Bahraini entrepreneur and founder of Chawan Japanese Teahouse Budoor Steele has received the prestigious Minister’s Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food from the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The creative talent is the first Bahraini and only the third recipient in the Middle East to receive the recognition.
Japanese Ambassador Asako Okai hosted an exclusive celebratory dinner in her honour.
The event, held at M by Mirai in Seef District, was attended by dignitaries and guests and themed around the traditional Japanese custom of Otsukimi.
An authentic Japanese tea ceremony demonstration by Ms Steele, who also co-curated the evening’s menu, featured as well.
The 39-year-old infusion enthusiast told the GDN: “I’m deeply honoured to have received this award.
“I would have never dreamed that one bowl of tea (matcha) I had back in 2008 would lead to such a fulfilling journey.
“I also believe it’s a responsibility to continue teaching and keeping this tradition alive by sharing Japanese culture in the kingdom,” added the tea aficionado, who is set to fly to Osaka, Japan, next month for a tea conference.
“I will speak about my work in Bahrain and my journey, educating people in the region about Japan and its culture,” she added.
A Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, Ms Steele holds a formal teaching licence from the prestigious Urasenke School of Tea in Japan.
She has introduced tea ceremonies, traditional sweets, kimono workshops and cultural education to local audiences.
Since 2019, she has partnered directly with organic tea farmers in Japan to supply premium Japanese tea to more than 50 hospitality venues across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, while providing specialised staff training.
Her international collaborations have also expanded Japanese tea culture into top culinary establishments in the US and France.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Okai praised Ms Steele’s extraordinary achievements, highlighting how her role as a pioneer of Japanese culture and her deep mastery of the Urasenke tea tradition continue to foster warmth, mutual appreciation and lasting friendship between the countries.
- Read more in GulfWeekly next week.
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