along with spices and honey is added as a sweetener that helps to balance the bitter taste of the drink.

4. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: The Brewing Time

Let us now compare the two varieties of tea on the basis of their brewing time.

Kahwa is ideally brewed for 2 minutes to 3 minutes. This is done to stop the leaves from over-boiling and turning bitter in the process.

Green tea is a variety that is less oxidized as compared to black tea and thus, it shouldn’t be brewed for more than 1-2 minutes. 

5. Comparing The Teas In Terms Of Taste

The next point I would like to talk about is the taste of the teas as another differentiating aspect.

Kahwa offers a pleasant and rich drinking experience. If I were to describe its taste, I would say that the tea has a sweet, spicy, and nutty flavor with a pleasant aroma that is a result of the dried rose petals used as a garnish. 

I am not a fan of green tea and the only reason that I can state is its bitter, spicy taste that is a put-off for me. Hence, I usually add honey or a few drops of lime juice. This sure amps up the drinking quotient and I make sure to partake only according to the advised serving size. 

6. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: The Caffeine Level

Caffeine is a stimulant that helps us stay fresh and awake. The stimulant when compared to coffee is quite less and this is why in the tea world, it is called Theine. Let us then compare them based on the level each variety offers.

Traditional Kashmiri Kahwa is caffeine-free and is a reason why the tea is vastly drunk in the valley. Also, the absence of caffeine makes it an ideal choice to serve at fancy family dinner gatherings.

An average serving has 30 milligrams to 70 milligrams of caffeine. This when compared to Kahwa is high on caffeine or Theine and is not an ideal choice if you are looking for a caffeine-free drink.

7. Comparing Kahwa And Green Tea Based On Their Nutritional Value

Let us now talk about the nutritional value that the teas in discussion offer.

A typical serving of Kahwa has 169 calories which when compared to green tea is quite high and if you are looking to loose weight, I wouldn’t advise more than 1 cup in a day.

When we compare green tea with Kahwa, the calorie count, in this case, ranges from 2 to 3 calories approximately in an average serving size.

8. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: The Better Choice That Can Be Had With Milk & Sugar

Let us now weigh the two tea varieties that is a better choice to be had with milk and sugar.

When in the valley or at any tea joint that serves you the drink, you can expect the tea without any milk or sugar. If you are missing the sweetness, I suggest and highly recommend honey when the liquid is still hot.

Green tea too is usually consumed without any milk and sugar though Lattes are quite a fad now and cannot be made without milk. So, we can say that when it comes to the drink that tastes awesome without milk or sugar, Kahwa wins hands down.

9. Comparing The Two Teas Based On Their Ideal Drinking Time

Tea is known as an anytime drink though this is not the case with all variants. Each variety has its own advantages and to make the most of it, it is advised to drink them at the specified time. So, let us compare the two teas based on their ideal drinking time.

When in Kashmir, you will be offered a cup of Kahwa first thing in the morning and this is why it is known as a breakfast tea. The locals love their Kahwa and 3-4 cups is an everyday routine for them. However, I would suggest drinking it with breakfast and right before going to bed. 

Green tea is preferred in the mornings and also as a post-workout drink as this makes the process of burning difficult fat in parts like the belly and thighs a lot easier. Thus, I definitely recommend making it a part of your post-workout routine.

10. Comparing The Popularity Reasons Of Both Kahwa & Green Tea

Let us now see what makes the two mentioned teas so popular.

Kahwa is rich in antioxidants, detoxifies the body, is a great way to get rid of cold and cough naturally, is a great stress-buster, offers instant warmth when drunk during rainy or cold winter seasons, is beneficial for the skin and heart, helps in weight-loss. Also, the fact that it is the perfect blend of a sweet, spicy, aromatic, and caffeine-free drink are some reasons that have made the tea so popular.

