A popular tea shop in Sharjah, Mustaqbal Restaurant, is known for serving up to 6,000 cups of karak chai daily to its loyal customers, including delivery riders and taxi drivers. Located in Al Majaz area, the restaurant has maintained a consistent taste since 1985, attracting expatriates from various countries who come regularly to enjoy their tea. The owner, Hashim Muttumthala, credits their success to maintaining a consistent taste to retain customer loyalty. Despite inflation, the price of tea remains unchanged at Dh1, which is lower compared to other cafes in Sharjah.
Hashim attributes their success to using fixed measurements for ingredients, ensuring the same taste is maintained regardless of who makes the tea. The quality of the tea is not dependent on individual staff skills, but rather on following a consistent process. Although the cup size has been reduced to manage inflation, the price has remained affordable at Dh1. Loyal customers like Salman Adil, a graphic designer, visit the restaurant regularly and appreciate the consistent taste and affordability of the tea. Faizan, a delivery rider from Pakistan, also praises the tea shop for keeping the price of karak tea low while maintaining quality.
In addition to karak tea, the Malabari paratha is also a top seller at the restaurant, with about 1,500 parathas sold daily. This totals around 48,000 parathas per month, with the price remaining at Dh1 per paratha. The parathas are popular among customers, especially when paired with tea in the morning. The restaurant uses about 80 kg of flour daily to make these parathas, which are a hit among locals and expatriates alike.
Karak chai, a spiced tea popular in the Gulf countries, has its origins in the Indian subcontinent. The tea gained popularity in the Gulf region due to the influence of South Asian expatriates and has since become a staple in local cafes and homes. Mustaqbal Restaurant, founded by Muhammad Muttumthala, serves as a testament to this cultural fusion, offering authentic karak tea and Malabari parathas to its diverse customer base. The restaurant, now managed by Muhammad’s sons and nephews, continues to uphold their family’s legacy.
Looking ahead, Hashim and his cousins are planning to expand their business by opening another branch in an area with a high population of bachelors. Location is crucial in starting a tea shop business, and the owners are mindful of this factor when considering new branches. With a dedicated branch for tea lovers and another focusing on food, the restaurant aims to cater to a wider audience while maintaining the quality and taste that has made them a popular destination for karak chai and Malabari parathas in Sharjah.
