Sharjah, with its deep appreciation for hospitality and cultural traditions, offers an exquisite array of places where you can find traditional tea sets. These sets are more than just tableware; they are often beautiful expressions of Arabian design, perfect for serving a warm cup of karak or a fragrant herbal tea, and they make wonderful souvenirs or gifts.
Souq Al Arsah: Authentic Arabian Tea Sets
To truly immerse yourself in the search for traditional tea sets, look no further than Souq Al Arsah in the Heart of Sharjah. This charming, air-conditioned heritage souk is a hub for authentic Emirati and regional handicrafts. Here, you’ll find various small shops specializing in traditional home goods, including delicate tea glasses (istikan), often adorned with gold or silver rims, and accompanying saucers. You might also discover beautifully crafted dallah (Arabic coffee pots), which, while primarily for coffee, are often sold alongside tea sets and share similar ornate designs, made from brass, copper, or intricately decorated porcelain. The atmosphere here encourages a leisurely browse, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and perhaps even haggle gently for the perfect set.
Sharjah Central Souk (Blue Souk): Extensive Selection of Tableware
The renowned Sharjah Central Souk, also known as the Blue Souk, is a vast marketplace where you can find an extensive selection of traditional tea sets and related items. While its ground floor is famous for gold and carpets, the upper levels and various wings house numerous shops specializing in home goods, kitchenware, and decorative items. Here, you’ll discover a wide range of porcelain tea sets with intricate Arabian patterns, including those featuring geometric motifs or Islamic calligraphy. You might also find glass tea sets, often designed for both practicality and elegance, suitable for everyday use or special occasions. Many shops offer complete sets, including teapots, cups, saucers, and even trays, allowing you to acquire a full traditional setup. It’s a fantastic place to compare different styles and find a set that perfectly matches your aesthetic preferences.
Souq Al Jubail: Quality Kitchenware and Date-Related Items
While primarily known for fresh produce, the modern Souq Al Jubail also has sections dedicated to general household items and kitchenware. Within these areas, you might come across stores selling tea sets, especially those designed for daily use. While perhaps not as focused on ornate, antique-style sets as the heritage souks, you can often find good quality porcelain or glass tea sets that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Given the souk’s emphasis on local produce, you may also find accessories related to traditional Emirati hospitality, such as small plates for dates and sweets, which perfectly complement a traditional tea service. Look for shops that specialize in ceramics and glassware within the market.
Modern Malls (City Centre Al Zahia, Sahara Centre): Department Stores and Home Goods
Sharjah’s larger, modern shopping malls, such as City Centre Al Zahia and Sahara Centre, host a variety of department stores and international home goods retailers. Stores like Home Centre, Danube Home, and Pottery Barn (though the latter might be in Dubai, they cater to similar aesthetics) often carry tea sets that blend traditional Middle Eastern influences with contemporary designs. You can find sets made from fine porcelain, ceramic, or glass, sometimes with intricate Arabic patterns or subtle gold accents. While these may not always be “traditional” in the same vein as those found in the souks, they offer a refined and often more durable option, combining classic styles with modern manufacturing quality. You can also explore specialized kitchenware stores within these malls.
Al Shaab Village: Diverse Local Offerings
Al Shaab Village is a comprehensive shopping complex with a more local focus, offering a mix of traditional and modern goods. Within its various shops, you can often find stores specializing in home furnishings and kitchenware that cater to Emirati and regional tastes. This includes a selection of tea sets, ranging from simpler, everyday options to more decorative ones. You might discover unique designs that are popular among local residents, reflecting contemporary preferences while still honoring traditional styles. It’s a good place to explore if you’re looking for a wider variety of accessible tea sets beyond the tourist-focused offerings.
Online Retailers with UAE Delivery: Convenience and Selection
The digital marketplace in the UAE has become a convenient resource for purchasing traditional tea sets with delivery options to Sharjah. Online platforms like Noon.com, Carrefour UAE online, and specialty home decor sites such as Otantik UAE and Souk Al Ras offer a wide array of tea and coffee sets. You can browse through various designs, materials, and price points from the comfort of your home. These online stores often feature both classic Arabian designs and modern interpretations, including sets with dallah, finjaan (small Arabic coffee cups), and matching tea glasses. This method allows for easy comparison and direct delivery, making it simple to find the perfect set, even for hard-to-find items.
An Editor’s Perspective from www.few.ae
From the perspective of the www.few.ae team, finding a traditional tea set in Sharjah is more than just a purchase; it’s an invitation into the heart of Emirati hospitality. The ritual of serving tea is deeply ingrained in the culture, and these beautiful sets symbolize warmth, connection, and generosity. We’ve always been drawn to the stories behind the craftsmanship, whether it’s the delicate hand-painting on porcelain or the intricate etchings on a brass dallah. Owning a traditional tea set isn’t just about having pretty dishes; it’s about bringing a piece of that rich, welcoming spirit into your own home.
Discovering Your Perfect Tea Set in Sharjah
In conclusion, Sharjah provides a rich landscape for discovering exquisite traditional tea sets, offering options that range from the authentic, artisan-crafted pieces found in the historic Souq Al Arsah and Sharjah Central Souk to the diverse selections available in modern shopping malls and convenient online platforms. Whether you seek a simple set for daily enjoyment or an ornate one for special occasions, the emirate ensures you’ll find a tea set that perfectly captures the essence of Arabian charm and hospitality.
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