Small cafe on Jumeirah Beach Road serves the karak chai that Emiratis actually drink. Sweet, spiced, ridiculously strong. 3 AED for a glass served with dates.

Owner Mohammed's been making karak for 20 years with his secret cardamom and cinnamon blend. Where Dubai taxi drivers get their morning chai, always a good sign. Open 6am until 2am. Late night crowd is mostly locals from the beach. Perfect example of the authentic local spots worth seeking out.