Signature Chai
The chocolate-topped signature chai is a standout for customers seeking something beyond regular karak.
Project Chaiwala
Jebel Ali Village
Project Chaiwala is a cafe in Jebel Ali Village built around Indian-style chai and snacks. Reviews highlight its signature chai, including a chocolate-topped version, alongside parathas, wraps and street-food favourites at its Ibn Battuta Mall branch.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
171 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Tea Choice
Customers can sample and compare several chai styles, including karak, masala and signature blends.
Street Snacks
The menu includes distinctive snacks such as smashmosa, samosa chaat and vada pav.
Fresh Breakfast
The breakfast egg wrap was made to order, and one review found the breakfast combo reasonably priced.
Parathas
Several reviews recommend the parathas, with one describing them as authentic and delicious.
Mall Ambience
The branch has kiosk seating outside, including seats in the Ibn Battuta Mall corridor.
Menu Guidance
Staff were praised for helping first-time visitors choose dishes and tea varieties.
Tips for a Better Visit
Sample First. Ask to taste the chai in small glasses before choosing between karak, masala and signature.
Go Earlier. Avoid arriving near closing; one customer was refused service at 9:50pm although the restaurant closed at 10pm.
Check Availability. Ask which dishes are currently available, since one visit found the full menu was not on offer.
Budget Carefully. A large karak cup of about 150ml was reported at 9 AED, so check the current price before ordering.
Try Chocolate. If you want the cafe’s more distinctive drink, try the signature chai with its chocolate topping.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Ibn Battuta Mall
Jebel Ali Village, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Chicken Harissa Wrap
The chicken harissa wrap is one of the savoury items customers order alongside chai.
Nutella Toast
Nutella toast is a recurring sweet snack, with reviews ranging from enjoyable to merely okay.
Common Concerns
High Prices
Several customers considered the tea and snacks expensive, with one saying prices had increased.
Inconsistent Chai
Chai quality was not consistent across visits; one customer described the karak as watery and odd-tasting.
Menu Gaps
A visit was disappointing because the full menu was not available.
Early Closure
One customer arriving at 9:50pm was refused service despite the stated 10pm closing time.
Ordering Confusion
The display and explanations left one customer unable to order two samosas clearly.
DXB
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The Bottom Line
Project Chaiwala is a chai-focused cafe in Jebel Ali Village, with reviews centred on its Ibn Battuta Mall branch. The main reason to stop is the range of Indian-style teas, especially the signature chai, karak chai and masala chai. The signature version with a chocolate topping is the most distinctive recommendation, while small tasting samples can help first-time visitors choose.
The food gives the drinks plenty of company. Customers mention parathas, the chicken harissa wrap, Nutella toast and smashmosa, a samosa-based chaat with desi and Arabic-style variations. One reviewer particularly liked the authentic parathas; another found the breakfast egg wrap hot and made to order.
The branch also has kiosk seating outside in the mall corridor, making it suitable for a quick snack or a short break. Prices are a recurring caution. A large karak cup of about 150ml was reported at 9 AED, and several customers felt tea and snacks were expensive.
Quality was not entirely consistent, with one review calling the karak watery. Check what is available before ordering, as the full menu was not offered on one visit, and arrive well before the stated 10pm closing time after a customer was refused service at 9:50pm.