Haute Secrets Dubai: Elken Café / Community

One of Dubai’s best-kept secrets is Elken Café, which is more than just a place to eat or grab a coffee. The place markets itself as a community as well, and the moment you step foot in the place, you’ll understand why.

Elken Café offers a relaxed, social atmosphere. If you just happen to be walking by, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread may draw you in before you even realize you’re crossing the threshold. The European-inspired décor is the perfect place to meet new people, catch up with old friends, or just hang out. In addition to the standard tables, there are also some comfortable armchairs for those who want to stay awhile and visit. Elken Café also has Wi-Fi and a variety of reading material available, creating a very inviting ambiance that makes it very easy to kick back, relax, and put your feet up.

The menu includes freshly baked bread, soft pastries, sandwiches, creative deserts, and tasty sandwiches. Elken Café also offers some heartier main dishes like beef aubergine lasagna and stuffed chicken breast. The restaurant even serves breakfast and a wealth of healthy options, from smoothies to fresh, brightly colored salads.

The chefs at Elken are very detail-oriented, even making their own homemade tortillas for their wraps. They use fresh, organic ingredients for their dishes, right down to the organic eggs they serve up for breakfast. The pasta they serve up is homemade, and there are plenty of baked goods on the menu as well. Elken Café also has a wide variety of teas, including White Tea Rose, Super Green tea, organic Jasmine Pearls tea, and their special HUGO Fruit mix with elderflower tea.

Photo Credit: Elken Cafe

The first time you stop in at Elken, you just may ask yourself whether you’re in a bakery, a coffee shop, or a high-end restaurant. Elken Café will also deliver your order, but you have to head out to the place at least once just to check out the scene. Chances are if you do visit the café once, you’ll be back because you’ll probably leave with new friends you’ll want to catch up with the next time. Elken is located in Dubai Marina at Basement 1 in the Pearl Marina Hotel Building along the waterfront.