Brewing soon
Dubai’s love affair with great coffee shows no sign of slowing down – and now, a new contender is joining the scene with something distinctly bold. Ca Phin Coffee Supply, founded by partners Tobi Vuand Teena Mathew, is set to open its first Vietnamese speciality café in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)in December 2025, bringing the country’s vibrant coffee culture to the UAE for the very first time.
The story started, fittingly, over a coffee in Dubai. When a colleague mentioned her friends adored Vietnamese brews, Tobi – then the only Vietnamese person in the room – had a lightbulb moment. Why not bring real Vietnamese coffee to the Middle East?
What followed was ten months of research, roasting trials and countless cups of coffee. The pair travelled to Vietnam’s Central Highlands, met farmers, learned the craft, and immersed themselves in the world of speciality coffee – all while juggling full-time jobs in the design industry.
The Philosophy
At the heart of Ca Phin’s philosophy is direct trade. After visiting farms in Vietnam, the founders knew that meaningful relationships would be key. They began sourcing beans straight from farmers they knew and trusted – producers passionate about their craft and committed to quality.
This approach also allowed the team to challenge a long-held misconception: that Vietnamese coffee is low-grade or overly commercial. Instead, they introduced Dubai consumers to high-quality Robusta and Arabica, roasted to speciality standards.
To bring those beans to life, the team partnered with Dubai-based roastery ROR, who helped fine-tune the flavour profiles and perfect each batch. The result: coffee that’s punchy, expressive and unmistakably Vietnamese.
Expect the rich, slow-drip ritual of the Phin filter, alongside creative drinks inspired by flavours from across Vietnam—condensed milk sweetness included.
A Cultural Drop-In
For Tobi and Teena, this launch is about more than opening another café; it’s about giving Dubai a genuine encounter with Vietnamese coffee culture.
“We’re not just serving coffee; we’re telling a story,” says Tobi. “Vietnamese coffee has a rhythm and warmth of its own. We want people here to feel that – every time they sip.”
After building momentum through pop-ups and sample drops to roasters across the city, Ca Phin Coffee Supply is finally stepping into its own space. The JLT café will be the brand’s flagship, showcasing its house blends and its new specialty collection sourced directly from Vietnam.
Image credit: Pinterest
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.
