SUMMARY Background: The leaves of Khat are chewed for their central stimulant effect, but their use may cause anorexia and constipation. Methods: Gastric emptying of a radio‐labelled semi‐solid meal was measured in 12 healthy volunteers on two occasions a week apart. Subjects chewed either Khat leaves (Catha edulis) or lettuce for 2 h before the study. Results: Gastric emptying was significantly (P < 0.02 prolonged after chewing Khat compared with lettuce. Conclusion: The sympathomimetic action of cathinonn in Khat may cause the observed delay in gastric emptying.