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When Budoor Al Murbati isn’t busy designing on-air graphics for Al Arab News channel, she is wrapped up in a flowery kimono, sashaying through her cosy venue in Amwaj Islands Lagoon, serving up tea and snacks to fellow hot beverage drinkers.
The authentic tea house Chawan, which is a bowl used for ceremonial tea drinking, aims to offer diners an in-depth look into Japanese customs.
The 28-year-old, who lives in Juffair, spent three years on the fabulous island of Kyushu, located south of Japan, teaching English and completing her masters.
She became fluent in the language and fell in love with its food and art. She learned how to make traditional treats such as Chawanmushi, a type of egg custard hot appetizer that’s savoury, and kani sarada, a crisp cucumber and crab salad, straight from the hands of Japanese housewives.
Budoor said: “I loved Japan. The people are amazing and so welcoming. There is so much to do and learn there as well. I feel that not everyone would be able to go and experience what I did so why not bring it here?
“Diners can experience a new culture at Chawan and see the beauty of Japan through my eyes.”
Situated on the second floor, the dimly-lit tea house which can seat 50 is covered in lights, hanging lanterns, pretty scrolls symbolising good luck and well wishes as well as a Japanese Samurai helmet display.
Budoor spent a lot of time at auction houses collecting pillows and other special pieces. She was also given a wedding kimono from the auctioneers as a farewell present which according to Budoor is an honour.
She said: “Wedding kimonos are very expensive and include gold threading. To receive one is very special and I am thankful for their hospitality. The auctioneers were impressed that I was not from their culture but I was so interested in buying all these distinctive pieces.”
However, the most mesmerising feature is the tea bar which is designed to look like a tree and the hanging lights represent cherry blossoms.
Budoor said: “This design is based on Hanami, an important Japanese custom which literally means viewing flowers, specifically, cherry blossoms.
“It’s a tradition to sit under the cherry blossom in spring, eating and drinking tea. I created a bar there offering more than 60 types of tea as well as limited additions that are not on the menu. I feature a tea of the day to allow people to taste my favourite picks. Now people can drink their tea under my cherry blossoms.”
Customers can choose to drink the eclectic tea from a wide selection of porcelain cups handpicked by Budoor from her trips to Imari, a city located in Saga Prefecture in Kyushu. Imari is notable because of its porcelain, which is the European collectors’ name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita.
I began my Japanese cultural journey when Budoor greeted me at the door with a cherry blossom in her hair. She then escorted me to my seat and presented me with a hot towel to clean my hands.
Budoor prepares everything herself in an open kitchen which allows guests to watch her in her element.
She said: “I add healthy snacks every month. Healthy living is big in Japan. I use fat-free products and substitute sugar with honey in a lot of items.
“Living a healthy lifestyle means a lot to me as my mother, Fatima, adopted it after she was diagnosed with cancer. I went on the health kick with her.
“I wanted to start Chawan with my mum but sadly she didn’t live long enough to see it so I dedicated a dessert in her honour.”
Budoor prepared a tiny feast for me which had me smiling with every bite. Everything was presented beautifully from the little dori-like chopstick holder to the lovely bowls of food. Chopsticks couldn’t stop me from demolishing her delicious kani sarada. The onigiri - white rice formed into a triangle or oval shape with a tasty centre of either crab, tuna or salmon -was my favourite. The shrimp dumplings were also tasty.
Just when I felt I was living in Japan, with the serene music playing in the background and the filling snacks, Budoor brought me back to reality with a Bahraini hummus. But it had a twist as it included jalapenos which gave it a fiery kick.
I topped off my delightful evening with a relaxing momoko (peach flower) tea. Just before sipping, Budoor introduced me to her Yukata Experience where she dressed me up in a kimono to fully enjoy the moment.
Budoor tries to keep things interesting at Chawan by adding activities such as karaoke night on Sunday evenings and Japanese Calligraphy every Wednesday.
The quaint outlet is open six days-a-week, except on Monday, from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and 5pm to midnight on weekends
For details, follow them on instagram @chawanbh
