Bakhoor

Bakhoor, and how it is used

Bakhoor is wood chips soaked in fragrant oils and resins, burned in small quantities to scent a room. In Gulf homes it is part of receiving guests, and it is used just as often to perfume clothes, curtains and majlis seating.

What you need

A burner and a heat source. The traditional method uses a charcoal disc: light it, wait until it is covered in grey ash, then place two or three chips on top. Electric burners heat the chips directly and give more control over the intensity.

How to use it well

  • Start with two or three chips. Bakhoor is denser than incense sticks and easy to overdo
  • Move the burner around the room, and hold clothes over the smoke to scent fabric
  • Ventilate afterwards so the scent settles rather than saturates

This collection gathers bakhoor from Ard Al Zaafaran, El Nabil, Nabeel and Lattafa.

Frequently asked questions

What is bakhoor?

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Bakhoor is wood chips soaked in fragrant oils and resins, then burned to scent a room. It is a household tradition across the Gulf, used to welcome guests and to perfume clothes and fabrics.

What do I need to burn bakhoor?

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A burner and a heat source. Traditionally a charcoal disc is lit and left until it ashes over, then a few chips are placed on top. Electric burners heat the chips without charcoal.

How is bakhoor different from incense sticks?

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Incense sticks burn continuously and give a steady stream of smoke. Bakhoor is burned in small quantities for short periods, giving a denser scent that settles into fabric.