Café
RAW Coffee Company
One of Dubai's pioneering speciality coffee roasters, founded in 2007, with a warehouse café in Al Quoz serving its own ethically sourced roasts.
Arabian Tea House
A courtyard café in the Al Fahidi heritage quarter serving Emirati breakfasts, karak tea and traditional sweets under a large central tree.
At a glance
- Type
- Emirati café
- Area
- Al Fahidi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- arabianteahouse.com
Good to know
- Courtyard seating
- Emirati breakfast
- No alcohol
- Family-friendly
Why we recommend it
The Arabian Tea House has been serving Emirati food in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood since 1997, and it describes itself as the city's first authentic Emirati restaurant. Its courtyard is one of the calmest places in old Dubai to sit down. A large tree grows up through the middle of the dining area, and turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains and white pebbles underfoot give it a cool, old-fashioned feel that has changed little over the years, even as the city around it has transformed.
Breakfast is the meal to come for. Emirati breakfast trays bring together several traditional dishes, and the menu lists favourites such as balaleet, sweetened vermicelli topped with egg; and harees, a slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge. Later in the day there are salads, mezze, machboos rice with chicken and grilled dishes, and for dessert luqaimat, small fried dumplings with date syrup, and date cake. Karak tea, strong, milky and spiced with cardamom, is the classic order, and there is a long list of other teas, juices and coffees.
The restaurant is open from breakfast until the evening every day, and mornings are the most pleasant time, before the heat builds and the tour groups arrive. Weekends are busy, so expect a short wait for a table at peak times. It is relaxed and family-friendly, and the staff are used to explaining the dishes to first-time visitors. Alcohol and pork are not served. Prices are moderate and portions generous, so sharing a breakfast tray between two is common.
Couples, families and solo travellers will all enjoy it, and it makes an ideal first stop on a walk around the heritage quarter. Vegetarians are well served by the breakfast dishes, salads and mezze. The business has grown to several other sites, including a kiosk in Umm Suqeim and a branch in Sharjah, but the Al Fahidi original is the one with the courtyard and the atmosphere.
The café is at the edge of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, close to the Al Fahidi roundabout and Al Fahidi Fort. Al Fahidi Metro station on the Green Line is a short walk away. The Coffee Museum, the XVA Art Hotel's gallery and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are all a few minutes away through the lanes.
Arabian Tea House FAQs
What is balaleet?
A traditional Emirati breakfast of sweetened vermicelli topped with egg.
When did it open?
It has served Emirati food in Al Fahidi since 1997.
Where is it?
At the edge of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai, near the Al Fahidi roundabout.
What should I order?
An Emirati breakfast tray with karak tea, or luqaimat for dessert.
When is the best time to visit?
In the morning, before the heat builds and tour groups arrive.
Is it good for vegetarians?
Yes, the breakfast dishes, salads and mezze include plenty of vegetarian options.
Does it serve alcohol?
No, and pork is not served either.
How do I get there?
Walk from Al Fahidi Metro station on the Green Line.