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Speciality coffee shops to try in Dubai
Wed, February 5, 2025
Caffeine connoisseurs can find baristas serving up the best beans, special roasts and smoothest cups across Dubai.
Caffeine connoisseurs can find baristas serving up the best beans, special roasts and smoothest cups across Dubai.
Mokha 1450
Make your way to Mokha 1450 to taste exclusive brews expertly sourced from the countries that started the coffee trade back in 1450, Yemen and Ethiopia. The café, which has two branches in Dubai, is committed to championing female-led co-operatives with a focus on sustainability. You can take it a step further and enrol in one of the onsite workshops, get professionally accredited and emerge with a richer understanding of the bean.
Boon Coffee Roasters
The woman behind Boon, Orit Mohammed, started by sourcing beans from her native Ethiopia and roasting them herself, batch by batch. Custom blends – plus the fact that they source, ship and roast their own beans – set them apart. Head to the Mall of Emirates outlet, located in home furnishing store Crate & Barrel, for delicious bites like pecan pies and buttery croissants that pair perfectly with the coffee on offer.
BeBax Coffee and Roastery
Known for its expertly brewed espressos, smooth lattes and creative signature drinks, BeBax attracts both casual coffee fans and serious enthusiasts. The interiors blend minimalist aesthetics with a cosy ambience, making it an ideal spot for relaxed conversations or quiet work sessions. Alongside specialty coffee, Bebax also offers a selection of pastries and light bites, carefully curated to complement the rich flavours of their brews.
RoR Roastery
Craft is integral to RoR, named after the rate of rise, which is the speed at which the temperature of your beans is increasing. And the sleek grey space that houses the roastery is as much of a draw as what's served inside. The coffee connoisseurs, who also offer courses that cater to both the enthusiast and the professional, have over 30 single-origin options in the store at any one time. Beyond their product range, RoR provides comprehensive services such as bar setup, menu enhancement, specialty coffee setup, service and maintenance, bespoke and private label offerings, and training in roasting, brewing and barista skills.
RAW Coffee Company
This Al Quoz-based haven, which was one of the first to champion coffee in the city, serves up five custom blends and 15 single origin preparations sourced from Mexico to Myanmar. Whether you're a fan of nitro-infused cold brews, want to pick up the latest brewing and espresso equipment, or simply need a place to unwind, this one-stop coffee shop is the place to be.
The Espresso Lab
Inspired by his grandmother roasting beans to serve at her majlis, Emirati owner Ibrahim Al Mallouhi is passionate about educating everyone on the subject of coffee. As well as catering to aficionados, The Espresso Lab at Dubai Design District regularly updates its offerings with beans sourced from micro-lot farms, which have been classified as 'Cup of Excellence'.
BLACKCOFFEE by Cafe Younes
Beirut-based Cafe Younes is renowned for specialising in quality caffeine. In 2018, BLACKCOFFEE by Cafe Younes was launched to offer coffee lovers premium selections from all over the world. The Dubai branch, in Duja Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, stocks single-origin beans from Brazil, Yemen, Burundi and more, alongside the cafe's signature blends. It also runs masterclasses, covering everything from roasting to grinding.
Rx Coffee Apothecary
Starting in Jumeirah in 2018, Rx Coffee Apothecary has since set up base at more key locations in Dubai, including at City Centre Mirdif. Coffee fans flock here for the Instagrammable decor as well as the top-notch drinks. The shop is decked out like an apothecary, and serves up delicious healthy snacks as well as hot drinks. The owner of Rx has tracked down coffee beans roasted by Fuglen, in Oslo and Tokyo, and is the sole distributor of their coffee in the Middle East.
Café Rider
It's the niche, quirky spot that marries excellent coffee with motorbike customisation. And whether you're a petrolhead or not, you'll be charmed by the knowledge of the baristas dispensing your brew, along with dishes piled high with breakfast favourites. Decked out in a cool, industrial style, fans regularly splash out on the merchandise and buy bags of beans to take home.
Peet's Coffee
If you're picky about your beans, then you should make a beeline for the Peet's Coffee Discovery Bar, where onsite baristas indulge your every coffee whim, personalising a tasting flight featuring the roastery's signature blend of coffees. Answering questions about custom cups, aromas and single-origin brews, this Californian spot has outposts in Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Mall. It also champions sustainability, ensuring all beans are used within 28 days of roasting. Choose your favourite espresso, and then team it with an artisanal pastry for the perfect pick-me-up.
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