Karak chai holds a special place in the UAE’s everyday culture. Rich, sweet, and boldly spiced, this comforting cup of tea is more than just a drink-it’s a ritual woven into daily life for both locals and expats. In Abu Dhabi, karak tea is available everywhere, from no-frills cafeterias serving quick takeaway cups to stylish cafés offering gourmet twists and scenic views.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Overview
- Best Karak Spots in Abu Dhabi
- Top Areas to Explore for Karak
- What Makes for a Great Karak
- Pricing & Variations Comparison
- Tips to Order Karak Like a Local
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Overview
Karak chai is deeply woven into everyday life in the UAE, cherished for its comforting blend of sweetness, creaminess, and warming spices. In Abu Dhabi and across the country, karak is available almost everywhere. Street-side cafeterias and neighbourhood tea shops serve quick takeaway cups that are affordable, strong, and no-nonsense, while cafés and restaurants offer more polished versions with added flavours and comfortable seating.
Prices typically range from AED 1 to AED 12, depending on the venue, size, and any flavour variations. What you can expect from your cup varies slightly from place to place; some serve intensely spiced karak with a bold cardamom hit, while others lean sweeter and creamier. Milk choices also differ: condensed and evaporated milk add richness, while fresh milk offers a lighter finish. This flexibility is part of Karak’s appeal, allowing each drinker to customise their cup to match their mood and taste.
Best Karak Spots in Abu Dhabi
From no-frills neighbourhood cafeterias to relaxed cafes with views, Abu Dhabi offers karak for every taste, mood, and budget.
1. Classic Karak Spots
These are the go-to places for authentic, everyday karak, strong, sweet, and brewed the traditional way.
House of Tea
With multiple branches across the city, House of Tea is known for its highly affordable karak, priced at around AED 2 for a small cup and AED 4-5 for a large. Alongside the classic version, popular variations include saffron, ginger, and Zatar karak, making it a favourite for regular, no-fuss tea breaks.
Contact Information
Phone: 025831979
Dar Al Karak
Dar Al Karak offers a variety of karak flavours for approximately AED 4. The relaxed, local setting makes it a popular stop for residents seeking a hot cup of karak in an unhurried, familiar environment.
Location
It is located in Al Danah – E108 -3 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +97124410055
Tea Junction (Khalifa City A)
Tea Junction serves a solid cut-chai-style karak for around AED1 – AED 2, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in Abu Dhabi. Open from 7 AM – 2 AM, it’s a convenient choice throughout the day and pairs well with light snacks for a quick tea break.
Location
It is located in Khalifa City – Sector 13 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +97125844233
2. Karak Spots with Ambience & Variations
These cafes put a creative spin on karak, combining flavour experiments with comfortable, social settings.
Al Fanar
Al Fanar serves gourmet karak with flavour options such as hazelnut, caramel, toffee nut, and saffron. Priced at the higher end, it’s paired with upscale decor, making it a good choice for a leisurely karak break while shopping at Yas Mall.
Location
It is located in The Fountains, Yas Mall – Yas Island – YS1 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +97128772272
FiLLi Cafe
FiLLi Cafe serves karak priced at about AED 4 for a small cup and AED 7 for a large. With pleasant views and a laid-back vibe, it’s an easy pick for a calm, scenic karak moment by the water.
Location
It is located on Airport Rd – Al Manhal – W14 02 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +971543090250
Top Areas in Abu Dhabi to Explore for Karak
Certain neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi are especially known for their concentration of cafes and cafeterias where karak is part of the daily rhythm.
- Al Dhafrah / Salam Street
This area is a reliable stop for classic, no-frills karak, with clusters of local cafeterias serving quick, affordable cups throughout the day. Dar Al Karak is located here, making Salam Street a popular choice for residents seeking traditional flavours in a relaxed, neighbourhood setting.
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- Khalifa City A
Khalifa City A is home to Tea Junction, along with several fast-food outlets and mall cafes that serve karak. The variety of options and extended opening hours make it convenient for both early-morning tea runs and late-night cravings.
- Corniche Road
Along Corniche Road, Karak comes with a view. FiLLi Cafe’s Corniche branch is a standout here, offering a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a cup of karak alongside scenic waterfront surroundings.
- Muroor / Embassies District
Known for its quieter streets and cosy cafes, the Muroor and Embassies District area is home to Yadoo’s House and Shay Madhboot. These spots are ideal for those who prefer a sit-down karak experience with comfortable interiors and a calm atmosphere.
What Makes for a Great Karak
- Balanced flavour: A strong black tea base offset by just the right amount of sugar, creating a balance between bitterness and sweetness.
- Spices & aromatics: Classic additions like cardamom, with saffron, ginger, or cinnamon adding warmth and depth.
- Milk choice: Condensed milk for extra sweetness, evaporated milk for body, or fresh milk for a lighter finish.
- Texture & richness: The length of simmering plays a key role-longer brewing results in a thicker, creamier cup.
- Setting: Whether enjoyed at a casual street-side cafeteria, a cosy cafe, or a traditional Emirati restaurant, the environment shapes the overall karak experience.
Pricing & Variations Comparison
Karak prices in Abu Dhabi vary depending on the venue, portion size, and whether you opt for classic or flavour-infused versions.
| Spot | Size / Variation | Price (AED) | Notable Flavours or Features |
| House of Tea | Small / Large | ~2 / ~4-5 | Saffron, zatar, ginger |
| Dar Al Karak | Standard | ~4 | Ginger, saffron; local favourite |
| Al Fanar (Yas Mall) | Flavour-varied | ~12 | Caramel, toffee nut, saffron |
Tips to Order Karak Like a Local
- Customise your cup: Ask for less sugar or request extra spice such as cardamom, saffron, or ginger to suit your taste.
- Check the milk used: If available, ask for fresh milk; many places traditionally use evaporated or condensed milk.
- Try it iced: Cold or iced karak is increasingly popular, especially in summer.
- Pair it with snacks: Enjoy your karak with classic tea-time bites like Oman chips, paratha rolls, or sweet vermicelli.
- Time it right: Visit early in the morning or around dusk to beat the heat and enjoy a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
Karak in Abu Dhabi typically ranges from AED 1 to AED 12, depending on the size, flavour, and where you choose to enjoy it. Street-side cafeterias and local tea shops offer the most authentic and budget-friendly experiences, whereas cafés and restaurants bring added comfort, ambience, and creative variations. For everyday favourites, spots like House of Tea and Dar Al Karak are reliable choices, while Shay Madhboot and Al Fanar cater to those seeking a more elevated take.
FAQs
Karak is a spiced, strong milk tea typically made with black tea leaves, sweetened condensed, evaporated, or fresh milk, sugar, and aromatic spices such as cardamom, often with saffron or ginger. It is richer, sweeter, and creamier than regular chai.
Yes, many cafes now offer iced Karak, especially during the summer months. Spiced cold milk tea is increasingly available, with options such as the iced version at Shay Madhboot.
Yes, budget cafes such as Tea Junction, Tea for Time, and some local cafeterias serve karak for around AED 1- AED 2. While the presentation is simple, the flavour remains authentic.
Adventurous options include saffron, ginger, zatar, caramel, hazelnut, and even vanilla or strawberry. House of Tea and Al Fanar are good spots to explore these variations.
For scenic views, cafes along the Corniche, such as FiLLi Cafe, are ideal. For relaxed, social atmospheres, spots like Al Fanar in Yas Mall and Yadoo’s House offer comfortable seating and a pleasant setting.
