Now open, in Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s coffee scene continues to evolve, and its latest arrival comes with serious credentials. Subko, the much-loved Indian specialty coffee roastery and craft bakehouse, has officially opened its doors at Alserkal Avenue, adding a distinctly subcontinental flavour to the city’s caffeine map.
Founded by Rahul Reddy, Subko was born out of a desire to spotlight Indian coffee – India is one of the largest exporters of the bean on the global stage and yet, is often left out of conversations about specialty brews and high-quality produce. The mission remains to give Indian coffee producers and their harvest the spotlight it deserves, and this Dubai outpost – the first one outside of India – is the first step in doing that.
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Known for its meticulous approach to sourcing and craft, Subko Dubai is not just another café. It’s a space where coffee roasting, baking and chocolate-making all happen under one roof. Beans are roasted on-site, sourced primarily from across India, with a strong focus on traceability, quality and placing the grassroots producers where they should be – on the map.
Whether you’re in the mood for a clean filter brew or a perfectly balanced flat white, the coffee menu is designed to showcase the character and diversity of the region’s growing specialty coffee scene.
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The Alserkal outpost, now open to the public, stays true to Subko’s warm, grounded identity. Inside, the space feels calm and thoughtfully designed, with earthy tones, relaxed seating and an open kitchen layout that puts the craft front and centre. Watching bakers, roasters and chocolatiers at work is part of the experience.
The name Subko translates to ‘for everyone’ in Hindi, as well as a play on from the subcontinent, and that inclusive spirit is reflected in both the atmosphere and the menu.
Chocolate, a Craft Bakehouse and Culture
Beyond coffee, Subko Dubai shines with its cacao programme, featuring single-origin chocolate bars, the pod-to-bar experience and creative chocolate treats made in-house. Here too, the source is highlighted, and clean processing and production means you’re getting the kind of quality you deserve. The bakehouse delivers a daily lineup of breads, viennoiserie and pastries, all baked fresh and designed to pair perfectly with your drink of choice – a fusion of old and new, made freshly for you.
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Expect a menu built around signature dishes, speciality drinks, desserts and seasonal creations, all rooted in the flavours of the subcontinent but presented in a contemporary, global way.
Subculture by Subko is where the community is rallied to come together – an extension of the core of what Subko represents, bringing subcontinental culture and talent to the forefront. Visual artists, designers, musicians, and social changemakers are brought together through events, community gatherings and merchandise – you’ll find Dastaangoi candles, tote bags and branded vessels for your drinks, as well as Subko’s beans, packaged for you to take home.
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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.
