Karak tea
The karak is a standout, from generous mugs to saffron and iced versions praised for rich flavour and balanced sweetness.
Karaki Lounge
Dubai Festival City
Karaki Lounge is a cozy Qatari café-restaurant in Dubai Festival City, with all-day breakfast and a strong following for its karak tea. It is also a comfortable place to linger over dishes such as shakshuka with paratha or a warm dessert like Um Ali.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
514 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Breakfast dishes
Breakfast brings several reliable choices, including fresh Avocado Benedict and shakshuka served with paratha.
Cozy setting
The lounge has a calm, comfortable atmosphere that suits a quiet tea break, reading session or relaxed evening.
Warm service
Reviews repeatedly describe the team as welcoming, attentive and friendly, with staff remembering regular customers’ usual orders.
Sharing portions
Several breakfast dishes are large enough to share, making it easier to try more than one item at the table.
Group bookings
A team of 15 had a preset vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu arranged in advance, with the table ready on arrival.
What to Eat at Karaki Lounge How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Karaki Lounge, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. We still have more reviews to analyze, so the scores may change. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Karaki Lounge, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
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Biscotti Net +2
“Excellent Ice Karak & Saffron Karak tea along with Biscotti was mouth watering .”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Excellent Ice Karak & Saffron Karak tea along with Biscotti was mouth watering .”March 2025
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”October 2025
Honorable mentions (27)
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Balaleet Net +1
“The Balalet was also nice, with impressive presentation. I give it 8/10.”
Positive 2Negative 1
Review excerpts
“The Balalet was also nice, with impressive presentation. I give it 8/10.”July 2024
“The dishes were all yummy. The lotus French toast, chocolate French toast, the pancakes, balaleet and off course the karak tea.”November 2024
-
Arayees Net +1
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”October 2025
-
Avocado benedict Net +1
“Their Avocado Benedict is always fresh and delicious, and definitely my favorite dish on the menu.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their Avocado Benedict is always fresh and delicious, and definitely my favorite dish on the menu.”September 2025
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Baklava cheesecake Net +1
“GUYS THE FOOD!! We tried the pasta, the tandoori plate, the baklava cheesecake and their cold and hot drinks and it was a 10/10!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“GUYS THE FOOD!! We tried the pasta, the tandoori plate, the baklava cheesecake and their cold and hot drinks and it was a 10/10!”March 2024
-
Chapati trio Net +1
“I love their Karak tea (it comes in a large generous mug), their chapati trio, eggs Benedict with chapati instead of an English muffin and the dessert Um Ali is absolutely delicious, warm and so comforting.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love their Karak tea (it comes in a large generous mug), their chapati trio, eggs Benedict with chapati instead of an English muffin and the dessert Um Ali is absolutely delicious, warm and so comforting.”July 2026
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Chapati with beef Net +1
“We ordered Karak with Saffron and Chapati with Beef, and both were really good. The chapati was light, soft, and savory, served in four pieces — just the right portion.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Karak with Saffron and Chapati with Beef, and both were really good. The chapati was light, soft, and savory, served in four pieces — just the right portion.”November 2025
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Chapaty Net +1
“The most important in this place was the waiters. They were so polite, helping and welcoming. Karak and chapaty were delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The most important in this place was the waiters. They were so polite, helping and welcoming. Karak and chapaty were delicious.”October 2024
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Chappati Net +1
“Enjoyed the salad served with Chappati and fresh carrot juice”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Enjoyed the salad served with Chappati and fresh carrot juice”June 2026
-
Chicken pies with mushrooms and cheese Net +1
“The chicken pies with mushrooms and cheese were simply divine!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken pies with mushrooms and cheese were simply divine!”March 2024
-
Chocolate french toast Net +1
“The dishes were all yummy. The lotus French toast, chocolate French toast, the pancakes, balaleet and off course the karak tea.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The dishes were all yummy. The lotus French toast, chocolate French toast, the pancakes, balaleet and off course the karak tea.”November 2024
-
Classic browni Net +1
“This is my first time at Karaki lounge. I like the classic browni and tasty. The espresso was also very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“This is my first time at Karaki lounge. I like the classic browni and tasty. The espresso was also very good.”January 2026
-
Date cake Net +1
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”October 2025
-
Egg and cheese paratha wrap Net +1
“A nice egg and cheese paratha wrap coupled with a mug of karak goes down smooth on a sofa in the airy central promenade.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A nice egg and cheese paratha wrap coupled with a mug of karak goes down smooth on a sofa in the airy central promenade.”April 2024
