People buying Subya, a popular Hijazi drink found on many Iftar tables, from a street vendor. — Okaz photo Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette Subya, the Hijazi drink is an essential item on every Iftar table during Ramadan. However, Subya is not just a drink; it is a tradition passed down through generations, when mothers and even grandfathers took great pride in making them over the years. Amal Hijaz, a resident of Jeddah, said, “It is a recipe passed down to young children. The drink is habitually served in Ramadan on the streets of Saudi Arabia." “Subya is a thirst quencher that cools down your senses and gives you the strength you need after a day of fasting," Hijaz added. Subya can be found in two colors – red and white. The red Subya is usually made of raisins, food color, and other ingredients that are later added to it to bring out its flavor. The pure and white Subya is made of barley soaked overnight. Afterwards, ingredients like cinnamon, rose water, cardamom, and sugar are added to the mixture. “You have to make sure the mixture of bread and water is filtered, separating both. Then you can add sugar and serve it with ice," said Bilal Bakri, a construction worker living in Jeddah. Bakri further said that his mother and grandmother used to drink the Subya when they were children. “They used to soak barley in water and let it settle overnight. Then they would add yeast, cinnamon and cardamom to it." Be it Balad in Jeddah or the northern area of the country, Subya is made fresh everyday and carried across cities in trucks, cars and even two wheelers to reach the fasting population of the country. Essentially Subya is a barley drink, however, different households have different ways of brewing the sweet drink. The locals take great pride in offering it to guests as a kind gesture of hospitality, while others consider it as profitable venture during Ramadan. “You see young kids on pickup trucks selling the colored Subya in transparent plastic bags everywhere between Asr and Maghrib prayers. It helps some put food on the table and for some it is an integral part of Iftar," said Adel Halawi. “Especially during the hot summer this Ramadan, it is an ideal drink that cools your mind and reboots your system for the night. I think it has an emotional attachment for Saudis and for those who have been living in the Kingdom. In fact it brings all Muslims together while breaking our fast in Mosques and homes everyday," Halawi explained.
