Where Tea Becomes a Signature Experience: 57 Deli Café, Dubai’s Must-Visit Destination for Tea Lovers

There are moments in hospitality when a simple discovery turns into a genuine revelation. Our visit to 57 Deli Café, located within the InterContinental Residence Business Bay, was meant to be a casual meeting with friends. Instead, it became an unexpected journey into one of Dubai’s most remarkable tea experiences.

Overlooking the vibrant Business Bay Canal and welcoming residents, tourists, and evening strollers alike, 57 Deli Café presents a tea menu that immediately commands attention. What we found was not just variety, but depth—a carefully curated selection that stands out even among InterContinental properties across the UAE.

Curious to understand the philosophy behind such an offering, we sat down with Mr. Mohammed Sewilam, Outlets Manager at the InterContinental Residence. Together with his dedicated team, he walked us through the vision, sourcing process, and attention to detail that, in our opinion, position 57 Deli Café as a must-visit destination for tea lovers in Dubai—and an exceptional privilege for residents of the InterContinental Residence.

T Hospitality: What prompted the decision to create a tea menu unique to this property rather than follow the group wide standard?

Mohammed Sewilam: At 57 Deli Café, we believe that true luxury is found in the bespoke, not the boardroom. While brand consistency provides a foundation, we felt a deep responsibility to ensure our beverage program was an authentic reflection of our specific location. In the GCC, tea is far more than a beverage; it is a cultural dialogue and a cornerstone of hospitality. We chose to bypass the standard amenity approach, instead treating tea with the same artisanal rigor as our specialty coffee and mixology programs. Our goal was to transform a daily ritual into an intentional, elevated highlight of the guest journey.

TH: How does the curated tea offering align with the identity and positioning of 57 Deli Café and InterContinental Residences?

MS: The tea program is the sensory thread that connects our two identities. 57 Deli Café is a destination for the modern urbanite, a sophisticated yet fluid space for high stakes business meetings or quiet personal indulgence. Our menu mirrors this, offering a balance of timeless heritage leaves and contemporary, wellness driven blends. For InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay, where our guests view us as their home in Dubai, a curated tea program reinforces our commitment to thoughtful luxury. It proves that no detail is too small to be personalized, ensuring that the comforts of home are met with the standards of a world class residence.

TH:  What criteria do you use when selecting teas for the menu origin, quality, sustainability, guest profile, or something else?

MS: Selection is an exacting process where quality and provenance are our non-negotiables. We exclusively source whole leaf teas with impeccable traceability. However, the true soul of the menu is defined by our Guest Profile. We cater to a discerning mix of long stay residents who seek comfort, corporate leaders who require focus, and wellness conscious travellers. Every tea on our list must earn its place; it must be versatile enough for a formal table service, a premium takeaway, or an elegant gift, all while adhering to the highest standards of ethical sourcing and sustainability.

TH:  Who are your suppliers for tea sourcing? And which countries/regions do your teas come from?

MS: We collaborate with elite specialty partners who mirror our obsession with consistency and craftsmanship. Our portfolio is a curated map of the world’s most prestigious tea terroir, from the high-altitude gardens of China, Sri Lanka, and Japan, to the sophisticated blending houses of Germany. To ground this global reach in our local context, we integrate premium herbal infusions that showcase Middle Eastern botanicals, allowing us to offer a dialogue between international heritage and regional identity.

TH: Have you seen a difference in guest engagement or spend since introducing a curated tea offering?

MS: The response has been extraordinary. When a menu feels intentional rather than generic, guests naturally transition from passive consumers to active explorers. We have seen a significant uptick in engagement, particularly as we have curated day part selections that guide guests through various energy levels. Beyond the revenue growth and upselling opportunities, the real victory has been in our positioning: we have successfully signaled to the market that 57 Deli Café is a serious destination for beverage culture in its entirety, where tea is respected as an art form, not just an afterthought.

TH: Do you collaborate with your suppliers to create bespoke, signature teas for the property?

MS: Absolutely. We view our tea program as a living narrative. We are currently in the laboratory phase with our partners to develop exclusive signature blends that encapsulate the spirit of 57 Deli Café. These bespoke creations are designed to tell our unique story through aroma and flavor, offering a sensory signature that cannot be replicated. In a competitive landscape like Dubai, these bespoke programs are the natural evolution for lifestyle led brands, and we are excited to lead that charge.

In a city driven by innovation and competition, 57 Deli Café demonstrates that true differentiation lies in thoughtful detail. Under the leadership of Mr. Mohammed Sewilam, tea is elevated from a simple amenity to a curated signature experience. Here, tea is not just served—it defines the standard.