Moscow Tea Time makes Dubai debut across 15 venues
Explore centuries-old Russian tea rituals in a modern Middle Eastern setting
DUBAI: Rooted in Russian history and brewed with cultural richness, Moscow Tea Time will make its international debut in Dubai this year.
Organised by the Moscow City Tourism Committee, the immersive event will run from April 20 through May 3, 2025, spanning 15 hand-picked restaurants across the city.
The initiative, which first launched in Moscow in 2023, has rapidly gained popularity for reviving the tradition of tea drinking as an art of hospitality and conversation. This first overseas edition aims to offer Dubai’s cosmopolitan crowd a taste of Moscow’s centuries-old tea customs.
Cultural heritage
The tea tradition in Moscow dates back to the 17th century, deeply embedded in Russian identity and domestic life. Often centred around the samovar, a brass or copper urn used to boil water, these tea gatherings were more than refreshment – they were social ceremonies. Families and friends would gather between 4 and 6 PM, not just to drink tea but to pause, reflect, and reconnect. These intimate settings were typically enhanced by a spread of homemade sweets and delicacies.
Over time, the practice of afternoon tea evolved into a cherished daily ritual across Russia, symbolising warmth, welcome, and genuine human connection. In modern Moscow, this tradition continues to be reimagined in cafes and homes alike, balancing nostalgia with contemporary flair.
Gastronomic journey
Visitors in Dubai can now take part in this storied ritual at participating venues, each serving an exclusive tea blend curated for the occasion. Complementing the brew will be authentic Russian treats including baranki – lightly sweet, crunchy ring-shaped bagels – and signature “Moscow” chocolates known for their rich flavour and heritage packaging.
The experience goes beyond taste. Guests will be served tea in ornately crafted porcelain sets, complete with embroidered linen napkins inspired by 19th-century Moscow tableware. Each element, from the setting to the service, has been thoughtfully selected to transport diners to a bygone era of elegance and ritual.
Modern revival
While the concept remains rooted in history, the Dubai edition of Moscow Tea Time embodies a modern sensibility.
The 15 selected venues reflect Dubai’s diverse culinary scene, allowing for a seamless cultural crossover.