Now, do you think Green tea will take the insult lightly? It too has its reasons ready. Rich in antioxidants, helps reduce fat and lose weight, low in caffeine level, reduces burning sensation, etc are some note-worthy reasons that have made the tea popular.

11. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: The Negative Aspects That They Offer

Too much of anything is bad and the same goes for Kahwa and green tea. So, let us see their negative side.

Kahwa when consumed more than the recommended portion has its fair share of negativeness. Hinders the weight-loss process, can increase the sugar levels in the body, and make the heart prone to diseases, nausea, uneasiness, etc are some side effects that one should be prepared for.

Burning sensations in the stomach and throat owing to the spices present, vomiting, nausea, uneasiness, etc, are some unfortunate flip sides that the tea offers when drunk in excess.

12. The Comparison Between Kahwa & Green Tea In Their Making Style

Let us compare Kahwa and Green tea based on their making styles or methods.

If you have ever visited the valley of Kashmir, you will be amazed to see the high use of Samovar & which is an essential part of Kashmiri tea culture. Simply. put, this can also be called Self Brewer as once water is added to it, the liquid stays hot for long periods. Thus, this is why it is the most preferred way to make the drink. You can also use a stainless steel pot to make the drink. 

Green tea is a hot-selling variety at my cafe. Now, the drink relies on teabags heavily as all it requires is just a dip. I love making my drink from scratch by combining hot water and green tea leaves in a stainless steel pot. Then I strain it and add honey. I highly recommend the teapot and kettles(both electric & normal). 

13. Comparing Kahwa & Green Tea On The Customization Level

Who doesn’t love a tea that’s made exactly the way they like? Thus, let us attribute the two drinks based on the customization quotient each variety offers.

Kahwa is a drink that offers a low level of customization, with dried rose petals, saffron, and nuts as the only three ingredients that can make the tea look appealing.

Green tea on the other end offers high levels of customized as compared to Kahwa and options like whipped cream, cream, lemon drops, herbs like mint or basil or even spices like Ginger shows how you can tailor-make the drink.

14. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: Vegan-Friendly Options

Veganism is a fast-catching trend and to keep up with this demand, tea is constantly upgrading itself. So, let us see if the two popular varieties can be made to suit the Vegan sector of the society.

Kahwa is a drink that isn’t made from milk but, honey is surely used to sweeten the tea. Now, since honey cannot be taken by Vegans as it is sourced from bees(making it an animal-based product), sugar cubes, jaggery, palm sugar, and brown sugar are some suggested options that will add just the right sweetness to your drink. The mentioned ingredients make the tea fit for Vegans.

Green tea too is a drink that can be enjoyed by Vegans. Honey can be easily substituted with lemon drops and for a sweet quotient, I recommend white or brown sugar, liquid jaggery, coconut sugar, palm sugar, etc. Want to know what coconut sugar is? Read my blog on 31 super-delectable ways to sweeten bubble tea pearls which will also tell you about some amazing sugar replacements. 

15. Kahwa & Green Tea Are Popular In Different Countries

Let us now compare the two varieties of tea based on the countries where they are in demand.

Kahwa is popular in India(especially in the Kashmir valley), Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabian countries, and some parts of Central Asia.

Green tea was discovered in China so it is natural for the drink to be immensely popular in the region. Apart from China, the tea has takers in India, Ireland, Japan, Canada, Brazil, etc. 

16. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: Sugar Dependency

Let us now compare them based on their dependency on sugar.

Kahwa isn’t dependent on sugar at all to lend it a sweet taste. A teaspoon of honey is the preferred way and if you don’t like honey, I have mentioned some sweeteners that can be used in its place. Do give it a read.

Green tea too doesn’t rely on sugar to help it balance the bitter, earthy, and spicy notes. I recommend tweaking the drink with a few drops of lemon and if you still think your cup needs a sweet element, do read some awesome ways to sweeten the beverage in the points mentioned above.

