Coffee enthusiasts with deep pockets now have a new destination on their luxury bucket list. A café in Dubai has begun serving what may be the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, priced at nearly $1,000 per serving – shattering a record that was set just weeks earlier.
Julith Cafe unveiled this extraordinary offering on November 5, after securing exclusive Panamanian coffee beans at auction for approximately $600,000. The astronomical price tag reflects not just the quality of the beans, but the café’s commitment to creating an unparalleled experience for its clientele.
The establishment’s owners defended their pricing strategy by emphasizing the exclusivity of their product. “The total lot was 20kg and we are planning to serve 400 cups, approximately,” they told AFP. “And, we are not thinking of sharing any greens with any other companies, so we want it to be exclusive for the Julith brand.”
This record-breaking beverage far surpasses the previous titleholder, which commanded 2,500 dirhams, or $681, when it was officially recognized by Guinness Book of World Records in September. The new price point represents a significant leap in the high-end coffee market, even by Dubai’s extravagant standards.
Julith Cafe has taken additional measures to ensure the rarity of their offering, setting aside a portion of their precious bean inventory as a gift for Dubai’s ruling family.
Dubai has become synonymous with luxury food experiences that push boundaries and capture global attention. From pizza priced at $70,000 to chicken wings adorned with 24-karat gold leaves, the emirate consistently hosts establishments that cater to those seeking the ultimate in culinary excess. The viral Dubai Chocolate phenomenon has similarly driven up prices for certain confections, cementing the city’s reputation as a playground for over-the-top gastronomic indulgence.
Local reaction to the eye-watering price has been mixed, though perhaps predictably resigned. As high-end restaurants and cafés continue competing for attention in an increasingly crowded luxury market, these headline-grabbing offerings serve a dual purpose – they generate worldwide publicity while attracting wealthy customers eager to say they’ve experienced something truly unique.
Whether this latest record will stand for months or merely weeks remains to be seen.