As the weather starts to cool down, there’s no shortage of exciting happenings in Dubai during the month of September (discover them all, here). And with the long weekend approaching, there’s no better time to get out and explore the city. But first, coffee.
If you’re ready for a change from your usual haunts, read Savoir Flair’s guide to the can’t-miss café concepts that are perfect for giving your long weekend just the jump start it needs.
Ailuromania Cafe
Ever dreamed of having coffee with a side of kittens? Dubai’s Ailuromania Cafe is your answer. Opened by Saudi sisters Iman and Allaa Ahmed Al Aulaqi, the unique concept allows customers to sip their brews among rescue cats, all chosen for their gentle nature. Cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and desserts are available in the cat-free area, where customers can still admire the furry felines through a pane of glass.
Umm Suqeim 3, Jumeirah Beach Road
(+971) 4 321 6661
www.ailuromania.com
Culinary Boutique
This cooking-school-meets-café in Jumeirah is a quaint spot in which to sample unique coffee combinations, such as its signature lavender-infused cappuccino. After your morning brew, enjoy a cooking tutorial in Culinary Boutique’s state-of-the-art kitchen, which boasts over 100 different classes to choose from and caters to all ages and skill levels.
Jumeira Beach Road
(+971) 4 345 0023
www.culinaryboutique.com
Raw Coffee Company
This boutique coffee shop takes caffeine very seriously and guarantees that its products are 100 percent fair trade and organic. The care that goes into every cup is unbelievable, and Raw’s knowledgeable baristas even offer classes that teach you how to BYOB (be your own barista). While you’re there, you can also enjoy a yummy muffin or other baked goods to fuel a great start to the day.
Warehouse 10, Al Quoz
(+971) 4 339 5474
www.rawcoffeecompany.com
Mokha 1450
Mokha 1450, named after the year that coffee was born in Yemen in the ancient port of Mokha, is one of the latest coffee shops to hit Dubai. So much more than just a place to source your next caffeine fix, the company is vocal about its ethos of actively cultivating and nurturing long-term relationships that incorporate ethical, fair practices. To do this, the shop works directly with women’s cooperatives (according to Mokha, women are responsible for 90 percent of the coffee value chain, but only constitute a five percent ownership of the commodity) in both Yemen and Ethiopia to collaborate on the harvest and export of all coffee beans.
This also allows the shop to serve some of the rarest varieties of coffee in the world, including the first batch of ‘Ethiopian Geisha’. Additionally, specialty coffee techniques including syphoning, French press, areo press, and more are used to elevate the overall coffee experience.
Aswaaq, Al Wasl Road
(+971) 4 321 6455
www.mokha1450.com
The Brass
Start the day off right at this homegrown café, where one can “stay and sip a while” on freshly roasted coffee or espresso. From light and flaky croissants to sliced breakfast loaves or creative flatbread dishes, the bites at The Brass are as Instagram-worthy as its suave interiors and décor.
City Walk
(+971) 4 385 6971
www.thebrass.ae
Brew Café
True coffee aficionados know that Brew Café is one of a kind. The baristas at this rustic and quaint café are masters of latte art and brewing both rich coffee and smooth espresso drinks. Organic and homemade baked goods are available to grab at the counter, from date truffles and brownies to cookies and slices of chocolate-truffle pie.
Jumeirah Beach Road
(+971) 4 331 2333
www.facebook.com/brew
