Distinctive coffee
The Black Sesame Latte is rich, nutty, smooth and not overly sweet, while the rotating seasonal drinks give regulars new options to try.
Umm Hurair
Bando Coffee House is a Korean-inspired specialty café on the first floor of Wafi Mall in Umm Hurair, opposite the Link store. It is a relaxed place to explore distinctive drinks such as the Black Sesame Latte alongside Korean-inspired pastries, waffles and sandwiches.
Source: Google Maps
The Black Sesame Latte is rich, nutty, smooth and not overly sweet, while the rotating seasonal drinks give regulars new options to try.
The waffles are a standout, with one visitor comparing them to waffles eaten in Belgium and another praising the berry-topped version for being filling.
Reviews describe the matcha as smooth and balanced, including combinations where neither the strawberry nor the matcha overwhelms the drink.
Staff are often described as professional, welcoming and knowledgeable, with orders sometimes arriving within five minutes.
The minimalist, softly lit interior works for a quiet coffee, meeting friends or getting some work done, although popular tables can fill quickly.
There is a broad selection of beans and brewing styles, including V60 coffees such as Honduras and Kenya, plus beans sourced from cafés in Korea.
Arrive early. Come earlier if you want madeleines; one regular says they sell out fast.
Check ingredients. If you avoid coffee, confirm the All matcha preparation before ordering, since one customer tasted coffee in it.
Beat cutoff. Order the Cajun chicken sandwich before 4 PM; a reviewer says orders for it had already stopped later in the day.
Ask guidance. The bean selection can feel overwhelming, so ask the counter team for a recommendation or bestseller.
Request stamp card. If you visit regularly, ask at the cashier for the stamp card; it is already available.
Choose your brew. If you prefer stronger coffee, ask about the beans or brewing options; one customer found a winter drink creamy with only a dash of coffee flavour.
Plan the visit
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
A Korean-inspired pastry singled out among the café’s distinctive desserts.
Customers praise the light, fluffy filling and the combination of a crisp crust with balanced sweetness.
The waffles are repeatedly praised, including a version served with berries and a comparison to Belgian waffles.
A filling savoury option praised for its chicken-to-vegetable balance and well-proportioned bread.
One customer felt the matcha was relatively small for its price and considered the items overpriced.
A customer ordering the All matcha drink unexpectedly tasted coffee in it and said this could be a serious issue for people who avoid coffee.
The café can be crowded, with some diners reporting difficulty finding comfortable tables during busy periods.
When the café is full, some back tables use high chairs that one reviewer found unstable and uncomfortable.
The Bottom Line
Bando Coffee House is a Korean-inspired café on Wafi Mall’s first floor in Umm Hurair, opposite the Link store. People come for coffee with a point of difference, especially the Black Sesame Latte, seasonal “four seasons” drinks and pour-over options. The menu also gives you reason to stay for a waffle, sandwich or pastry rather than just grabbing a takeaway.
The Black Sesame Latte is repeatedly described as rich, nutty, smooth and restrained on sweetness. The waffles are another clear favourite, while the egg tarts, madeleines and financiers receive plenty of attention. The Cajun chicken sandwich and mushroom panini are useful savoury choices when you want more than dessert.
The room is calm, modern and softly lit, making it suitable for meeting friends or working, and service is usually warm, knowledgeable and quick. That popularity has a practical downside: tables can be hard to find, and some back chairs are uncomfortable when the café is busy. The air-conditioning is also notably strong.
Come early for madeleines, and order the Cajun chicken sandwich before 4 PM. If you avoid coffee, double-check what is in the All matcha drink. One reported price puts the matcha at about 25 AED, with the portion described as relatively small.