Sharjah: The popular teapot-shaped Al Breej stall is setting up another giant kettle in December in an undisclosed location in Sharjah, a manager said.
Al Breej, which serves about 9,000-10,000 cups of tea and coffee a day, is currently located on the Corniche of the new Al Khan Lagoon near Al Qasba.
Stall manager Robin Joseph said another pot will be set up towards the end of the year, but declined to disclose the location.
“We had so many requests from fans, ‘please set up shop in my neighbourhood’. We have decided to expand and more details will be revealed later,” Joseph said.
Its unique teapot shape and flavourful brews have been a hit with residents and tourists, with many customers from Dubai and Ajman braving traffic to get their daily fix, he added.
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 said Al Breej is the first teapot-shaped stall in the UAE. “Our look and products are special, that’s why we have so many loyal customers.”
Adding to the theme is a mock base representing glowing coals that keeps business simmering. 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 brews, including flavours like saffron, ginger, mint, Kashmiri, Iraqi, Turkish and herbal. There are also other frothy and foamy varieties and signature orders. Most teacups are Dh2 a pop, with the more exotic choices priced at Dh5. Coffee servings are Dh5 per cup.
Also, 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.
Many 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.
Police patrols are routinely spotted at Al Breej, making a pit stop to top up on tea.
“Our customers include VIPs — I can’t name them. They come with empty flasks and we fill them up, up to 20-25 cups at a time. They go home or drive around, sipping tea,” Joseph.
“We are on a first-name basis with a lot of customers. They are mostly Arab youth, followed by Indians and Pakistanis, and then Western tourists. They like to take pictures too.”
Amr Al Samry, a 26-year-old Egyptian customer, said: “I come here every other day, I’m hooked. It’s good tea and a good location, so I 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.
“Our kettle is always on, the brew is always fresh,” Joseph said.
