Interestingly, the well known teapot-shaped Al Breej stall is initiating another giant kettle during December in an unrevealed location in Sharjah. Al Breej, which serves nearly 9,000-10,000 cups of tea and coffee a day, is presently located on the Corniche of the new Al Khan Lagoon near Al Qasba. Excitingly, stall manager Robin Joseph expressed that another pot will initiated towards the end of the year even though he refused to reveal it's location.
Joseph expressed that they had so many requests from fans requesting them to initiate shop in their neighbourhood. They have decided to expand and more details will be revealed subsequently. Joseph added that its unique teapot shape and flavourful preparation have been a hit with residents and tourists, accompanying many customers from Dubai and Ajman braving traffic to get their daily fix. The stall’s location on the Corniche also works in its favour, with many visitors frequenting the area for its open lagoon views and pedestrian-friendly walkways.
Joseph expressed that Al Breej is the first teapot-shaped stall in the UAE. Due to fact their look and products are special, that’s why they have so many loyal customers. Adding to the theme is a mock base representing glowing coals that keeps business exciting. The pot even steams occasionally, with Joseph pressing a button to release puffs from time to time. On the menu is a wide range of tea and coffee preparation which include flavours like saffron, ginger, mint, Kashmiri, Iraqi, Turkish as well as herbal. There are also other bubbling and foamy varieties along with signature orders. Most teacups are Dh2 a pop, with the more exotic choices priced at Dh5. Coffee servings are Dh5 per cup as well as a variety of Emirati and Middle Eastern desserts and snacks are on offer, including fendal (sweet potatoes), dango (chick peas), lubja (black and white beans), and qaymat (sweet fried dough balls). These are priced at Dh5 per bowl. Several customers place orders from cars, honking and gesturing to busy servers who deliver the cups to the vehicles. Others prefer to walk up to the counter window and collect their orders. Interestingly, Police patrols have commonplace tasks while they are spotted at Al Breej enjoying a pit stop to top up on tea.
Joseph expressed that their customers include VIPs whom he can't name. It seems they come with empty flasks and they fill them up, up to 20-25 cups at a time. They go home otherwise drive around, sipping tea. They are on a first-name basis with a lot of customers. They are mostly Arab youth, followed by Indians and Pakistanis, as well as then Western tourists who like to take pictures as well.
Amr Al Samry, a 26-year-old Egyptian customer, expressed about the coming here every other day when it's really time being hooked. Due to the reason of it’s good tea and a good location, also hang out here with friends. The stall is open from 5pm-2am daily, and till 3am on the weekends and public holidays such as Eid and UAE National Day. Joseph expressed that their kettle is always on at the same time the preparation is always fresh.
Hmmmm, I can smell it! Can you???
(AW:Samrat Biswas)