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Eggs benedict with chapati Net +1
“I love their Karak tea (it comes in a large generous mug), their chapati trio, eggs Benedict with chapati instead of an English muffin and the dessert Um Ali is absolutely delicious, warm and so comforting.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love their Karak tea (it comes in a large generous mug), their chapati trio, eggs Benedict with chapati instead of an English muffin and the dessert Um Ali is absolutely delicious, warm and so comforting.”July 2026
-
Lotus french toast Net +1
“The dishes were all yummy. The lotus French toast, chocolate French toast, the pancakes, balaleet and off course the karak tea.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The dishes were all yummy. The lotus French toast, chocolate French toast, the pancakes, balaleet and off course the karak tea.”November 2024
-
Luqaimat Net +1
“I also tried their luqaimat, and I was surprised by how nice they were. They were delicious and better than I expected.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I also tried their luqaimat, and I was surprised by how nice they were. They were delicious and better than I expected.”May 2026
-
Paratha with chicken pie Net +1
“Paratha with chicken pie was very nice.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Paratha with chicken pie was very nice.”April 2024
-
Pasta Net +1
“GUYS THE FOOD!! We tried the pasta, the tandoori plate, the baklava cheesecake and their cold and hot drinks and it was a 10/10!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“GUYS THE FOOD!! We tried the pasta, the tandoori plate, the baklava cheesecake and their cold and hot drinks and it was a 10/10!”March 2024
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Pesto chicken chapati Net +1
“The Pesto Chicken Chapati was good but a bit heavy, so I'd rate it 7/10.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Pesto Chicken Chapati was good but a bit heavy, so I'd rate it 7/10.”July 2024
-
Qaymat Net +1
“One of the best places in Dubai you can try the traditional food I highly recommend you can try the Karak with Zafran it’s So good you will never ever have the same karak tea anywhere like the one on Karaki! The Qaymat also is so good very yum 🤤 the food experience in this restaurant will always remember. Also the service very professional and friendly especially Reigel he is very friendly and honestly this place keeps you returning back to visit.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“One of the best places in Dubai you can try the traditional food I highly recommend you can try the Karak with Zafran it’s So good you will never ever have the same karak tea anywhere like the one on Karaki! The Qaymat also is so good very yum 🤤 the food experience in this restaurant will always remember. Also the service very professional and friendly especially Reigel he is very friendly and honestly this place keeps you returning back to visit.”April 2024
-
Saffron cake Net +1
“They serve the best saffron cake and Arabic coffee I've ever had.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They serve the best saffron cake and Arabic coffee I've ever had.”March 2025
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Shakshuka with paratha Net +1
“The food was amazing! The shakshuka with paratha so delicious and authentic tasting!! The Karak with saffron was perfect with a great taste as well”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was amazing! The shakshuka with paratha so delicious and authentic tasting!! The Karak with saffron was perfect with a great taste as well”August 2025
-
Tandoori plate Net +1
“GUYS THE FOOD!! We tried the pasta, the tandoori plate, the baklava cheesecake and their cold and hot drinks and it was a 10/10!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“GUYS THE FOOD!! We tried the pasta, the tandoori plate, the baklava cheesecake and their cold and hot drinks and it was a 10/10!”March 2024
-
Tiramisu Net +1
“Karaki Lounge is our best stop for Safron Karak tea and Tiramisu (get your phone ready). Kamal, our server, was attentive and friendly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Karaki Lounge is our best stop for Safron Karak tea and Tiramisu (get your phone ready). Kamal, our server, was attentive and friendly.”July 2026
-
Um ali Net +1
“I love their Karak tea (it comes in a large generous mug), their chapati trio, eggs Benedict with chapati instead of an English muffin and the dessert Um Ali is absolutely delicious, warm and so comforting.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love their Karak tea (it comes in a large generous mug), their chapati trio, eggs Benedict with chapati instead of an English muffin and the dessert Um Ali is absolutely delicious, warm and so comforting.”July 2026
-
Shakshouka Net 0
Mixed feedback
“Best saffron karak tea and the shakshuka was amazing delicious .”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Best saffron karak tea and the shakshuka was amazing delicious .”July 2024
-
Chicken musakhan Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“I decided to try the Chicken Musakhan. The taste was average, and unfortunately, there was a slight delay in serving the food.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 3
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Karak tea Net +19
“The food was consistently delicious, and I absolutely loved the karak tea they bring as a welcoming drink.”
Positive 19Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was consistently delicious, and I absolutely loved the karak tea they bring as a welcoming drink.”February 2026
“Really enjoyed the karak tea, it was rich, flavorful, and perfectly made. The seating area was calm and peaceful, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. I’d definitely come back again.”February 2026
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Karak with saffron Net +6
“Best saffron karak tea and the shakshuka was amazing delicious .”
