Thread by @KarakMufti, THREAD. In honour of #NationalTeaDay, I'm going to post a list of [...]

Abdulla

KarakMufti

THREAD.

In honour of #NationalTeaDay, I'm going to post a list of my favourite chai spots in the UAE, karak and otherwise, in no particular order. Best believe I'm going to spend an entire day visiting them all once the covid lockdown is over.

We start with the famous Al Rabbash Cafeteria. It may look small & unassuming, but its always buzzing on a Thursday night. Its chai is notable for being very heavy on elaichi and the view of Sharjah across the water from it is one of my favourite things.

https://goo.gl/maps/MPU1cytz1PGSs4jt6

I first discovered this place when it was called Ahla Coup Karak. It's now called Tea Town and it's, in my view, Satwa's best chai spot and the only Tea Town in Dubai worth drinking at. Significantly, their chai is made with fresh milk and it shows!

https://goo.gl/maps/iddAyGutWGPxiku76

Back when it was on what was affectionately referred to as Karak Road, this spot was Sharjah chai Royal Tea. At its current location close to Kuwait Square, it's still one of my top 3 spots in the country. Their chai is heavy, but worth the dirham.

https://goo.gl/maps/GdTDyFuW9AKpLtG57

Once famous for its old Baskin Robbins style signage, Khabeer Al Shay is now my king of Karak Road. A great place to hang out, what really makes Khabeer stand out is its extensive menu. My order, for those curious, is always "karak masala, ziada hail".

https://goo.gl/maps/x8MTqCh2rcSqBoE36

Wadi Al Amarhi Cafeteria is in the area it's named after. A great spot to visit in good weather. It's surrounded by farms & horse stables so it is normal for camels and horses to pass by as you sip on your chai. The neighbourhood cats are also a delight.

https://goo.gl/maps/9bw94VYCZYneByZU7

I was not kidding about the camels and horses, by the way.

A place that does simultaneously great and not so great chai (depending on the time of day) is Bab Mirdif, but when their chai is good (ideally before 3PM), it's REALLY good.

https://goo.gl/maps/fDZh8iH1aDSZWNZ26

A more consistent choice if you're around Mirdif in the evening is Al Tazj Bakery. While I dispute their claim of being the best in Dubai, their karak chai is still very good. Their stuffed naans are also very good.

https://goo.gl/maps/iFcDbnqK7zcShK6WA

Somebody will ask me about Kashmiri chai. From my experience, the best Kashmiri chai around is Pak Ghazi in the Sharjah Industrial area. I should mention though that they only make it in the winter months and its made in the more Lahori style (w sugar).

https://goo.gl/maps/s5bGJNscaHEdaZ4bA

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