Your seasonal café crawl for cinnamon, clove, and comfort in the desert.
When the calendar flips to “October” and the skies over Dubai remain an unchanging shade of blue, fall moods tend to be expressed in a swirl of cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin.
For lovers of all things cozy and spiced, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is the unofficial signal that autumn has arrived. Fortunately, Dubai’s cafés have embraced the seasonal tradition, and it’s not just for basic Beckys – here’s your guide to where to find the best ones this year.
Starbucks (Multiple Locations)
No autumn roundup is complete without the original. Starbucks UAE brings back its signature Pumpkin Spice Latte, available in hot, iced or blended formats, every fall.
You’ll also find companion items like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and other seasonal offerings.
Pro tip: check which branch has quieter seating as not all outlets are created equal when it comes to ambiance.
Various locations, find out more info here.
House of Darkan
For a boutique experience with a dash of theatrical flair, try House of Darkan, where the Pumpkin Spice Latte is part of their seasonal menu. It features espresso, milk, pumpkin syrup and a dusting of cinnamon powder. The ambiance here tends to be moody and stylish which is perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the drama of the season in your cup.
Mirdiff Hills Avenue, find more info here.
Tania’s Teahouse / Sereni-Tea by Tania’s Teahouse
If you prefer something lighter, floral, and Instagrammably charming, Tania’s Teahouse (especially its Sereni-Tea branch) offers a seasonal take on the PSL. Their version blends natural fall spices without overdoing the sweetness. The décor is delicate and photo-friendly, ideal for that perfect snap with your latte.
Dubai Hill’s Estate Business Park 3, for more info visit their website.
Juan Valdez (Jumeirah 2)
For a twist on the classic, Juan Valdez in Jumeirah 2 includes the PSL in multiple variants: classic, milkshake, cold foam, you name it. If you like more layers to your coffee (foam, texture, alternative milks), this could be your favourite stop.
Jumeirah 2, for more info visit their website.
Heal Dubai
For a more health-conscious take, Heal Dubai also goes seasonal, with plant-based milks, natural sweeteners, and a gentle pumpkin spice blend. It’s a great stop if you’re trying to keep things light but still indulge in autumn flavors.
Um Suqiem, or visit here for more info.
Other Spots to Watch
- Kiyo Urban Coffee House (Town Square, Nshama) is known for high-quality coffee with seasonal flavor drops.
- HAWT Coffee inside Area Beige (Al Manara) — small, boutique, creative coffee house — may carry a limited-edition twist.
- Jones the Grocer plans to run PSLs in October at multiple locations.
- Marks & Spencer UAE occasionally offers PSLs or pumpkin-spiced coffee through its café section.
- London Dairy Café has also been known in past seasons to sell a “Fall Spice Latte” variant.
Tips for Your PSL Tour
- Timing matters — Many of these PSLs are strictly seasonal (October–November), so check ahead.
- Ask for customization — Want it less sweet? Swap syrups. Prefer plant milk? Many cafés now carry oat, almond or soy.
- Take pictures early — Whipped cream melts fast in Dubai’s ambient heat.
- Pair with something cozy — A slice of spiced cake, a flaky tart, or even a cardamom cookie can elevate the experience.
The Final Sip
Whether you want something bold and rich from Starbucks, a moody espresso-bar version at House of Darkan, or a gentle, plant-based twist from Heal, there’s a PSL somewhere calling your name.