Positive 6Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Best saffron karak tea and the shakshuka was amazing delicious .”July 2024
“We ordered Karak with Saffron and Chapati with Beef, and both were really good. The chapati was light, soft, and savory, served in four pieces — just the right portion. It paired perfectly with the karak tea. We asked for the tea with less sugar, and it turned out just right, rich in flavor with a nice saffron aroma.”November 2025
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Ice karak tea Net +2
“Great food, usually get a few items and share so we can try different items.... usually have the Karak Tea, but this time I got the Ice Karak Tea, WOW!”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great food, usually get a few items and share so we can try different items.... usually have the Karak Tea, but this time I got the Ice Karak Tea, WOW!”April 2026
“Excellent Ice Karak & Saffron Karak tea along with Biscotti was mouth watering .”March 2025
Honorable mentions (5)
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Arabic coffee Net +1
“They serve the best saffron cake and Arabic coffee I've ever had.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They serve the best saffron cake and Arabic coffee I've ever had.”March 2025
-
Espresso Net +1
“This is my first time at Karaki lounge. I like the classic browni and tasty. The espresso was also very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“This is my first time at Karaki lounge. I like the classic browni and tasty. The espresso was also very good.”January 2026
-
Fresh carrot juice Net +1
“Enjoyed the salad served with Chappati and fresh carrot juice”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Enjoyed the salad served with Chappati and fresh carrot juice”June 2026
-
Orange juice Net +1
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Arayees, Date Cake, Orange Juice, and Biscotti (recommended by Chef Shinu) — everything was super tasty🤤 and full of flavor.”October 2025
-
Saffron chai Net +1
“Perfect local food especially breakfast with blend of light weight saffron chai and awesome saffron chai”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Perfect local food especially breakfast with blend of light weight saffron chai and awesome saffron chai”April 2026
What to Avoid (1)
Food 1
-
Lokma Net −1
“The Lokma experience at delivery was okayish to mediocre. The concept of the box is amazing. The saffron sauce was 5/5, the cheese sauce also 5/5, chocolate sauce 2/5, and the traditional one just 1/5 — too watery. The lokmas themselves were too puffy; I’m used to them being crispy like is done at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Still, the overall concept is nice.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The Lokma experience at delivery was okayish to mediocre. The concept of the box is amazing. The saffron sauce was 5/5, the cheese sauce also 5/5, chocolate sauce 2/5, and the traditional one just 1/5 — too watery. The lokmas themselves were too puffy; I’m used to them being crispy like is done at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Still, the overall concept is nice.”October 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Visit weekdays. Try weekdays if you want to avoid the weekend brunch table wait.
Adjust sweetness. If you prefer less-sweet tea, ask for less sugar; one reviewer found the saffron karak balanced that way.
Share breakfast. Order a few breakfast plates to share, since reviewers found the portions generous enough for sharing.
Check bread charges. Before adding extra bread, confirm whether it carries a charge so there are no surprises on the bill.
Plan for delays. Allow extra time during busy periods, as both table waits and slower food service were reported.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai Festival City Mall - 1st Floor
Al Kheeran - Dubai Festival City, Dubai
| Mon | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Weekend waits
Weekend brunch can mean waiting for a table, particularly when the lounge is busy.
Food inconsistency
One breakfast visit found the balaleet inedible and the shakshuka dry, despite the karak being good.
Extra bread
An additional bread charge surprised one customer because it was not explained before ordering.
Busy service
Service is generally attentive, but one review noted that it can slow down during busy periods.
Higher pricing
A reviewer considered the prices higher than similar restaurants serving these dishes.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Karaki Lounge is a cozy Qatari café-restaurant in Dubai Festival City, and breakfast is one of its clearest draws. You can order shakshuka with paratha, Avocado Benedict, balaleet or chapati-based dishes, then settle in with the lounge’s rich karak. The saffron and iced versions are also popular, while luqaimat and Um Ali cover the sweet side.
The setting is a strong part of the appeal. Reviews describe calm seating, comfortable chairs and a warm mix of modern and traditional décor, making it suitable for a quiet book-and-coffee break as well as a family meal. The team is frequently described as welcoming and attentive, and a group of 15 had a preset menu and shared table organised in advance.
There are a few practical caveats. Weekend brunch can involve a short wait for a table, and service may slow when the lounge is busy. Food feedback is mostly positive but not perfectly consistent: one breakfast visit found the balaleet uneatable and the shakshuka dry.
Prices can run higher than comparable spots; one review listed cheese chapati from 45+ Dhs and balaleet at 59 Dhs. It is open daily from 9am to 11pm, extending to midnight Friday through Sunday.