Project Chaiwala

A homegrown chai brand started by two Dubai kids raised on karak, with its flagship inside Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue (roughly 10am-10pm) and outposts around town including Ibn Battuta Mall and DXB Terminal 3. Proper stove-brewed chai and Indian street snacks at honest prices. Caveat: the flagship is in an arts district you'll need a taxi to reach.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Project Chaiwala worth visiting for a tourist?

Yes, if you want to see the Dubai locals actually live in — pair it with Alserkal Avenue's free galleries and you've got a genuinely non-touristy afternoon. It tells you more about real Dubai than any observation deck.

What's the difference between karak and masala chai?

Karak is the Gulf's version — strong black tea boiled hard with evaporated milk, sugar and usually cardamom, born in the UAE's cafeterias. Masala chai leans more on a wider spice mix. Project Chaiwala does both well; start with karak since you're in its homeland.

Is Project Chaiwala expensive?

No — it's one of the best cheap treats in the city. Chai runs pocket-change prices by Dubai standards, and snacks won't push most orders far past the cost of a mall coffee.

What should I order at Project Chaiwala?

The classic karak is the benchmark, brewed properly on the stove. Beyond that, try a masala chai with a bun maska or their Indian street-food snacks — it's chai-shop food done with care.

How do I get to Alserkal Avenue?

Honestly, take a taxi or ride-hail — it's an industrial district in Al Quoz and the walk from Onpassive Metro is 15-20 hot minutes. There's free parking on-site if you drive.

Where exactly is Project Chaiwala in Alserkal Avenue?

Inside Cinema Akil, Unit 68 — Dubai's indie arthouse cinema. You can grab a chai without a movie ticket, but pairing it with a screening is one of the city's best cheap evenings.

What is Project Chaiwala?

A specialty chai cafe founded by two friends who grew up on Dubai's karak culture — think third-wave coffee treatment applied to chai. The flagship sits inside Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue, with branches including Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Airport T3.

What are Project Chaiwala's hours?

The Alserkal flagship runs roughly 10am to 10pm daily. Branch hours vary (the airport ones follow flight schedules), so check their site for the location you're heading to.

Nearby in Ask Dubai

• Nightjar Coffee RoastersCafé0.18 km · 2 min walk
• CassetteCafé0.36 km · 4 min walk
• Analog RoomBar0.4 km · 5 min walk
• Al Quoz & Alserkal AvenueNeighborhood0.98 km · 12 min walk
• 21gramsRestaurant2.82 km · 35 min walk