Wawe’s Winning Formula
When opening a specialty café, having a rock-solid concept is crucial for success. But that doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. Collaborating with the right partners, finding the right location, and curating the right experiences can be the difference between just another café and a destination that people remember. Take Wawe, for example. located right in the middle of The Market Island, one of UAE’s largest food hall with plenty fine dining options. Wawe saw a gap for specialty coffee here and nailed it.
From the very beginning, Irina Sharipova (Coffee Conceptual Consultant) and her team leaned on collaboration. With someone as experienced as her bringing deep market insights, coffee consulting expertise, and certified training, she ensured the team was perfectly calibrated from day one.
Wawe’s launch event almost two years ago now was an early glimpse of that philosophy in action. Guests were introduced to a curated coffee cupping session by Archers, alongside some interesting coffee mocktails. The Rosemary Cold Brew was a crowd favorite, but the Clarified Espresso served over ice with golden sparkles dancing in the glass stole the show. It felt luxurious yet playful, and perfectly captured Wawe’s approach: coffee that excites, surprises, and delights.
Partnering with People Possession, a roastery based in France and born from a passion for coffee and a desire to discover unexplored flavors, gave Wawe an edge when brewing solid coffee. As Kristina (Coffee Consultant) explains, “The decision always starts with values. We want to work with suppliers who have a strong vision and a clear idea of what they stand for. Beyond quality, connection is key.”
That sense of connection is also visible in Wawe’s approach to sourcing coffee itself. Instead of sticking to one origin or process, the focus is on character and balance. “We always look for something bold and sweet, with deep cocoa and chocolate notes,” Kristina says. “Another category is tea-like coffees, with delicate florals and red or yellow berry notes. And of course, we include bright and juicy profiles with a refreshing crispness.”
That same creative spirit runs through Wawe’s signature drinks. “In the beginning, we turned to the culture and heritage of the UAE as our main source of inspiration,” Kristina recalls. The desert landscape, traditional flavors, and the spirit of hospitality shaped their early menu, leading to drinks that were both rooted in place and daringly original. Over time, as the team got to know their guests better, the menu evolved. “Today, many of our guests prefer sweeter, dessert-like drinks that match the cozy atmosphere of our space. Every new creation is designed to combine innovation with comfort.”
Of course, creating great drinks isn’t only about recipes, it’s also about the people behind the bar. For Kristina, training is not about drilling steps into memory, but about inspiring curiosity. “I focus on giving baristas a deep understanding of how things work rather than just teaching them to follow steps,” she says. “We want to develop not just baristas who can prepare coffee, but individuals with their own style, personality, and career growth.” This philosophy has built a team that doesn’t just serve coffee, but shares the brand’s vision with every guest.
At Wawe, every detail is deliberate, from the sourcing of beans to the presentation of drinks. Seasonal ingredients are carefully chosen, feedback is constantly gathered, and baristas are treated as ambassadors, not just staff. As Kristina puts it, “Because they’ve helped shape our standards from the very beginning, they feel true ownership. That pride is what drives them to consistently deliver the highest quality in every cup.”
Dubai has no shortage of coffee shops, but Wawe feels different. It’s not just about serving specialty coffee, it’s about crafting experiences that reflect culture, creativity, and community. In a city that thrives on constant reinvention, Wawe has carved out its place not by being the loudest, but by being intentional. And if their golden espresso is any sign, this is only the beginning.
Wawe Specialty Coffee is located inside Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall. Opening as early as 8am and closing later than most cafés in the mall, it’s an ideal stop for a morning coffee and breakfast or the perfect place to end the day with one last cup.
