Arab Coffee Culture - Arabian Tea House
Explore the history of a key symbol of Emirati hospitality and generosity.
ATH 5Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
The palate unlocks the door to not only the heart but the past too. Arabian Tea House, a quaint and cosy restaurant in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (once called the Bastakiya) does exactly that.
While only the old-timers still call it Basta Art Café, its old-world charm is for everyone.
Alley way of Arbian Tea house by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Arabian Tea House was founded by Ali Al Rais to relive the past. His grandfather was a pearl diver. He grew up in Dubai with great admiration and respect for heritage.
After his studies in the US, Ali spent 38 years in aviation and travelled extensively before settling down to showcase his city for the world.
At the time of establishing Arabian Tea House in 1997, there was a dearth of Emirati eateries for tourists. Sensing a culinary hiatus in a visitor’s experience of the Emirati culture, Ali decided to showcase it in an authentic restaurant.
Emarti traditional Dish by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
In realizing this passion, he found a likeminded partner in Rania Saeed, who was just back from studying food and beverages in Switzerland. Today, Ali and Rania are married with three children.
The tea house was aptly set up in a building from the early 1920s. It had a central courtyard, wind towers, an open shed and even a well – all characteristics of local architecture.
Inside, the experience comes alive in details like the turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains, cushions and the palm leaves.
A Chef Making food at Arbian Tea House by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Besides featuring 150 types of tea, coffee and drinks, the menu has been designed to reveal to the world “what Emiratis eat at home.” So, it was carefully chosen by Ali and his mother.
Local daily fare like eggs and tomatoes, balaleet (sweet vermicelli), dango (chick peas) and bajella (black beans) as well as khameer and chebab breads baked in the tanoor (oven) are all part of it.
From its heritage home in Al Fahidi, Arabian Tea House has grown to sites like Sharjah and Jumeirah, and has a presence in Egypt and Montenegro.
It has around 300 employees from around the world, each one initiated into the Emirati culture and equipped to serve an impeccable experience.
A group Image of thevowner and his wife of Arabian Tea house by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Ali Al Rais has built his business with the able support of his wife Rania Saeed, who shares his passion for food and travel.
A Chef Making food at Arbian Tea House by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Mohammad Akash, Operations Manager and Chef, has been with Arabian Tea House from day one, leading the team and managing the kitchen. At Arabian Tea House, traditional Emirati recipes are followed in their authentic form.
Alley way of Arbian Tea house by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Founded to celebrate authentic Emirati cuisine, Arabian Tea House is aptly located in the Al Fahidi Heritage Neighbourhood, marked by its traditional architecture.
