Tea sharing in the evening has always been more than just a drink; it’s a moment of reflection, an opportunity to bond, and a custom that seems to apply to everyone. What began centuries ago as a tradition has now evolved into a global language of togetherness.
At Dubai Mall, this culture comes alive in ways that reflect the city itself: a blend of stories, flavours, and people from around the world. Families gather over chai in the restaurants in Dubai Mall, friends catch up over mint tea, and expats recreate familiar traditions with scones, clotted cream, or fragrant blends.
Step into these tea experiences, where flavour fades into the background and it’s all about the stories exchanged.
DOORS Dubai Mall
DOORS Dubai knows how to do sophistication right. Walk in and you’ll find a tea menu that someone clearly spent time putting together. Rare finds sit next to the classics that everyone loves.
The whole place just works. Comfy seats you can sink into. Service that somehow knows exactly when your teapot needs topping up and when you need space to chat. It’s brilliant, really.
Highlights? Their Gunpowder Tea from Zhejiang, tiny rolled leaves that unfold like magic in hot water, and a blend that throws Ceylon, Darjeeling, and Assam into one bold cup. If you want something playful, their papaya-passion fruit-violet green tea feels like a holiday in a teacup.
The only thing to consider? Consider a table with a reservation on weekends.
TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
If Willy Wonka opened a tea house, it would look like TWG. Walls stacked with glowing yellow tins, jewel-toned décor, and a menu longer than your shopping list after payday. With over 800 teas (yes, 800), this Singaporean brand is basically a museum for tea nerds.
Order their signature morning and afternoon blends if you want to play it safe, or go wild with single-estate teas from regions you’ve probably never heard of.
They treat evening tea like an event here. Each sandwich course gets its own tea pairing. Their 1837 Black Tea (berries and vanilla, if you’re wondering) makes the pastries taste even better. And speaking of pastries, they’ve put tea in everything. Tea macarons. Tea butter for the scones, they’re the kind of little details that make you forget you were “just stopping for a cup.”
Pro tip: ask the staff for help; otherwise, you’ll be reading that menu till closing.
Paul Bakery & Restaurant
Ah, Paul. French, charming, and always smelling like butter and sugar had a love child. Their evening tea setup is simple but feels so Parisian, proper service, delicate teas, and desserts that seem to pose for Instagram before you even touch them.
The French Breakfast blend is a must (perfect with a macaron or two), but their Earl Grey Supreme with a flaky croissant hits differently after a long shopping spree.
Nothing flashy here, and that’s exactly the point. Just proper French café vibes without trying too hard, keeping it among the good restaurants in Dubai Mall.
Carluccio’s
This is tea with an Italian accent. Carluccio’s doesn’t overcomplicate things, herbal blends, a solid Italian Breakfast tea, and chamomile that practically begs to be paired with biscotti. The outdoor seating makes it even better; sipping tea while watching the buzz of Dubai Mall swirl around is a vibe.
It’s relaxed, unfussy, and just right if you don’t want the formality of a “tea salon.”
Magnolia Bakery
Yes, they’re famous for banana pudding. But plot twist: Magnolia’s tea game is solid. Think classic black tea to balance out that cupcake, or calming chamomile for when you realise you spent way too much at Sephora.
It’s cosy, it’s sweet, and it feels a bit like a hug with sugar dusted on top, proof that some of the best food in Dubai Mall is simple comfort.
Tips for the Perfect Evening Tea Experience
- Timing matters: 4–7 p.m. is when the magic happens.
- Book ahead if you’re aiming for DOORS or spots that have fountain views.
- Play tourist: try different cultures, British scones one day, mint tea the next.
- Ask staff for pairings. They know things you don’t.
- Choose the view wisely: fountains, waterfalls, or people-watching? Your call.
Where I’d Go Back
If I wanted to impress someone, DOORS would be the move. For an indulgent tea adventure, TWG is unbeatable. And for something laid-back with dessert to die for, Magnolia always wins me over.
So next time you’re at Dubai Mall, skip the fast coffee run and sit down for tea, you might just find your new favourite ritual at a Dubai Mall best restaurant.