Forget the tourist traps. We’ll show you where Dubai’s locals drink coffee—ranging from sheikhs to hipsters. Your guide to the Emirates’ signature beverage.
Imagine a street in Dubai where the delicate, spicy aroma of freshly brewed cardamom coffee from a traditional dallah mingles with the rich, intense scent of specialty-roasted beans from a trendy café around the corner. Dubai’s coffee scene is a vibrant dialogue of cultures, where old and new don’t clash but blend seamlessly right in your cup.
A ritual recognized by UNESCO: Arabic coffee, or 'gahwa,' is not just a drink—it’s an entire hospitality ritual recognized as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Refusing a offered cup is considered impolite.
What criteria did we use?
- Iconic Status: Places that define the face of the city’s coffee culture.
- Product Quality: Consistently high standards for beans and preparation.
- Concept Uniqueness: Establishments with a bold, memorable idea.
- Experience: Venues with their own soul, where coffee is just one part of a unique experience.
Guardians of tradition: A journey into the past over a cup of gahwa
To understand the soul of the Emirates, start with its origins. Traditional coffee shops are portals to the past, where you can experience legendary Arab hospitality and touch living history.
Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage: immersing yourself in history
District: Al Ras, Deira (Old Dubai)
Forget the word "restaurant." Al Bait Al Qadeem is a time machine that transports you back to old Dubai. Located in an authentic Emirati house in the heart of historic Deira, it doesn’t try to imitate the past—it embodies it. Here, settling into a traditional "majlis" surrounded by genuine antique items, you physically feel like a guest in a local family. And when you’re served aromatic gahwa with cardamom and dates, it’s no longer just a tasting but a true ritual of hospitality, revealing more about the soul of the Emirates than any museum could.
Traveler's tip: Take your time. The unhurried service here isn’t a shortcoming, but rather part of the hospitality ritual. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and let time slow down, as is customary in the local culture.
Third wave coffee: Where Dubai meets the world
Alongside custodians of tradition, Dubai has become a true Mecca for specialty coffee enthusiasts. The city has welcomed some of the world’s best roasters, and local projects have emerged here, operating according to the highest international standards.
What is 'third-wave coffee'?: It's a modern movement that treats coffee as a craft product, much like wine. The key here is the highest quality beans, knowledge of their origin, alternative brewing methods, and, of course, the barista's skill.
Common grounds: brunch energy and australian vibes
Several locations, including Al Barsha
Common Grounds is the vibrant heart of Dubai's brunch scene. Be prepared for an energetic buzz of voices, clinking cups, and the feeling that you've stumbled into the city's hottest party, starting at 11 a.m. Expats and freelancers from around the world flock here to recharge with famous avocado toast, healthy bowls, and impeccable coffee before a new workday or a lazy weekend.
Toby's estate: the culture of the perfect flat white
Locations in Downtown and Jumeirah
If Common Grounds is the party, then Toby's Estate is the stylish library. This renowned Australian brand has brought to Dubai the culture of unhurried, thoughtful consumption of specialty coffee. Its minimalist interiors exude an atmosphere of calm focus. It's the perfect spot to seal a deal, finish a chapter of your novel, or simply enjoy a flawless flat white in silence.
Five eephant: the Berlin approach to roasting and legendary cheesecakes
Location in Jumeirah
A slice of creative Berlin in sunny Dubai. This coffee shop, renowned for its meticulous approach to roasting and direct sourcing of beans from farmers, offers guests a unique European coffee experience. Their filter coffee, revealing the subtlest notes of berries and fruits, pairs perfectly with their signature pastries, especially their famous, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecakes.
Innovators and fusion: Dubai's coffee future today
The most exciting developments in Dubai happen at the intersection of cultures. Local entrepreneurs and coffee enthusiasts don't just copy global trends—they build something entirely new on their foundation, blending the global with the local.
