Emirati Mansoor Al Bastaki talks about opening the UAE’s first Mastihashop

Emirati entrepreneur Mansoor Al Bastaki remembers when his grandmother would only rely on a resin found exclusively on a Greek island to relieve chest congestion.

Mastic, or Arabic gum (called mastiha in the Middle East), is obtained from the mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus) found at the southern end of Chios and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties.

The sap is sun-dried and sold in the form of powder or crystal droplets (known as the “tears of Chios”), and has for centuries featured on kitchen counters in homes across the region.

Now it has been given a niche spin: Mastihashop, Al Bastaki’s cafe in Dubai, which opened in February, stocks a range of skincare products and confectionery featuring the star ingredient.

The 35-year-old first chanced upon the Mastihashop franchise at an exhibition in Dubai. The brand is from Athens, Greece, and also has stores in New York, Paris and Saudi Arabia.

“I personally love dining out,” says Al Bastaki. “Whenever I travel, I love sitting in cafes, sipping on coffee and trying out new things. Opening Mastihashop is just playing into the passion.”

Original article by Afshan Ahmed

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Emirati Mansoor Al Bastaki talks about opening the UAE’s first Mastihashop