Karak chai
The chai is described as authentic, flavorful and well-spiced, making it one of the stronger reasons to visit.
Kava & Chai • Mall of Emirates, Dubai | Coffee & Desserts
Al Barsha
Kava & Chai is a cafe in Al Barsha’s Mall of Emirates, centred on brewed coffee, chai and desserts. Reviews point to the Karak chai, matcha latte and cheesecake, with a cozy seating area that many people use for a quiet coffee or some work.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
445 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Matcha drinks
Several reviews recommend the matcha, including a bitter-sweet version described as smooth, bold and balanced.
Cheesecake
The burnt cheesecake has been praised for its rich texture and caramelized finish.
Work-friendly
The calm atmosphere and seating make it a practical mall stop for getting some work done.
Solo seating
Single-drinker seating is specifically appreciated, which is useful for a quick coffee alone.
Flexible seating
Staff have moved tables to accommodate a family group of eight.
Tips for a Better Visit
Find the entrance. Look near the taxi pick-up area at the mall’s end; another review places it across from the taxi exit.
Try the chai. If it is your first visit, consider Karak or masala chai; both were enjoyed by first-time visitors.
Ask about sauces. For the halloumi sandwich, ask whether onion and sweet sauce can be left out if you prefer simpler fillings.
Check Fazaa. If you plan to use Fazaa, confirm the benefit before ordering because one customer was told the cafe was not participating.
Avoid peak waits. Consider visiting outside busy periods; one customer reported a 15-minute wait at around 1 pm on a Saturday.
Pair dessert. The cheesecake is often recommended alongside coffee, while the burnt version is noted for its caramelized finish.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Mall of The Emirates - Ground Floor - beside كارفور
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
Popular Mentions
Kava & Chai Latte
This signature-style drink combines coffee and tea flavours and was described as especially enjoyable.
Matcha latte
The matcha latte can be customized; one customer received vanilla at no extra charge.
Spanish latte
Spanish latte and cheesecake were both singled out as strong choices in one visit.
Hallomi sandwich
The halloumi sandwich is liked overall, though one customer wanted the onion and sweet sauce to be optional.
Common Concerns
Inconsistent welcome
One recent review described no greeting, smiles or friendliness, suggesting the service experience can vary.
Uneven waiting
A customer waited 15 minutes while others arriving later were served almost immediately.
Small portions
Some customers feel the portions are too small for the price, especially drinks and stuffed croissants.
Cake dryness
A newer cake was described as noticeably dry, so cake quality may not be consistent across the menu.
Changed recipe
A returning customer disliked the newer Karak recipe and stopped visiting after the change.
DXB
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The Bottom Line
Kava & Chai is a coffee-and-dessert cafe in Al Barsha’s Mall of Emirates, suited to a mall break, a quiet drink or a little laptop time. The menu highlights Karak chai, matcha latte, cheesecake and the signature Kava & Chai Latte. Reviews also mention Spanish latte, croissants and pastries, though the range of food and desserts was called limited by one older visit.
The setting is repeatedly described as cozy, calm and distinctive, with clean tables and useful seating for solo coffee drinkers. Several customers say it works well for relaxing or getting some work done. Service is often warm and accommodating, including a family group whose tables were rearranged to fit eight people, but it is not perfectly consistent: one recent review reported no welcome, while another described a 15-minute wait despite light crowds.
Prices can feel high for the portion size, and cake quality is uneven; one newer cake was called extremely dry. A returning customer also disliked a changed Karak recipe. The cafe is near the mall’s taxi pick-up area, so it is easier to locate from that end.
If you are using Fazaa, check the discount before ordering, as one customer was told the listing was not valid.