The Story Behind Our Sahlab: From Home Experiment to a Healthier, Authentic Tradition

If you grew up in Lebanon or anywhere in the Middle East, you know the comforting aroma of Sahlab — that warm, creamy, and floral drink that instantly brings comfort on chilly days. It’s a cup of nostalgia, reminding us of cozy winter evenings, family gatherings, and timeless traditions.

What Is Sahlab?

Sahlab (also spelled salep or sahlep) is a traditional Middle Eastern drink made by thickening milk with a natural starch, often topped with cinnamon, coconut flakes, and crushed peanuts— a blend of textures that feel like home.

The Lebanese Touch

In Lebanon, Sahlab has its own signature — it’s rich yet light, perfumed yet balanced. What gives it that special touch are the orange blossom water, rosewater, and mastic gum, a natural resin that’s been used for centuries for both flavor and wellness. We also top it up with crushed pistachios along with the other toppings.

Mastic isn’t a gum — it’s a pure, aromatic resin harvested from the mastic tree of Chios. When crushed and added to desserts or drinks, it releases a beautiful piney note that gives Lebanese Sahlab its unique character.

Why Mastic Matters — Flavor & Health

Beyond its unforgettable aroma, mastic carries remarkable benefits that have been cherished since ancient times:

• Supports digestion and soothes the stomach.

• Promotes oral health thanks to its natural antibacterial compounds.

• Reduces inflammation throughout the body.

• Promotes calmness and relaxation with its clean, grounding scent.

It’s a beautiful example of how our traditional ingredients are naturally good for both body and soul.

⚠️ How Our Journey Began

Our Sahlab story didn’t start at the restaurant — it started at home.

One chilly evening, we bought a box of ready-to-make Sahlab from a local store, just to enjoy the nostalgic taste we grew up with. But when we read the ingredients on the label, our excitement turned into concern.

The box was filled with artificial flavors and additives, and it even carried a warning that it may contain lead, a toxic element known to cause cancer and reproductive harm.

That was a wake-up call. We tossed the box right away.

Instead of giving up, we decided to look for an authentic recipe — one that truly reflected the Lebanese Sahlab we remembered. We began experimenting at home, mixing different proportions of milk, pure cornstarch, mastic, and floral waters until we found our perfect balance.

And when we finally took that first sip of our homemade version — creamy, aromatic, and pure — we knew we had created something truly special.

From Our Home to Our Menu

It was too good not to share. That’s when we decided to bring our homemade Sahlab to Koshari, made entirely from scratch using only real ingredients — pure mastic, natural floral waters, and clean, wholesome milk or plant-based alternatives for our vegan friends.

The result is a drink that honors tradition, health, and inclusivity — and one that we’re deeply proud to serve.

🌺 A Cup of Heritage & Heart

Our Sahlab isn’t just a menu item — it’s a story of care, discovery, and authenticity. It represents who we are at Koshari: a team dedicated to keeping tradition alive while choosing better, cleaner ways to enjoy it.

Come warm up with a cup of our handcrafted Sahlab — made with real ingredients, love, and a sprinkle of nostalgia.