Cinema setting
You can order chai and snacks while watching films at the in-house Cinema Akil, an unusual part of the visit.
Project Chaiwala
Al Quoz
Project Chaiwala is a chai diner in Al Quoz, located within Cinema Akil at Al Serkal Avenue. It pairs karak and signature chai with Indian street-food dishes such as smashmosa, with the option of enjoying a film in the same setting.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
601 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Signature chai
The signature chai is repeatedly praised, including by one reviewer who preferred it to the more conventional masala chai.
Smashmosa
The smashed samosa dish is a standout for several reviewers, with the Desi version praised for its unusual textures and flavours.
Street food
Reviews highlight Indian street-food dishes with a twist, including paratha rolls, sweet potato fries and beef brisket wraps.
Friendly service
Many visitors describe the staff as welcoming and helpful, with menu explanations and quick, cheerful service mentioned positively.
Fair pricing
One Alserkal Avenue review found the prices genuinely reasonable compared with nearby venues, though other reviews disagree.
Tips for a Better Visit
Try signature. Start with the signature chai rather than assuming karak is the highlight; one reviewer liked it best after a tasting.
Order smashmosa. For food, consider smashmosa, especially the Spicy Chola or Desi version, which reviewers repeatedly singled out.
Check hours. Verify opening hours before an early visit: one customer found the online 11am opening time conflicted with staff guidance.
Allow parking. If driving to Al Serkal Avenue, allow extra time because parking becomes busy during peak hours.
Visit outdoors. Outdoor seating is more appealing in cooler weather, when reviewers enjoyed the Alserkal Avenue atmosphere.
Budget cinema. If you plan to watch a film, budget for the separate cinema ticket; one review mentioned a cost of around AED 55 per person.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 68
Al Qouz Ind.first - Al Quoz, Dubai
| Mon | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Spicy Chola
Spicy Chola is specifically recommended as a variation of the smashmosa.
Saffron karak chai
The saffron version keeps the strong karak character while adding a noticeable saffron flavour.
Vada Pav
Vada pav receives mixed feedback, but several reviewers found it enjoyable and well executed.
Common Concerns
Tea inconsistency
Tea feedback varies sharply: some visitors loved the karak, while others found it ordinary, lukewarm or poorly made.
Opening hours
One visitor arrived at 11am when staff said the store opened at noon, despite online hours showing 11am.
Parking pressure
Parking can be difficult during peak periods, and one review says there is no parking directly in front of the shop.
Uneven food
Some dishes disappointed reviewers, including one vada pav, masala chai and a samboosa described as mostly tomato.
Price concerns
Several reviewers considered the chai or some menu items expensive, including a reported AED 15 signature chai.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 15
Vada Pav
“Vada Pav [AED 15]: Isn’t it a classic combination, a cup of piping hot tea and the famous street food that go so well together, and with the weather turning out to be cooler, people would start craving for this duo”Google review · November 2019
AED 40
Beef Brisket Wrap
“Beef Brisket Wrap [AED 40]: Toasted wrap with slices of juicy beef brisket, some pickles, mayo and bbq sauce”Google review · November 2019
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Project Chaiwala is a chai diner in Al Quoz, tucked into Cinema Akil at Al Serkal Avenue. The draw is the combination of Indian street food and a film-going setting: you can order chai and snacks, then watch a movie without leaving the venue. It works for a quick cup or a longer catch-up in the café’s relaxed, cinematic surroundings.
The signature chai is the safest first order according to the reviews, while the saffron karak chai also gets a strong recommendation. For food, smashmosa is the most consistently interesting pick, with the Spicy Chola and Desi versions mentioned favourably. Sweet potato fries, vada pav and beef brisket wraps round out the more talked-about choices.
Service is generally described as warm and helpful, and some visitors find the pricing reasonable for Alserkal Avenue. That said, tea quality and value are not consistent: a few reviewers found the chai ordinary, lukewarm or overpriced, and opinions on the vada pav vary. The online opening time has also conflicted with staff guidance.
Parking can become busy, so allow extra time if driving. Outdoor seating is most appealing in cooler weather, and cinema tickets may add a separate cost to the café bill.