Degchi
Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha)
Serves 2 · Total 65 min · Prep 45 min · Cook 20 min
AI-generated illustration (Gemini)
A single glass of tea built from seven distinct layers — some hot, some cold, each a different density of milk, sugar and spice — poured in so carefully they never mix. Invented in Sylhet and now a signature only a handful of specially trained tea-makers can pull off.
Quick answer: 65 min in total · serves 2 · main ingredients: Tea leaves, Milk, Sugar · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 4 tsp 4 tsp Tea leaves
- 300 ml 1.25 cup Milk
- 150 g 0.75 cup Sugar, divided into portions of varying sweetness for each layer
- 3 pc 3 pc Cardamom (Optional)
- 1 pc 1 pc Cinnamon (Optional)
Steps
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- Brew a strong pot of tea first, since several of the layers are built from it.
- Prepare seven small cups, each a differently spiced and sweetened tea or milk mixture, varying from very sugary and thick to plain and light.⏱ Preparing the layers · 20 min
- Starting with the heaviest, most sugar-dense mixture, pour a small amount carefully into a tall, clear glass.
- Pour each next layer very slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the previous layer, from heaviest to lightest, so each one floats without mixing.⏱ Layering the tea · 20 min
- Serve immediately without stirring, so the drinker sees and tastes all seven distinct layers in order.
- Serve in a clear glass without a straw, so the seven layers stay visible until the first sip.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha) take?
65 minutes in total: about 45 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.
Is Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha) hard to make?
Degchi rates it hard. The method has 6 steps, and 2 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha) serve?
This recipe serves 2. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha) halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha)?
Fresh items you will probably need to buy: milk. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: tea leaves, sugar.
Any tips for making Seven Layer Tea (Sylheti Cha)?
Each layer must be a noticeably different density (sugar or milk ratio) from the next, or they will blend together instead of floating as separate bands.
Notes and questions
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