Nevin Mudawar, filming Ayman Al -Madhoun
In the heart of Muharraq, and between the homes of the good and its ancient alleys, a modest grocery that has turned over time into a destination for Bahrainis from different regions. The secret lies in the “Al -Mutai” that Hajj Muhammad Baloko is sold in his distinctive way, as they come specifically to his groceries to taste this unique Matai, which has become a milestone transmitted by adults and children. It is no longer just a snack or a “snack”, but rather turned into a part of the Bahraini memory, carrying childhood taste.
Al -Mutai is famous for the name of his owner, Hajj Mohamed Balok, who everyone knows as the title of “Muhammadin”, as he says that the secret of the great turnout on his store does not lie in Al -Mutai alone, but rather in the special “pepper mixture” that he is keen to prepare for himself for more than 50 years. Haji Muhammad confirms that the recipe for the mixture is very secret, saying with a smile that hides a great pride behind it: “Even my children and my wife do not know .. This is a magic mix that I said to anyone.”
On the prices, he explains that the mixture is sold in two different packages: the small one and a half, and the largest in three dinars, while the Matai is sold at symbolic prices starting from 200 fils and not exceeding 400 fils.
As for the origin of the name that was associated with his product, he narrated a funny story that dates back to his childhood: “From the day my mother gave birth to me, Muhammad he called me .. They were pamling me by the name and even became a song in my name .. With time, the Matai fell in my name and became known among the people in the name of Matai Muhammadin.” Hence, Al -Mutai was associated with this popular name, which remained present in the memory of Bahraini society.
The history of Al -Matai in Bahrain – according to Hajj Muhammad – dates back to the eighties, after he was attended in the seventies in primitive ways, as people were buying “rolls” from bakeries and spraying pepper over him and then selling it. He says: “In the 1970s in 1976, we used to sell it in this way … but in the eighties the well -known Al -Matai came out and became more spread among people.”
With the passage of years, “Matai Muhammadin” remained retaining his attractiveness, as customers mean him from everywhere, some of them from distant areas only to taste him and some of them are from the neighboring Gulf states. And he recalls the proud of this extended relationship with his clients, saying: “They come to me, old and elderly women.
The thorns assert that the sale of the Matai for him is not just a profession, but a hobby and a passion he lived with him throughout his life, saying: “I do not leave her to die .. From the seventies and I am used to .. Al -Barada is walking in my blood, I can’t sit at home without work .. I die if I sat.”
When asked about his feeling of people’s love for him, he smiles with thorns sincerely and seals his speech with moving words: “People love me more than the same.”
The story of “Matai Muhammadin” is not just a story about food, but a human story, memories and mutual loyalty between a seller and his clients. It is the story of a man who made a secret recipe and the simplicity of his producer is a popular heritage that attracts Bahrainis and the Gulf, to remain with his small state in Muharraq, witnessing more than half a century of tales, flavors and love
