In a city filled with glitzy cafés and luxury coffee chains, one local coffee roastery is quietly making waves. Raw Coffee Company, based in Dubai, is not just serving great coffee—it’s changing how people think about it.
Founded in 2007 by New Zealand native Kim Thompson, Raw Coffee Company started as a small roastery with a big mission: to bring fresh, ethically sourced, specialty-grade coffee to the UAE. At the time, Dubai’s coffee culture was still finding its footing, dominated by instant coffee and global franchises. But Raw saw an opportunity—to educate, innovate, and build a true community of coffee lovers.
From Garage to Icon
It all started in a small warehouse in Al Quoz, an industrial neighborhood that has now become one of the city’s trendiest art and food hubs. The early days weren’t easy. “We roasted by hand and sold our beans out of the back of a van,” Kim once shared in an interview. “We had to convince people why freshly roasted coffee mattered.”
Fast forward to today, and Raw Coffee is one of the most respected names in the region’s specialty coffee scene. Their roastery and café attract tourists, coffee connoisseurs, and curious newcomers alike. The vibe is relaxed, authentic, and welcoming—far from the often-intimidating atmosphere of high-end coffee shops.
What Makes Raw Coffee Special?
Raw Coffee is more than just a place to get your morning caffeine fix. Everything about the brand reflects passion, purpose, and sustainability.
- Ethically Sourced Beans: Raw works directly with farmers across Africa, South America, and Asia, ensuring they’re paid fairly and treated with respect. This direct trade model not only improves the quality of life for farmers but also gives Raw access to some of the best coffee beans in the world.
- Roasted Fresh, Daily: The company roasts its beans in-house every day. This means customers get the freshest coffee possible—something that makes a big difference in flavor. Their team of expert roasters are trained to bring out the unique notes of each bean, whether it’s fruity, nutty, or chocolaty.
- Sustainable Practices: Raw has been pushing eco-friendly initiatives for years, long before it became trendy. From compostable packaging to refill stations and recycling programs, the company is serious about reducing its environmental impact.
- Coffee Education: Want to learn how to make the perfect flat white? Or understand the difference between a light and dark roast? Raw hosts regular workshops and barista training courses that are open to everyone—from beginners to professionals.
A Community Hub
Walk into Raw’s café and you’ll notice something different. It’s not just a coffee shop; it feels like a community space. Local artists’ work hangs on the walls. The tables are filled with freelancers, students, and creatives. There’s often a playlist of laid-back music playing in the background.
The company has also built strong ties with local businesses, restaurants, and hotels. Many of Dubai’s most popular eateries serve Raw’s beans, and chefs often collaborate with the brand on custom blends.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Raw Coffee also made headlines for donating coffee to frontline workers and supporting small farms that were struggling due to global disruptions. That sense of responsibility and connection to the community has remained a core part of their identity.
Breaking the Rules (In a Good Way)
While other brands chase trends, Raw focuses on staying true to its roots. You won’t find overly sweet syrups or complicated coffee “hacks” here. Instead, the team encourages customers to enjoy coffee in its purest form. That said, they’re not afraid to experiment—limited-edition seasonal drinks and cold brew infusions are always on rotation.
Their baristas are known not just for their skills, but for their friendliness. Don’t know the difference between a pour-over and a Chemex? Just ask. The staff at Raw love sharing their knowledge without making anyone feel out of place.
Going Global, Staying Local
Though based in Dubai, Raw’s influence is growing. The brand now supplies beans across the UAE and even to other countries in the region. Yet, despite this growth, Raw has stayed grounded in its original values.
They’ve resisted offers to franchise or go corporate. Instead, the focus is on quality over quantity. “We’d rather be great at what we do than be everywhere,” Kim has said. And it’s this authenticity that keeps people coming back.
Challenges and Future Plans
Running an ethical, independent business in a competitive market isn’t without challenges. The cost of sourcing high-quality beans and maintaining sustainable operations is higher than going the commercial route. But for Raw, it’s non-negotiable.
Looking ahead, Raw Coffee Company plans to expand its training center, offer more online courses, and explore new sustainable packaging technologies. There are also whispers of a second location—though the team insists it will happen only when the timing and setup feel right.
Final Sip
Raw Coffee Company is more than just a coffee brand. It’s a story of passion, ethics, and community—a rare blend in today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world. For many in Dubai, it has become the gold standard for what coffee should be: fresh, fair, and full of flavor.
So, whether you’re a coffee snob or just someone who wants to try a better brew, Raw Coffee Company is definitely worth a visit. You might just leave with a bag of beans—and a whole new appreciation for the drink you thought you knew.
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