I went to Typica, Ras al Khalifa

A Long-Awaited Return

I have known about Typica for many years. In fact, I went to their opening back in September 2019 during one of my stopovers in Dubai, before I eventually moved here in 2020. Back then, I often looked for any excuse to visit them or meet people there, because for me they were probably one of the best coffee shops in Dubai.

Sadly, for us Dubai coffee lovers, they moved a few years ago to Ras Al Khaimah, another emirate in the UAE, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away by car, without traffic. So, when my wife and I went there for a staycation last month and I discovered that Typica was only about ten minutes’ drive from our hotel, I was ecstatic. Coffee geek moment.

First Impressions

After our first day of relaxing, we decided to check them out. Upon entering, I immediately noticed that this was a much larger space than their old Dubai location, which was almost like a hole in the wall with very limited seating. 

This new space was massive by comparison.

It was quite quiet when we visited; I think my wife and I were the only customers at first. However, the very helpful barista explained that it gets much busier in the evening when the weather is cooler and more locals come in. Lucky us, as we got the host undivided attention and could chat a bit longer.

The Coffee Flight and…

I walked around, took a few pictures and noticed that they now had a Modbar. 

I also remembered that, before they closed in Dubai, Typica used to offer something called a coffee flight, where they showcased a special coffee both as an espresso and as a cortado with a special prepared milk – frozen and then prepared to highlight the fat and sweeter content of the milk, yum.

So, of course, I had to ask the barista if I could try it again. Although it wasn’t on the menu, he kindly obliged and prepared it for me. Yay!

You don’t have to ask me what I thought about it.

My wife, feeling the heat outside, went for an affogato (double espresso poured on top a delicious vanilla ice cream.

Breakfast, Space and that Typica Detail

They now also serve breakfast but, as we had already enjoyed our complimentary breakfast at the hotel, I just scanned the menu and I could easily see how you could go there in the morning, have great coffee and enjoy an exciting breakfast to accompany it.

I must confess; I really missed this coffee shop: their attention to detail, their sense of mastery and the way they approach coffee. 

I was a little sad that I did not get to meet the founder and owner, Michaela, who has won the UAE National Barista Championship several times and also competed at the highest level at the World Barista Championship while she was pregnant with her first child a few years back. 

Inspirational indeed.

Their coffee is supplied by one of my fave coffee roasters, Goldbox and there’s a whole array of different coffees from espresso blends to single origin lots to buy.

Final Thoughts

It was definitely worth the visit and if you happen to be in Ras Al Khaimah, or if you are a serious coffee geek in Dubai willing to make the trip to one of the best coffee shops in the UAE, I definitely recommend that you try Typica.

And for anyone from Typica reading this, I really miss you guys in Dubai. I look forward to my next trip to Ras Al Khaimah, where I will definitely visit again.

Ciao!