Traveling comes with a lot of new experiences. You interact with different cultures and learn about their customs and traditions. It can be a bit of a minefield for food and drink. You don’t want to offend someone by breaking their religious laws inadvertently. It is especially the case when traveling to Muslim countries. So, what is there to drink in predominantly Muslim countries? To play it safe, opt for bottled water and soft drinks. These are the safest options for drinking in predominantly Muslim countries. This article looks at some of the predominantly Islamic countries and what you can drink when visiting.
Saudi Arabia
This is one of the most well-known Muslim countries in the world today. It is widely considered the birthplace of Islam, with Mecca and Medina being some of the holiest sites in this religion. The country adheres to a stringent interpretation of Sharia law. It means that the sale and consumption of alcohol are banned. Even as a tourist, you won’t be able to drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia.
If you need a recreational beverage in Saudi Arabia, your best bet will be coffee or tea. These are the legal options that you can drink in this country.
Turkey
This is another country that has a sizeable Muslim population. While you can find alcohol here, non-Muslim visitors are often restricted to bars and nightclubs. This is because the drinking age in Turkey is 18 years old for locals and tourists alike. You may be able to purchase beer or Turkish Wines at supermarkets, so long as it’s not past 8 pm. As for non-alcoholic drinks, Turkey is home to black teas. These are often served with Turkish delight or other sweets. You can also find Iran, a popular yogurt drink, and salep, a hot drink made from orchid roots.
Iran
In Iran, the sale and consumption of alcohol are illegal for Muslims. However, non-Muslim visitors are allowed to bring in and consume alcohol within the privacy of their own homes. You will not be able to find any bars or nightclubs in Iran, as these are also illegal.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. The Zoroastrian community in Iran is permitted to consume and sell alcohol. This is because Zoroastrianism is a religion, not a culture or ethnicity.
Instead of alcoholic drinks, you can find non-alcoholic beverages in Iran. These are usually served with sugar, milk, and other condiments to make them more palatable. Look out for brands like doogh, which is a salty yogurt drink. You can also find cold drinks like sharbat, a sweet, refreshing juice made from fruits or medicinal plants.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has arguably the most significant percentage of Muslims compared to other Muslim countries. It is estimated that up to 99% of the population in Afghanistan are Muslims due to its religious and cultural significance. As a result, alcohol possession and consumption for Afghani citizens is illegal for all ages. As a tourist, you are only allowed to drink alcohol at hotels and resorts, so long as it is in private.
If you want to fit in with other Afghani citizens, your best bet is to drink non-alcoholic beverages. These include green tea, which is often sweetened with sugar or honey. You can also find a range of juices and sodas and Sharbat, similar to Iran’s version of the drink.
Mauritania
This African country has a population that is over 90% Muslim. Selling or possessing alcohol in Mauritania is illegal for locals and tourists. The only place you can drink alcohol is in a hotel room, so long as it is not on public display. Alcoholic drinks are prevalent in Spanish and French restaurants located in the capital city of Nouakchott.
If you prefer playing it safe, you can drink non-alcoholic beverages whenever you travel to Mauritania. There is a large selection of teas, coffees, and fruit juices. You can also find popular sodas like Pepsi, which will help you fit in with locals. Try out zrig or Sahara honey wine for something more unique, two popular alcoholic drinks found in this country.
Tourists and visitors to Muslim countries will have limited options for alcoholic drinks. This is mainly due to the large Muslim populations that dominate these nations. However, there is still a range of non-alcoholic beverages available for you to enjoy. Whether you prefer tea or coffee, juice or soda, these countries have something for you. Many local drinks use plants and herbs to provide flavor; therefore, they are naturally caffeine-free.