The karak chai is a national staple for locals and residents alike. It is a slow-steeped, rich and creamy drink with strong influences of infused spices like cardamom, saffron and sometimes even traces of ginger.

Unlike most food trends, karak is simply not a passing fad – it is an everyday essential for most. From the break of dawn to casual midday sips to even an after-work indulgence, in the UAE a corner tea shop will always have a crowd at its door for a cup of chai.

Here is a list of hottest karak chai spots in town, for when you need to satiate a good midday beverage craving.

Project Chaiwala is a love letter to a decades-old chai culture in the UAE. Their aim is simple – they want to reintroduce the predominantly Asian drink to the rest of the world and to the newer generations. Besides serving up a blend of aromatic teas in store and online, Project Chaiwala also hosts live entertainment at their venues.

Location: Multiple locations
projectchaiwala.com

Probably a cult classic amongst the crowd, Koukh Al Shay has over 70 branches within the UAE and continues to grow within the GCC. While this cafeteria offers an array of mouthwatering and affordable bites in the region, their most popular thing off the menu remains a good old classic karak chai.

Location: multiple locations
koukhalshay.com

Probably a niche find within the region, Rabbash should be on your list if you ever decide to have a day out by the Al Mamzar Beach. While the cafeteria specialises in a range of meals and beverages, their most popular item is a piping hot cup of karak. And what could be better than a cuppa with a scenic view in front of you. Dreamy…

Location: multiple locations
rabbashcafe.com

FiLLi Cafe isn’t just a regional favourite – it is a globally recognised and loved brand with over 100 branches scattered across the globe. This homegrown cafe began its roots in 2004 in Al Mamzar, where Rafih FiLLi took over his father’s shop and began experimenting with different flavours and spices for the milk-based drink. The rest… is history.

An absolute must-try and signature drink on their menu is the Zafran tea.

Location: multiple locations
fillicafe.com

If you’re wondering what the best drink to pair with their signature buns is, it’s probably a cup of karak. With various locations in the UAE, Pappa Roti is the perfect spot for when you want to sit down and truly savour the aromatic drink.

Location: multiple locations
papparoti.ae

Kava & Chai is a celebration of Middle Eastern roots in caffeine culture. This homegrown brand brings a blend of traditional and regional flavours with artsy interiors to the modern café culture space. If you’re looking for some chill downtime at a coffee shop, then this venue might just be it.

Location: multiple locations
@kavaandchai

If you are craving some authentic Emirati cultural cuisine with a side of karak, then the Arabian Tea House should be at the top of your list. With traditional interiors and rustic décor, the space offers a piece of the heritage within the city. Offering more than just regional cuisines, Arabian Tea House is a beloved homegrown space that will take you on a cultural journey.

Location: multiple locations
www.arabianteahouse.com

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the Karak House offers spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa while you sip on your karak – could anything be more Dubai-coded than this?

Serving a modern take on Emirati cuisine and signature jars of karak chai, the Karak House is the ideal spot to fuel your caffeine obsession.

Location: Downtown Dubai
@karakhouse

The Kolkata Junction, also known as TKJ is an ode to the buzzing streets of Kolkata, more specifically the Howrah Bridge. This Dubai-born restaurant brings the authentic flavours of Kolkata to the people of the UAE.

But, what truly makes their karak chai unique isn’t just the flavours or afternotes, but rather the clay cups (kulhads) they are served in. So, if you’re looking for something more eccentric, this is it.

Location: Al Karama
@thekolkatajunction.ae

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