Tariq Ismail

If you can’t get through your day with one or more cups of tea, the most important phrase you need to know as you roam the markets of Dubai (and the UAE) is “Ek karak chai” which loosely translates from Hindi/Urdu into English as “One strong tea [please].” Toronto’s got its hot dog stands, London’s got its Fish & Chips, in Bangkok you’ll find anything from fried coakroaches to freshly cut fruits, in Dubai our equivalent to street food is our vast oversupply of Cafeterias.

Our cafeterias serve shawarmas, sandwiches, fresh juices, and most importantly Chai (tea). And its not just any tea cooked with a tea bag, to make karak chai water is boiled and then loose tea is added and boiled for two to three minutes. Then a little bit of milk and sugar are added. The tea is ready when it starts boiling again after adding the milk. Its unique taste is a treat every time.

So who then is the chai-wala? To the people working in the shops and stores in the markets he’s more popular than Santa Claus. He’s that wonderful being who brings you your piping hot chai right to your store front exactly one moment before your craving for tea popped into your head. He’s always there, never late, and you know as soon as you see his familiar face that you’re in for a treat that is going to help kick start your day or to rekindle your spark in the late afternoon to help you get through the rest of your day.

[Cost of 1 Cup of Tea = Dhs. 1 ($0.30)]