How to Make the Best Coffee in Dubai

There is almost nothing that beats the luscious smell of a freshly roasted pot of coffee in the morning. However, as a beginner, it can be challenging to know what equipment and beans you need to produce it and where you should start. 

If you are looking to make the perfect cup from the comfort of your own home, keep reading to learn how you can make the best coffee in Dubai.

1. Understand the different methods for making coffee. 

Before you can start preparing yourself the best cup of coffee, you first need to understand the different methods that are available for brewing a pot. While there are various ways to make coffee, there are a few methods that are exceptionally popular for home brewers. 

One of the simplest ways to brew coffee is by using the drip method, which requires a coffee cone and filter. You pour hot water over the coffee grounds which are inside the filter, allowing the brewed coffee to drip into a pot slowly. Usually, this method takes about 1-3 minutes to brew and produces a smooth, round flavour. 

Another popular option is to use a French Press, which produces an excellent taste despite it being incredibly easy. In this method, the coffee is soaked, steeped and strained in hot water, ensuring that the full flavours of the beans are preserved. For a French Press, the brewing time is around 4-5 minutes, and it produces a complex, clean taste. If you prefer your coffee to be strong and expressive, this might be the best option for you. 

For coffee drinkers who prefer an espresso-style coffee, a stovetop coffee maker is ideal. When you put this type of coffee maker on the gas stove, it utilises the steam pressure to move the coffee grounds from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. The brewing time of a stovetop coffee maker is usually around 5 minutes, and it produces a strong and bitter drink. 

Finally, using a siphon is another option; however, it is the most complicated method listed here and can take a while to get right. In this style of coffee maker, the coffee grounds are put into the upper vessel, where the vapour pressure pushes the hot water to immerse the coffee. Then, once removed from heat, the brewed coffee is moved back into the bottom vessel due to gravity. Usually, it takes around 6 minutes for coffee to brew in this way and the resulting taste is mellow and delicate. 

The right coffee making method for you is the one that produces the type of flavour profile that you enjoy. Therefore, it is advised that you consider how you like your coffee to taste and how much effort you are willing to put into making it each time you crave caffeine. 

That being said, no matter what type you ultimately select, you want to purchase high-quality equipment. This will affect not only the resulting taste but also the longevity of your coffee maker. 

2. Purchase delicious coffee beans. 

Now that you have your apparatus prepared, it is time to start investigating types of coffee beans. Purchasing quality, whole bean, speciality coffee is essential if you are going to be making the best cup of coffee in Dubai. 

For example, Three Coffee Dubai only sources, roasts, and sells the highest-quality coffee. As they work closely with the coffee farmers and producers, Three Coffee Dubai is able to guarantee high-standard products. Purchasing this style of coffee is a surefire way of making a delicious coffee that is sustainably and ethically produced. 

Ethiopian coffee is widely enjoyed thanks to the country’s perfect growing conditions. Considered the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia produces more than 6.5 million bags of coffee per year, around 3% of the global coffee market. Beans that are grown in Ethiopia are washed and naturally processed, which creates bright and complex flavour notes. If you haven’t tried Ethiopian coffee before, then you are in for a treat!

The water you use is also going to impact the resulting taste, so avoid using tap water and instead use filtered or mineral water when possible. Other gear that will help you to make delicious coffee at home are a kitchen scale for measuring out the right amount of beans and a grinder for grinding them right before brewing. 

3. Freshness is key. 

Keep in mind that no matter what type of coffee you purchase, freshness matters. All coffee beans are at their peak flavour within two weeks of being roasted; therefore, you should always check the roast date and ensure that you are only purchasing coffee that you will drink within the next couple of weeks. 

Similarly, to keep your coffee beans fresh, you want to avoid contact with moisture and heat. Therefore, store your beans in an airtight container at room temperature and never put them in the fridge, the freezer, or direct sunlight.

4. Develop your palate. 

It takes time to develop a strong coffee palate which is part of what makes the discovery process so fun! You never know what roasts or styles you are going to enjoy, so it is highly recommended that you try as many different types as possible. 

One of the best ways to develop your palate and discern your preferred coffee flavour profile is to keep a notebook where you detail everything you try. In these notes, you can record the roast and brew date, the name of the coffee and roaster, the technique you used, the bean weight, the type of drink you made, the flavours, the origin, and your personal thoughts. 

You can fill these notes in while you are sipping your coffee. This way, you can have all your coffee-related thoughts and experiences gathered in one place. Over time, you will find yourself developing the necessary skills to become more confident in both making and tasting delicious coffee. 

Are you looking to improve your coffee making skills? If so, what are you finding to be the most significant challenges? Have you found a coffee that you enjoy? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant insights in the comments below! 

AUTHOR BIO

Drew Dennehy is the co-founder of THREE Coffee, one of the region’s leading specialty coffee companies, headquartered in Dubai. His passion for coffee has led to the pursuit of career opportunities around the world from New Zealand and Europe to the United Arab Emirates. Drew’s goal is to enhance the coffee experience and ensure the industry is sustainable at every level. “We will achieve this by telling the story of the farmers who make each cup possible.”