Salabat – that ginger tea power drink that makes your usual coffee dates feel like they need an immunity boost! It’s the kind of inumin that has your lola nodding in approval because she knows it’s your go-to weapon against everything from ubo to sipon to “feeling under the weather!” When that spicy ginger aroma hits the air, suddenly your whole household transforms into a traditional healing center.
Let’s be real – this isn’t your typical tea na ginawa lang dahil may sakit! Salabat is that OG wellness drink that makes your fancy detox juices look like they’re just trying to fit in! With ginger kick that’s stronger than your morning coffee, heat that’s more warming than your favorite hoodie, and healing powers that’s more reliable than your ex’s promises – this drink proves why sometimes lola’s traditional remedies hit different,
Best part? This salabat recipe is more effective than your vitamin C supplements! Whether you’re fighting off a cold that’s more stubborn than your ex, needing something to soothe your sore throat from too much videoke, or just wanting that immunity boost that tastes like your childhood sick days (minus the actual sickness), this Salabat recipe has your back.
Promise, by the time that first sip hits your throat, you’ll feel more energized than after reading your tita’s inspirational Facebook posts!
Salabat: Traditional Filipino Ginger Tea (Fresh Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
- 6 cups water tubig
- 4 oz fresh ginger luya, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces (about 5-inch piece)
- ¼ cup honey pulot or sugar (asukal)
- Optional: Lemon slices hiwa ng dayap
Instructions
Preparation (Paghahanda)
- Peel the ginger (Balatan ang luya)
- Slice into thin pieces (Hiwain ng manipis)
- Prepare your honey or sugar (Ihanda ang pulot o asukal)
Cooking Steps (Hakbang ng Pagluluto)
- Combine water, sliced ginger, and honey in a saucepan (Pagsamahin ang tubig, luya, at pulot sa kawali)
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (Pakuluan sa katamtamang init)
- Lower heat and simmer covered for 10-15 minutes (Pahinaan ang apoy at hayaang kumulo ng 10-15 minuto)
- Strain the tea (Salain ang tsaa)
- Serve hot with optional lemon slice (Ihain ng mainit na may hiwa ng dayap kung gusto)
Tips from Lola’s Kitchen
- Crush ginger slightly before slicing to release more flavor
- Use ceramic or glass pots instead of metal when possible
- Don’t over-boil as it can make the tea bitter
- Add pandan leaves for extra aroma
- Try adding calamansi instead of lemon for a more Filipino twist
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve in small ceramic cups (tasitas)
- Offer during merienda (afternoon snack)
- Pair with Filipino kakanin (rice cakes)
- Serve hot during rainy season
- Perfect with pan de sal for breakfast
Troubleshooting
- Too spicy? Add more honey or water
- Too sweet? Add more ginger or water
- Too weak? Simmer longer or add more ginger
- Too strong? Add hot water to dilute
Ingredient Alternatives
- Honey → Brown sugar, muscovado, or stevia
- Fresh ginger → Ginger powder (1 tbsp per 6 cups)
- Lemon → Calamansi or dayap
- Water → Coconut water for added benefits
Storage & Reheating
- Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Keep in airtight glass container
- Reheat on stovetop or microwave
- Do not reboil multiple times
Variations
- Turmeric Salabat: Add 1 inch fresh turmeric
- Lemongrass Salabat: Add 2 stalks lemongrass
- Spiced Salabat: Add cinnamon stick and star anise
- Mint Salabat: Add fresh mint leaves
- Immune Booster: Add garlic and black pepper
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this with powdered ginger?
Yes, but fresh is preferred. Use 1 tablespoon of ginger powder per 6 cups of water.Why is my tea cloudy?
This is normal due to natural ginger oils and compounds. It doesn’t affect the taste or benefits.Can I drink this cold?
Yes! It’s refreshing served over ice, especially during summer.How much should I drink when I’m sick?
Start with 2-3 cups per day and adjust based on how you feel.Can pregnant women drink salabat?
Consult your healthcare provider, but moderate amounts are generally considered safe during pregnancy.Nutrition
The Story Behind Salabat (Traditional Filipino Ginger Tea)
Long before modern medicine lined pharmacy shelves, Filipino households relied on the powerful healing properties of salabat, a traditional ginger tea that has been a cornerstone of Filipino wellness for centuries. This aromatic brew, known locally as “sa-LA-bat,” traces its origins to pre-colonial Philippines, where indigenous healers recognized ginger’s potent medicinal properties.
In the mountainous regions of the Cordilleras, particularly in Benguet, salabat became more than just a remedy—it evolved into a cultural symbol of care and hospitality. Local farmers would start their day with a steaming cup of this invigorating tea, believing it provided the strength needed for their labor-intensive work in the terraced rice fields. The high altitude and cool climate of these regions made salabat an essential part of daily life.
During the Spanish colonial period, salabat’s popularity spread throughout the archipelago, with each region adding its own twist to the basic recipe. Some areas incorporated local citrus fruits like calamansi, while others added indigenous herbs such as pandan or lemongrass. The Spanish documented the Filipinos’ use of salabat for treating various ailments, from digestive issues to respiratory problems.
Today, salabat remains deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino culture. It’s a common sight in Filipino households during the cold and rainy season, often served alongside traditional merienda snacks. Street vendors, known as magsasalabat, still roam some neighborhoods, especially during the early morning hours, carrying thermoses of this comforting brew. The distinctive call of “Saaaaaa-labat!” has become a nostalgic sound for many urban dwellers.
Modern science has validated what Filipino ancestors knew all along—ginger contains powerful compounds like gingerols and shogaols that possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This scientific backing has led to a resurgence of interest in salabat, with many young Filipinos rediscovering this traditional remedy as a natural alternative to over-the-counter medicines.
Whether it’s soothing a sore throat before a singing performance, calming an upset stomach, or simply providing comfort on a rainy day, salabat continues to be passed down through generations as both a remedy and a reminder of Filipino heritage. Its enduring presence in Filipino culture speaks to the timeless wisdom of traditional healing practices and the deep connection between food, medicine, and family in Filipino society.
As global interest in natural remedies and wellness beverages grows, salabat is gaining recognition beyond Philippine shores, earning its place alongside other celebrated healing teas. Yet for Filipinos, it remains something more personal—a warm embrace in a cup, a mother’s care in liquid form, and a taste of home that connects them to their roots and traditions.