This summer, Dubai is embracing a unique flavour combination that is turning heads and tantalizing taste buds: ube matcha. The delightful pairing of the naturally sweet purple yam from the Philippines, ube, and the earthy, slightly bitter Japanese green tea powder, matcha, is gaining popularity across the city. From refreshing iced beverages to creamy desserts, this vibrant duo is creating a buzz, showcasing both its photogenic appeal and deliciousness. Here are five must-try ube matcha treats to indulge in this season.
NETTE, Al Barari
If you’re on the hunt for ube matcha in Dubai, NETTE Al Barari should be at the top of your list. Their limited-edition summer menu highlights ube with a variety of creative drinks and desserts, available throughout the season. Among the noteworthy offerings are a Burnt Basque Ube Cheesecake paired with coconut vanilla Chantilly, miso butterscotch, and toasted coconut, as well as Ube Crinkle Cookies filled with coconut cream cheese. To quench your thirst, try The Ube Cloud, a creamy concoction of ube, oat milk, cream, and coconut water, or opt for the layered, refreshing Ube Matcha, which beautifully combines matcha, ube, and coconut water.
Where: Office Restaurants & Retail 3 Lower Ground (LG) Level, Seventh Heaven, Al Barari, Dubai
When: Daily 7am to 9pm
Contact: @nettedxb
Brunch & Cake
Originating from Barcelona, Brunch & Cake has become a staple for all-day brunch in Dubai, renowned for its colourful dishes and eye-catching presentation. Ube fans can explore several delightful options, including an Ube Iced Matcha, which features layers of matcha, coconut, and vanilla, topped with sumptuous ube cream. The café also serves an Ube Latte crafted from ube and creamy coconut, as well as an Ube Iced Latte, finished with ube cream and toasted coconut.
Where: Multiple locations: Jumeirah Islands; Palm Jumeirah; Address Montgomerie; Wasl 51; City Centre Mirdif
Contact: @brunchandcake
SAKCO le cafe
Situated in Wasl Port Views, Al Mina, SAKCO le cafe has embraced the ube trend with two inspired new additions to its drinks menu: Ube Cappuccino and Ube Matcha. This charming café, known for its coffee and sweet treats, offers these vibrant beverages as a colourful twist. The Ube Cappuccino caters to coffee lovers seeking a creamy experience, while the Ube Matcha provides an earthy flavour combination that beautifully complements ube’s sweet, nutty notes.
Where: SAKCO le cafe, Wasl Port Views, Al Mina
When: Daily, 9am to 11.30pm
Contact: @sakcolecafe
Dalia Bagel Bar
Famous for its freshly baked bagels, Dalia Bagel Bar in JVC is also making a name for itself with its decadent Ube Cheesecake. This creamy purple delight is quickly becoming a customer favourite. If you’re creating a list of must-try ube spots in Dubai, be sure to include Made by Dalia. Consider pairing a slice with a coffee or matcha after a satisfying bagel breakfast.
Where: Lavender 1 Emirates Gardens, Al Barsha South Fourth, Jumeirah Village Circle
When: Daily, 6.30am to 10pm
Contact: @daliabagelbar
La Lupa
Recently opened in Dubai Design District, La Lupa is already worth noting for its alluring Ube Latte. This Mediterranean restaurant offers a variety of fresh pasta, seafood, and Italian dishes, alongside its extensive drinks menu, which features cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, and, of course, the Ube Latte. Made with ube and house-blend milk, this creamy and subtly sweet drink is perfect for those wanting to experience ube in a refreshing form. Be sure to pair it with one of La Lupa’s fresh pasta plates, saving room for the signature dessert that the chef crafts into a live edible painting at your table.
Where: Dubai Design District
Contact: @lalupadining