No matter what the weather, there is a cuppa for every occasion! Our day refuses to kickstart without this elixir of life! Yes, we are talking about the favourite beverage- The Masala Chai! Go around Dubai and you will spot cars lining the street sides all for that much needed cup of piping hot chai.
No matter what the mood, chai is like a perfect soulmate- during happiness, we celebrate with chai; if lonely, chai gives us comfort. A perfect excuse for casual conversations, midnight snacks, friend’s outing or just a nice meal, this magical cuppa brings that incandescent smile to our faces.
A booming part of the Indian/Middle Eastern culture, this steaming cuppa is one of the most popular choices for low-key outings, the perfect elixir for a seamless start and end to the day. Masala Chai is more than just plain delectable. It has been proven to have some amazing health benefits, too!
Lo and behold, we bring beaming smiles with varieties of Masala Chai that complement the unrivalled tea culture in Dubai. We have also stated the places where you can relish these varieties, which is sure to make your mornings and evenings brighter and more energetic!
TANDOORI CHAI
WHERE- HOT SIP CAFÉ, MEENA BAZAAR
AED 3
While we can pick a dozen places that serve the best chai in Dubai, Hot Sip Cafe in Meena Bazaar is the only place in town which serves Tandoori Chai in an earthen clay pot called kulhad. Tandoori chai, as they call it is made using a clay pot, which is kept in a Tandoor (traditional oven) for hours, after which chai is served in the same kulhad. The lingering flavour of tandoor with piping hot chai makes this tea stand out.
24- KARAT GOLD KARAK CHAI
WHERE- FOOD KA MOOD RESTAURANT, KARAMA
HOW MUCH -AED 51
As a tea connoisseur who has been avidly trying chai for decades, in different parts of the world, I can safely say this 24 Karat Gold Chai is just wow!!! Creamy, yummy, frothy and what’s more you can actually feel the taste of gold flakes – a chai that truly reverberates with spirit of Dubai- bling and more bling!!!
SAFFRON CHAI (ZAFRANI)
WHERE- FILLI CAFETARIA
HOW MUCH- AED 6
The pioneer of Masala Chai revolution in UAE, Filli Café’s Saffron or Zafrani Chai has come a long way. A blend of warming, welcoming spices, nice and fragrant with floating saffron strands, it was almost like love at first sight! The extra saffron added in it makes it even more aromatic and tastier. Just as saffron is known as the king of spices, this tea has grabbed unbeatable popularity and has acquired a kingly status in UAE Chai circles.
KARAK CHAI
WHERE – KARAK HOUSE
HOW MUCH- AED 12
Karak Chai is UAEs signature Chai that drives thousands of cars to the café joints. While there are hundreds of cafes around the town serving Dubai’s ubiquitous Karak Chai, the best place to get Karak Chai is at Karak House with majestic Burj Khalifa views right in front of you!!)
BIRYANI CHAI
WHERE- CALICUT PARAGON RESTAURANT
HOW MUCH- AED 6.25
It’s a transparent glass of tea, with three swirling layers- The bottom is the dark, transparent tea itself, the middle is the milk and the top is a layer of foam. It looks like biryani’s layers hence the name. You then mix it all up based on how strong you want it, and voila!
DISCO CHAI
WHERE- AL HARA CAFETARIA
HOW MUCH- AED 2
The cafeteria is a humble hub known for its soul-warming Disco Chai and the good news is, they are open 24 hours! Apart from Disco Chai, which is also their fastest selling beverage, Al Hara Cafetaria proudly offers more than 100 varieties of Masala Chai!
MUSHROOM CHAI
WHERE- TRESIND RESTAURANT, HOTEL VOCO
HOW MUCH AED 80 (SERVES FOUR)
Also known as Wild Mushroom Chai, Chef Himanshu Saini’s Mushroom Chai is easily one of his most popular and unique creations. Concocted with a blend of dehydrated mushrooms and truffle oil milk powder, mushroom chai is a gastronomical adventure in itself and a must try by all chai lovers.
Excellent write up for much needed flavour .Dubai is amazing & tea will add lots of values to tourist from all over.Bandana is very creative in her field with Indian cultures & all the best to move further in her work
Loved reading this post 🤩👌… Perfect for ☕️ lovers
Being an ardent tea lover this article is right up my alley! Having tried out most of the places mentioned I must tell you homemade ginger tea or masala tea beats the rest of them hollow! However when one is out on a cold day I do enjoy drinking a good cuppa outside. Once had a very good tandoori chai at Global Village just next to the Indian pavilion. I personally loved the mushroom tea at Tresind💕
Thanks Bandana for listing out a few more places to try!