In the UAE and the wider Arabian peninsula, coffee is an important part of the local culture and it is served as a symbol of friendship and community. Traditional Arabic coffee is delicious, qahwa, as it is known here in Ras Al Khaimah, is a light roast and delicately spiced brew served without milk. Every coffee-loving visitor should sample it.
However, Ras Al Khaimah is also fast gaining a reputation as the new star of the international coffee scene. In the past few years, a host of international-style coffee shops in Ras Al Khaimah have opened up, offering the very best lattes, cappuccinos and espressos alongside Arabic brews. Talented baristas are serving up world-class, single-origin specialty coffees here that can rival anything you’ve tasted elsewhere in the world.
Coffee and cafe culture in this part of the UAE is thriving. Modern, inviting and creative spaces blend with the warmest Arabian hospitality to provide something very special. Here are five of the best Ras Al Khaimah coffee shops.
1. Hoof Cafe
Grove Village Shopping Center, Khuzam, Ras Al Khaimah
Why not trot over to Hoof Cafe in Grove Village, just a short drive from Flamingo Beach? It’s one of five Hoof specialty coffee houses in the UAE, with a unique concept that began in Sharjah in 2018.
Hoof Cafe combines the best of coffee and equestrian cultures. This means that its sleek minimalist design is embellished with a hint of tack room, with saddles, hats and horseshoes adorning the walls. On the regularly updated Brew Bar menu, you’ll find arabica and robusta blends from both local and international roasters, micro lots and international award winners.
The cafe promises a home-from-home welcome for both horse and coffee enthusiasts, and hosts regular tastings, workshops and challenges.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 7 am-12 am, Friday-Sunday 7 am-1 am
Aside from coffee, what’s on the menu?
European-inspired pastries, salads, light bites and sandwiches.
2. Nut Cafe and Lounge
E11, Khalifa Bin Zayed City, Ras Al Khaimah
Get your day off to the perfect start with breakfast at the peaceful Nut Cafe and Lounge. It’s a great place to stop by on the way to nearby Al Jazeera Al Hamra heritage village.
This venue is beautiful in its simplicity, offering an elegant, fresh and harmonious aesthetic. Its breakfasts are divine, with a menu that includes international favorites like shakshuka and halloumi avocado toast, plus its signature breakfast dish, a round croissant benedict.
Missed breakfast? Then its desserts, acai bowls and chocolate cups make a visit irresistible at any time of day. Nut Cafe’s coffee menu is as international as its food, with cappuccinos, cortados, Spanish lattes, americanos and Turkish coffee all popular.
Opening hours: 8 am-12 am
Aside from coffee, what’s on the menu?
Healthy breakfasts and croissants, fries, salads and sandwiches.
3. TCHC – The Coffee House Concept
Khuzam Road, Khuzam, Ras Al Khaimah
Sophisticated and welcoming, TCHC has you covered, whatever your coffee craving. Select from a menu that includes hand-brewed, pour-over Geisha coffee, cold brew, ristretto and mocha. Relax, take your time and sip on some of the best coffee Ras Al Khaimah has to offer.
The food at TCHC looks as good as it tastes, with an inventive menu of delectable sweet treats and colorful, beautifully presented breakfasts. It makes for a great place to fuel up before heading out for mountain adventures, the Jebel Jais zipline, or a day shopping at nearby RAK Mall or Manar Mall.
Opening hours: 7 am-12 am
Aside from coffee, what’s on the menu?
International breakfasts and desserts, mojitos and juices.
4. Space Cafe
Corniche Al Qawasim, Khoor, Ras Al Khaimah
Space Cafe makes go-to espresso-based hot coffees as well as cold lattes, and boasts an impressive range of brewing styles, including chemex, Aeropress and V60. For a twist on your usual drink, why not try an Arabian-inspired saffron latte or a hot rose, a coffee drink flavored with rose and cardamom?
This venue offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with futuristic yet homely decor and cozy nooks and comfy chairs to kick back in. It’s the perfect place to unwind as well as snap its Insta-worthy interiors, drinks and food.
Why not head there after a visit to nearby downtown Ras Al Khaimah and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, or combine a coffee with a stroll along the Corniche Al Qawasim?
Opening hours: 8 am-12 am
Aside from coffee, what’s on the menu?
European and Arabian-style breakfasts, pasta, sandwiches and ice-cream-based desserts.
5. Brews and Co Cafe
34B St, Dafan Al Khor, Ras Al Khaimah
Brews and Co has a vibrant and lively atmosphere, making it a popular meeting place and fun, family-friendly place to relax. Its interior blends rustic charm with modern comforts. It’s convenient for a visit to Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque and other downtown attractions, too.
This cafe serves its own unique specialty Ethiopian coffee. It’s roasted daily and is one of the highest-ranked coffees in the world, so you’re guaranteed a fresh, delicious cup. Baristas can serve it as an espresso, latte, macchiato and much more from the varied coffee menu.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 7 am-10 pm, Friday-Saturday 7 am-11 pm
Aside from coffee, what’s on the menu?
High-grade specialty teas, hot chocolate, shakes and waffles.
Satisfy Your Coffee Cravings (and More!)
Here are five Ras Al Khaimah coffee shops where you can satisfy your cravings, not only for coffee but also for fresh bakes and pastries, healthy breakfasts and satisfying lunches.
Each one of these best coffee shops in the emirate offers a unique environment and special experience, so why not sample them all on your Ras Al Khaimah holiday?