17. Comparing The Teas On The Usage Of Tea-Bags

Teabags are small pouches filled with loose and dried tea leaves. They are used in most tea-loving countries as the preferred way to make the drink as one just needs to do is just dip it in hot water till the desired color. So, let us compare them based on this factor.

Kahwa is best enjoyed when made from scratch and is suggested by tea experts too. Being a lover of the drink, I too love my cup that’s made fresh and my customers get a fresh cup of their favorite tea all the time.

Green tea is a drink that heavily relies on the usage of tea bags and hence, it will not be wrong to say that the pouches are commonly used in most tea-drinking nations.

18. Options To Serve Kahwa & Green Tea

Let us now compare them based on the serving options.

Kahwa is a drink that is best enjoyed when drunk hot so that you can reap all its mentioned benefits to the fullest.

Green tea on the other hand is a variety that is enjoyed in both its hot & cold variants.

19. Kahwa & Green Tea Are Known BY Different Names

I hope by now you are aware of some ways in which the two teas differ. Let us now compare them based on the names by which they are known in different parts of the world.

Mogul Chai(the name has been given by the Kashmiri pandits), Qehwa, Kehwa, Green tea of Kashmir, Breakfast tea(for it is a popular drink at breakfast time in the mountainous valley of Kashmir), Gahwa(Saudi Arabia), and Kadha are some names the tea van be accredited with. 

Green tea on the other hand can be synonymous with being called a post-workout drink and fat burner as some names that it can be attributed to. 

20. Comparing The Two Teas Based On Their Gluten-Free Attribute

Let us now see if Kahwa and green tea are Gluten-free.

Kahwa is made from some basic ingredients like green tea leaves, spices like cardamom, honey that’s used as a sweetener, saffron(the most expensive spice in the world), nuts, and dried rose petals that are used to garnish the tea. So, we can say that it can be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of whether you have zero tolerance for Gluten.

Green tea is made by infusing either fresh tea leaves or teabags in hot water. You can add honey or lemon juice to make the drink appealing to the taste- buds. So, based on the mentioned facts, the beverage too can be called gluten-free and can be enjoyed by all.

21. Kahwa V/s Green Tea- The Ideal Cups That Should Be Consumed

Let us now learn the ideal quantity that is considered okay to drink for the two mentioned varieties of tea.

I hope by now you have a good idea about what goes into making an amazing cup of Kahwa along with its other attributes. Thus, keeping all the factors in mind, I would suggest 1-2 cups as the ideal quantity.

In the case of Green tea, I would advise sticking between 2-3 cups on a daily basis. If you want to know why the quantity has been specified do read the side effects that are attached to the drink and weigh the options accordingly.

22. Kahwa V/s Green Tea: The Types Or Varieties That One Can Choose From

Let us now set them apart on the basis of the flavors or varieties they are available in.

Kahwa is available in powder form, sachets, detox Kahwa, teabags, etc.

Green tea is available in lattes, tea bags, loose tea leaves, etc.

23. The Accompaniments That Raises The Drinking Quotient

The last point that I would like to talk about is the food items that go well with the teas.

Kahwa owing o its sweet taste works best when paired with foods like Lavassa(Kashmiri bread that is the region’s answer to Bagels), cheese(that will add some saltiness to the tea), fritters for some crunchiness, fruits, citric foods like berries, melons, lemons, etc.

Green tea can be paired with sweet food items like citrus salads to balance the bitter and spicy taste of the drink, cheese, chocolates again for some sweetness, Quinoa, popcorn, etc. I highly suggest fruits and if you are wondering how to get the combination right, read my blog do fruits and tea go together wherein my 27 thoughtful pairings will give you the required answers. 

This concludes my blog on Kahwa v/s Green tea and I hope after reading my blog, you will have a better perspective about them. If you think you want to ask me questions or maybe share something, do drop them in the comments section below and I will gladly answer them for you. Also, so that you do not miss out on newly published articles, do sign up for my newsletter, by visiting my website and clicking on the About tab. 

Happy Sipping!