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    Home » Blog

    Tom & Serg the Aussie Cafe in Dubai

    November 3, 2018 By Sara McCleary Updated August 6, 2019 - This post may contain affiliate links

    Tom & Serg Dubai Cafe Review

    Tom & Serg is an Australian style cafe in Dubai. The place to go for top notch coffee, Aussie flat whites and tasty cafe fare.

    I am visiting Tom & Serg during Ramadan and all the windows and doors are covered. The covering of the restaurant reminds me of the local covered Muslim women I have seen in Dubai. You could say the covering of the windows and door is Tom & Serg’s own abaya and head scarf.

    Tom & Serg Cafe Dubai
    Tom & Serg windows covered during Ramadan

    By covering up the large glass windows and door, Tom & Serg are able to stay open during the day for Ramadan. I find it all quite interesting to see how business adapt and comply to Ramadan. Many close during the day, but others continue with business as usual, hidden behind screened windows and doors.

    As soon as I walk into Tom & Serg I feel like I'm in a hip Australian café. Am I still in Dubai? Or did I walk through some kind of portal that sent me to Surry Hills or Fitzroy?

    Tom & Serg windows covered from inside the cafe
    Ramadan notice Tom & Serg
    fresh flowers for sale at Tom & Serg in Dubai

    With the windows covered so those fasting during Ramadan can't see in, the café looks closed. And once inside you also can’t see out, thus my portal transportation thoughts.

    The two storey café is located in a warehouse like space and has an industrial look and feel. Air-conditioning ducts and vents are left exposed, a metal staircase connects the two levels and polished concrete floors. The industrial vibe is softened with wooden tables and chairs, planter boxes, foliage and flowers for sale at the front of the café.

    Downstairs seating at Tom & Serg Dubai
    Level 2 Tom & Serg Dubai
    Coffee Tom & Serg

    Tom & Serge is named after its co-founders Australian Tom Arnel and Spanish born Sergio Lopez. It is my understanding that Sergio has stepped down and moved on to other ventures and Tom has taken charge.

    Just as in New York, Australian flat whites have proven a big success in Dubai. There really is something about Aussies doing coffee and cafes well. If you are in Dubai and craving a coffee hit, Tom & Serg is the place to head.

    View from second floor of Tom & Serg Dubai
    Frozen lemon and mint drinks at Tome & Serg Dubai

    After indulging in many Iftars and an incredible Dubai food tour, Tom & Serg was a nice change of pace. As it was lunch and ever so hot, I passed on the coffee and had something cool and refreshing. One of my favourite discoveries during my trip to Dubai, icy cold lemon and mint drink.

    Lunch menu tom & serg
    Drinks Menu Tom & Serg Dubai

    As you can see Tom & Serg's menu would be very at home in a decent Australian cafe. The only real indication that you are in Dubai are the tea choices and lack of bacon.

    Thai prawn cake salad at Tom & Serg Dubai
    Carrot Heirloom Salad at Tom & Serg Dubai

    All the salads look very generous in serving size. There are two salads ordered, Thai prawn cake salad and heirloom carrot salad. The prawn cake salad is packed with variety and flavour, tomato, cucumber, mango, basil, mint, coriander and smoked corn. This is then drizzled with a Thai style sweet and sour dressing. The heirloom carrot salad is a healthy one with blood orange, red quinoa, pistachio, yoghurt, dried cranberries, shaved manchego, spinach and a cumin and hazelnut dressing.

    Chicken satay with sweet potato chips at Tom & Serg Dubai
    Chicken satay with sweet potato chips at Tom & Serg Dubai

    Grilled chicken satay is served on coconut rice and it's topped with crunchy thin sweet potato chips, coriander and peanuts. The addition of fresh bean sprouts also adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.

    Cheese burger Tom & Serg Dubai
    Cheese Burger and Chips Tom & Serg Dubai

    I decided to try the Tom & Serg Burger. There is a choice of single or double patty, I opt for the single. It's a simple burger served on a soft potato bun. Not overloaded, which is how I like my burgers. Along with the beef patty, there was lettuce, tomato, pickles, Colby Jack cheese and Tom & Serg's own sauce. A side of fries and aioli to dip.

    I can see why the locals and expats have fallen in love with Tom & Serg. They have a solid breakfast and lunch menu and pride themselves on their coffee.

    Sara xxx

    Belly Rumbles visited as a guest of Tom & Serg and Dubai Tourism, but all opinions remain her own.

    Tom & Serg
    15A Street, Al-Joud Centre, Al Qouz
    Near Ace Hardware, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, UAE

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    1. Gabi

      November 16, 2018 at 1:24 am

      As I plan to visit Dubai soon, your post has given me an inspiration, where to eat a juicy heirloom carrot salad. Thank you for sharing your TOM & SERG insights:)

      Reply
      • Sara

        November 22, 2018 at 2:57 pm

        You should have a blast in Dubai, Tom & Serg is a great place to head.

    2. kim

      November 15, 2018 at 11:26 pm

      What a cool place to visit! Such delicious looking food and a neat atmosphere too!

      Reply
      • Sara

        November 16, 2018 at 12:31 am

        They do offer a great range of dishes.

    3. Danielle Wolter

      November 15, 2018 at 10:50 pm

      This looks like such a great space! And convenient they are open during Ramadan. I spent some time in Kuwait during ramadan and it was sometimes difficult to find places to eat during the day.

      Reply
      • Sara

        November 16, 2018 at 12:31 am

        Hey Danielle, it would have been so interesting being in Kuwait during Ramadan. Dubai is progressing very rapidly as they are wanting to lure the tourist dollar. It is interesting to see how they respectively satisfy tourists/ex-pats/Muslims during Ramadan.

    4. Amy | The Cook Report

      November 15, 2018 at 10:26 pm

      This looks like such a lovely place, delicious food too!

      Reply
      • Sara

        November 16, 2018 at 12:27 am

        It really is a great space with awesome food.

    5. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

      November 15, 2018 at 9:52 pm

      So fascinating how they cover the windows during Ramadan! I had no idea places had to do that. Looks like it's still nice and bright inside 🙂

      Reply
      • Sara

        November 16, 2018 at 12:26 am

        A lot of cafes/restaurants don't operate during daylight when it is Ramadan as people are fasting during these hours. In Dubai if you do want to operate during this time during Ramadan, then you need to cover, shield, block out those eating/drinking to the Muslim community.

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