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Sobia | Local Non-alcoholic Beverage From Egypt | TasteAtlas

Sobia

(سوبيا)

Hailing from Egypt, sobia is a refreshing rice-based drink that blends coconut milk, sugar, and ground rice. It is usually flavored with vanilla, and it can also be made with cooked rice. The ingredients are blended, and before serving, the drink is strained and should always be well chilled.


Sobia is a sweet drink with a somewhat thick texture. The standard version has an off-white color, but some opt to add various food colorings to create brightly colored drinks. Sobia is enjoyed all year round, but it is traditionally prepared for Ramadan and served as a fast-breaking beverage.


It is commonly made at home, sometimes with pre-mixed powders, but it is mostly sold by street vendors and comes packed in bottles or plastic bags. Saudi Arabian sobia does not have much in common with the Egyptian version—it is heavily spiced and based on cereals, but it is also commonly enjoyed for Ramadan.