Tag: Café

Coffee Etiquette in 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

 12 Rules for an Elegant and Mindful Café Experience

Dubai – Qahwa Word

In 2026, coffee is no longer just a morning drink. It reflects modern life: digital speed, environmental awareness, remote work, and the human need for genuine connection in a fast-paced world.

From London and Berlin streets to traditional cafés in Dubai, cafés have become spaces combining comfort and productivity, speed and reflection, technology and human warmth. Baristas are now partners in a daily experience blending craftsmanship, smart ordering techniques, and human warmth.

Twelve Rules for Coffee Etiquette in 2026

1. Choose Before You Arrive

Browse the menu in advance to save time and make a mindful choice for your health and the environment.

2. Smile and Make Eye Contact

Even with digital orders, greet the barista to keep the café warm and welcoming.

3. Be Clear and Polite

Specify milk type, temperature, and additions with a friendly smile to reduce stress and improve quality.

4. Respect the Café’s Rhythm

Use pre-ordering during peak hours to avoid disrupting workflow and other guests’ experience.

5. Trust the Barista’s Expertise

Ask for seasonal or sustainable recommendations for a unique coffee experience. Baristas may introduce you to drinks better than what you initially planned.

6. Value Time Like Coffee

After finishing, free the table for other guests, especially in fast-turnover cafés. The café is not a private office, and everyone deserves access.

7. Maintain a Quiet Atmosphere

Use headphones for calls or music, and keep your voice low. Psychological calm is now an essential part of the café experience.

8. Keep Interactions Balanced

Friendly conversation is welcome, but lengthy discussions are best outside busy hours. Don’t turn the barista into a platform for lectures.

9. Show Appreciation

Tipping demonstrates respect for the human effort behind every cup, even in budget-friendly chains.

10. Share Space Mindfully

Do not occupy large tables with devices if the café is crowded. The café is a shared space, not a temporary office.

11. Be a Sustainability Partner

Return reusable cups or leftover coffee to the barista. Sustainability in 2026 is no longer optional but a shared value.

12. Balance Technology and Humanity

Apps and kiosks are great for speed, but do not ignore the barista completely. Say thank you when receiving your order and avoid lingering at the counter. The balance between speed and warmth is key to a successful experience.

In Conclusion

Following these rules not only makes your coffee taste better, but also contributes to creating an elegant, respectful, and sustainable café culture. The café in 2026 is more than a place—it is a mirror reflecting our community values.

  • Related story:

Coffee Etiquette: 11 Tips for Café Visitors

Princi Brings Milanese Spirit to Dubai with New Flagship at Dubai Mall

Posted on by Qahwa World

Artisanal quality, authentic Milanese culture, and an all-day café experience

DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

Princi, the Milan-based bakery and café, has officially opened its Dubai Mall flagship in partnership with Alshaya Group. The new location offers visitors an opportunity to experience Milanese coffee and baked goods within one of the region’s premier dining destinations. Following its first regional branch in Kuwait, this opening marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.

Rocco Princi, founder of Princi, said: “Princi embodies the spirit of Milan—its rhythm, discipline, and warmth. It begins with three simple elements: water, flour, and fire. Over time, these become something tangible that reflects Milanese craftsmanship. With our Dubai location, we aim to bring this daily ritual to a new audience.”

An All-Day Experience

From morning espresso to evening meals, Princi offers a full all-day menu celebrating Italian tradition and contemporary Milanese culture. The selection includes artisan breads, pastries, pizzas, salads, and desserts, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, added, “The launch of Princi in the UAE reinforces our commitment to providing authentic, world-class culinary experiences. This new destination reflects the vibrant essence of Milanese culture and offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy it firsthand.”

  • More Than a Café

Princi’s Dubai Mall location is designed as an immersive destination, reflecting the Milanese “La Piazza” style—a social hub where community, craftsmanship, and culture converge. The space combines contemporary design with traditional Milanese energy, creating a café experience suited for repeat visits and everyday enjoyment.

  • About Princi

Founded in Milan in 1986 by Rocco Princi, the brand focuses on artisanal baking with premium ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. Princi has grown internationally over three decades, offering refined, minimalistic bakery spaces and menus suitable for all times of day—from morning breads and pastries to lunch and dinner options including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and handmade desserts.

  • About Alshaya Group

Founded in Kuwait in 1890, Alshaya Group manages over 50 international brands across retail, food, health, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Operating more than 3,500 stores, cafés, and restaurants in the MENA region, Türkiye, and Europe, the group provides both physical and digital experiences, including the loyalty program Aura. Brands include Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.

5 Essential Tips for Café Success

Posted on by Qahwa World

Gaining wisdom from over a decade dedicated to enhancing and perfecting Lavazza’s barista training and specialty coffee program, David Cutler, Lavazza’s distinguished Head of Training and Brand Ambassador, imparts his key advice for elevating your café to new heights.

Here are 5 Tips for Café Success giving by David Cutler:

  • Respect Every Cup of Coffee:

Treat all coffee with love and respect, regardless of its price or origin.
Create an immersive experience for customers to maximize your café’s potential.

  • Play to Your Strengths:

Find your unique selling proposition (USP) and excel in your field.
Focus on doing a few things exceptionally well, gradually expanding if needed.

  • Understand the Science of Taste, Smell, and Temperature:

Explore the interplay of taste, smell, and temperature in your coffee offerings.
Ensure optimal brewing temperatures for different coffee types and beverages.

  • Organize Your Team for Success:

Develop a clear workflow and optimize café operations.
Assign roles and responsibilities, ensuring consistency and customer satisfaction.

  • Quality Is Your Café’s Greatest Asset:

Acknowledge higher customer expectations and the importance of latte art.
Prioritize quality over speed to build a loyal customer base for long-term success.