The Espresso Lab: coffee as an exact science
Location: Dubai Design District (d3)
This is a true temple of coffee, resembling more of a scientific laboratory. A minimalist, almost sterile interior, baristas in white coats, and lab-like precision in every movement—everything here is dedicated to one goal: unlocking the perfect flavor of the drink. This place is designed for genuine coffee enthusiasts who want to understand the full complexity and multifaceted nature of specialty beans without unnecessary frills.
Coffee with meaning: Where a cup becomes part of a story
This category is for those who seek not just a beverage, but a complete experience. Here, a coffee shop might be an art gallery, a designer bakery, or a manifesto of healthy eating.
To the Moon & Back and Nomad Day Bar: instagram aesthetics with a local twist
These two establishments are kindred spirits, true magnets for Dubai's creative youth. Their strength lies in the photogenic quality of every corner and the boldness to blend global trends with Emirati flavors. It's here you can savor saffron-infused lattes or cold brew with date syrup, all while capturing a shot that'll rack up hundreds of likes.
Bageri Form: Scandinavian Zen and the best croissant in town
Located in the trendy Dubai Design District, this bakery-café is an oasis of Scandinavian minimalism. There’s nothing superfluous here—just concrete, wood, the aroma of fresh pastries, and perfectly brewed coffee. People are willing to stand in line just to get their hands on their signature croissants. Visiting here is about experiencing purity, harmony, and perhaps the best coffee-and-pastry pairing in the Emirates.
Harvest & Co: coffee from the garden in the heart of the Art District
In the creative space of Al Quoz, a sanctuary for health-conscious enthusiasts has emerged. Harvest & Co embodies the "farm-to-table" philosophy in action. Here, specialty coffee is served alongside organic breakfasts made from local ingredients, proving that mindful consumption can—and should—be incredibly delicious.
Planning a coffee tour of Dubai: Practical tips
To ensure your coffee journey goes smoothly, here are a few helpful tips.
Geography of taste
Remember a simple rule: for traditions and history, head to the old districts (Deira), and for modern trends and innovations, visit the new clusters: Downtown, Dubai Design District (d3), Al Quoz, Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. Plan your route in advance to avoid spending too much time on travel.
Budget and prices
- Traditional gahwa at authentic spots: $$$.
- Modern third-wave coffee shops: $$–$$$. High-quality beans, barista expertise, and a unique atmosphere fully justify the price.
Reservations and peak hours
Reservations are not required at most coffee shops. However, popular brunch spots (such as Toby's Estate, Harvest & Co) can get very crowded on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Weekend brunches: Saturday and Sunday are peak days for brunches. The most popular coffee shops may be packed. If you're looking for tranquility, plan your visit on weekdays (Monday-Friday).
Your coffee navigator: A summary for those in a hurry
Overwhelmed by the variety? Here’s a simple summary to help you decide:
- Looking for authenticity and cultural immersion? Your path leads to Old Dubai, to Al Bait Al Qadeem.
- Need the perfect brunch and a big-city vibe? Choose Common Grounds or Toby's Estate.
- Are you a coffee enthusiast looking to try something special? Head over to The Espresso Lab for a tasting experience.
- Want to snap some beautiful photos and sample signature drinks? You’ll love To The Moon & Back or Nomad Day Bar.
- Dreaming of the best pastries in town? Don’t hesitate—make a beeline for Bageri Form.
Your cup of Dubai
Dubai’s coffee culture isn’t about conflict; it’s a harmonious synthesis. Here, respect for ancestral traditions doesn’t hinder bold experimentation, creating a unique and multifaceted world of flavors. To truly feel the pulse of this city, try sipping a cup of traditional gahwa in the historic Deira district one day, then sampling V60-brewed coffee in the futuristic Dubai Design District the next. Because in Dubai, a cup of coffee is the most accurate barometer, reflecting the ever-changing, vibrant, yet always warm spirit of this city.
Comments