Introducing Sobia, a traditional Egyptian cold beverage that promises to tantalize your taste buds and invigorate your senses. This hydrating drink perfectly blends the creamy richness of milk with the delicate sweetness of coconut, and rice flour transporting you to the bustling markets of Cairo.
This recipe may contains affiliate links. Please check our Disclosure policy.
Sobia at a Glance
- Cuisine: Egyptian Cuisine
- Primary Cooking Method: Blender
- Dietary Info: Vegeterian
- Key Favor: Sweet and creamy
- Skill Level: Beginner
What is Sobia
Sobia is a refreshing Egyptian cold beverage that is basically made of coconut flour, rice flour, and milk. It is typically served chilled, often with ice, making it a hydrating drink during the taxing dry heat of Egyptian summer.
When I consulted Dr. Naama Allah Al Dory, the prominent Egyptian food historian, she explained that “Sobia drink was originally an ancient alcoholic beverage, made from fermented rice water and did not include coconut. The original Sobia likely dates back more than 1000 years.”
The Sobia drink commonly found in Egyptian markets today is an altered variation of the original. This modern version is non-alcoholic, non-fermented, and includes ingredients such as dissociated coconut powder, whipped cream powder, and vanilla ice cream powder, which were not part of the traditional recipe.
In Egypt, Sobia is a staple during Ramadan because it provides hydration and energy after a day of fasting. It is commonly found at iftar (the meal breaking the fast) and is sold by street vendors as well as made at home.
Sobia is typically served chilled, often with ice, making it a refreshing drink in the hot climate of Egypt. It can be enjoyed as a beverage on its own or paired with other traditional hearty dishes during meals. Coconut Milk is a legitimate alternative to cow milk.
Sobia’s Memoirs
To those foreign to Cairo, Ramses Street is a bustling main street in Cairo, where one’s senses are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of life. The soundscape is a cacophony of car horns, the hum of engines, the calls of street vendors, and the chatter of pedestrians. Buses, taxis, and private cars jostle for space on the crowded road while pedestrians weave through the traffic with practiced ease.
In the old good days, that bustling main street was the Mecca for iconic juice shops that churned out hundreds of cold juices, including Sobia, each day to thirsty pedestrians and car drivers.
It is hard to disconnect the Sobia drink from that vivid image embedded in my mind. Even if I make Sobia in my diaspora kitchen in quite the humid and green Virginia, USA, my brain will still summon those images from the past.
If you wanna have an authentic Sobia Experience, locals and expats reported an excellent Sobia experience at Sobia Al Rahmani.
Why you will Love Sobia
- Hydration: Sobia is typically consumed chilled, making it an excellent hydrating beverage, especially in hot climates. It helps replenish fluids lost during fasting in Ramadan or throughout the day.
- Energy Boost: The natural sugars in Sobia provide a quick energy boost, which is particularly beneficial after a day of fasting or as a refreshing drink during hot weather.
-
Nutrients: Milk is Sobia’s main ingredient and is a rich source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
How to Make Sobia
Step 1: Make the Sobia BlendCombine all the dry ingredients to make the dry Sobia blend.
Step 2: Make the Sobia Drink
In a blender, add one cup of milk plus one tablespoon of the dry Sobia blend. Turn on the blender for 1-2 minutes or until the Sobia drink becomes foamy and frothy.
Step 3: Serve
Pour the Sobia into tall glasses with 3-4 cubes of ice in each. Serve immediately whole it is still cold.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sobia
-
What is Sobia?
Sobia is a traditional Egyptian beverage, typically served cold and made from a blend of rice, milk, sugar, and sometimes coconut. It’s especially popular during Ramadan. -
Is Sobia originally Egyptian?
While it’s most closely associated with Egypt today, Sobia has ancient roots. According to historians like Dr. Naama Allah Al Dory, the earliest version was an alcoholic drink made from fermented rice water, dating back over a thousand years. -
What are the main ingredients in modern Egyptian Sobia?
The popular version today is non-alcoholic and usually includes rice, water or milk, sugar, and coconut (either fresh, dried, or powder). -
Does traditional Sobia contain coconut?
No, the original form of Sobia did not contain coconut. Coconut was likely added much later, influenced by evolving tastes and regional adaptations. -
Is Sobia alcoholic?
The original version was fermented and alcoholic. However, modern Egyptian Sobia is non-alcoholic and sweet, making it suitable for all ages. -
How is Sobia different in other countries?
Variants of Sobia exist in other parts of the Arab world, such as Saudi Arabia, where it may be made from bread, barley, or oats. These versions are usually darker in color and less creamy than the Egyptian one. -
Why is Sobia especially popular during Ramadan?
Because it’s refreshing, hydrating, and provides a good energy boost after a long day of fasting, Sobia is a staple at Iftar tables across Egypt.
Check out more cold beverages on my blog.
You might also like
- Karakdeeh (Egyptian Hibiscus)
- Kharoub (Egyptian Carob Juice)
- Enab (Hibiscus-Tamarind Juice)
- Lamoon Be Naana (Egyptian Mint Limeade)
Never Miss our Egyptian Recipes
Subscribe here to my blog Chez Nermine, to receive authentic Egyptian recipes.
For fun tutorial food videos, follow IG @cheznermine & Facebook page: Chez Nermine Page
If you try this Sobia drink or any other recipe on Chez Nermine, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram and tag @cheznermine so we can repost on Stories!
Sobia (Egyptian Coconut-Rice Cold Drink) Recipe : سوبيا
Equipment
Ingredients
Sobia Cold Drink
- 2 cups of cow milk, or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of Sobia dry blend, recipe follows
- Ice cubes, for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract, optional
- Flutter of cinnamon
Sobia Dry Mix
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut powder, see note
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup whipping cream powder
- 2 tablespoons vanilla ice cream mix
- 1/4 cup icing sugar, or monk fruit sugar (zero calorie)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, optional
Instructions
- To make the Sobia dry blend, mix all the dry ingredients in an airtight container and keep it in a dry spot in your panty to last longer.
- In a blender, add 2 tablespoons of Sobia dry blend and 2 cups of milk. Turn on the blender for 1-2 minutes or until the drink is frothy and foamy; pour into tall glasses that contain 2-3 ice cubes each.
- Serve cold.
Nermine's Notes
- It is best to use coconut flour in this recipe. However, you can grind dissociated coconut in the spice grinder to end with a fine consistency.
- Rule of thumb: add 1 tablespoon of Sobia blend to each cup of milk.
Add Your Private Notes
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.