Dubai’s spiciest new tasting room
Dubai’s growing food scene just got a fiery new addition. Local brand House of Habanero has opened its first physical store at Alserkal Avenue, bringing what it says is the UAE’s largest selection of hot sauces, chilli oils and spicy snacks to the arts district.
The home-grown concept launched its new space on March 9, 2026, inside a shipping container opposite 1004 Gourmet. Designed as an interactive tasting room, the store invites visitors to sample everything on the shelves – from mild and flavour-packed sauces to the seriously intense.
For the Brave and the Curious
Rather than a traditional retail shop, House of Habanero is built around discovery. Guests can try products before buying, exploring a range that spans everything from gentle chilli oils to sauces made with the world’s hottest peppers, including Pepper X and Carolina Reaper.
Despite the extreme options, the founders say most of the range is surprisingly approachable. Many of the products are mild and designed for everyday cooking rather than extreme heat challenges.
The shelves also reflect a focus on quality. Products come from small-batch producers across 28 countries, with an emphasis on preservative-free condiments and clean ingredients.
The Team
House of Habanero is run by Chief Chilli Officer Faisal Al Mutairi and Chief Creative Officer Katy Gillett, who spent more than a year curating the range.
The pair sampled over 800 products before narrowing down the selection that now fills the Alserkal store. Opening a permanent shop in the creative district had long been a goal for the team. According to Al Mutairi, the venue opened to customers on Monday and made its first sale within minutes.
Beyond selling international brands, the shop also aims to spotlight regional producers. Over the coming weeks, the team plans to host events where visitors can meet local sauce makers and chilli oil producers, helping shine a light on the UAE’s small but fast-growing hot sauce community.
House of Habanero first launched as an online store in September 2024, delivering across the UAE and GCC. Since late 2025, the brand has also been selling regularly at Ripe Market.
Opening at Alserkal Avenue marks the next step for the self-funded business – and could signal the start of a spicier future for Dubai’s food scene.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
