Gambia Photo Album


Attaya
Fajara, 1995

These young men are preparing attaya. Attaya is a bitter Chinese green tea heavily sweetened with sugar. Attaya is a popular drink among all ages, but especially with young people. A group of friends will gather around the "attaya master" for up to several hours chatting and watching the attaya master prepare the drink over a small charcoal fire or gas stove.

Attaya is prepared by pouring it repeatedly between two tumblers. The participants may take turns brewing the attaya and tease each other as to who makes the best attaya. A good cup of attaya is marked by a lot of foam. There are usually 3 "rounds" in the attaya ceremony. One compliments that attaya brewer by sipping the tea loudly.

submitted by Andy Lyons


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