With limited time to explore Abu Dhabi, I put it to my instagram followers to let me know what were the must-see activities in this glamorous city. The one thing which I wasn’t expecting (but really shouldn’t have been shocked by; Abu Dhabi is quite frankly dripping with wealth), was to try a gold cappuccino at the Emirates Palace. As a coffee-lover, I was only too happy to give it a go.
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Bigger is better in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a confusing place, although I don’t think I’ve travelled enough through the country (or generally spent enough time there), to fully form an opinion of it. But at face value, at least, it’s all about excess. Bigger is better, and everybody needs to know about it. They’ve got the tallest building in the world, and the gleaming Sheikh Zayed mosque, and without a doubt both seem to have been built as much to put on a show as to be functioning pieces of architecture.
The two main hubs for visitors are undoubtedly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And where Dubai feels a bit like being in space, with buildings springing up left right and centre at breakneck speed, and an eternal list of entertainment options sprawling in front of you, Abu Dhabi is a bit like the more elegant aunt. (An aunt till laden down with diamonds but without a need to emblazon designer logos across every outfit. She knows she’s rich, but doesn’t need to shout it from the rooftops for people to realise.)
What is a gold cappuccino?
Still, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. So what better way to flaunt your luxurious lifestyle than by serving up a coffee flecked with pieces of actual gold?
This is no Nescafe Gold type job; no way José. A gold cappuccino is, in actual fact, a very normal cappuccino (you know- espresso and hot milk topped with a creamy layer of foam and perhaps a dusting of cocoa powder), topped with 24 carat flakes of gold leaf.
The Emirates Palace Hotel
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Emirates Palace is an actual palace. It’s not, but it is right next to the Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan. This five star mega hotel sits in the midst of a massive complex of well-groomed gardens and fountains- an opulent dusky pink block gleaming with (you guessed it) gold highlights.
Check rates at the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi.
My pal Rachel and I entered the grounds of the hotel on foot. It may be the norm in Abu Dhabi to be chauffeured from door to door, in your car or at the very least an Uber, but we are just not the norm. And I’m telling you now, the grounds are gargantuan. An incredibly large oasis of manicured grass and palm trees, sprinkled with cascading waterfalls. An imposing staircase leads up to the main entrance of the hotel, and walking up it feels more like you’re walking up to a grand temple or monument. Around us, businessmen walked in pairs, white robes billowing behind them, or women posed for instagram photoshoots, eye make up on point and swathed in burkhas which potentially concealed a lot of very expensive jewels.
The Emirates Palace is the ultimate luxurious hotel stay in Abu Dhabi, and although it might not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying its grandeur. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so much marble in one place, whether inside or outside.
The gold cappuccino experience
Having explored the hotel and marvelled at a Christmas tree which appeared to be approximately the same height as the actual Burj Khalifa, we headed to Le Cafe, in a gold-ceilinged lobby area where everything was decorated to match in sandy beiges and dazzling gold. In a corner of the room, a pianist played well-known tunes to accompany all the excess. There were several Britney Spears hits, along with You Raise Me Up and Careless Whisper to mix things up a bit.
Like I said- it’s not to everyone’s taste. And that’s ok.
(Le Cafe is now closed, however you can order a gold cappuccino from from Episodes which is on the 4th floor.)
It was early January, and at that time of year the temperature in Abu Dhabi was like early summer in England; there were plenty of visitors and Le Cafe was fairly full. But we got served quickly and our sparkly gold cappuccinos arrived without too much of a wait. It’s also worth noting that if a drinking 24 carat gold doesn’t appeal, you could always opt for a camelcino (made with camel milk), or a traditional Arabic coffee.
After a morning exploring Qasr Al Watan, we decided that a coffee alone might not be enough, so once the coffee was devoured we ordered a big old meze of Middle Eastern treats. And I’m telling you now, that was absolutely delicious.
A Sunrise Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi (ft. a Real Life Baby Camel)
What does a gold cappuccino taste like?
The cappuccino is beautifully presented, with a little crescent of golden flakes at one end of the thick foam, and an elegant pattern swirled on in syrupy chocolate.
But the question that’s on everyone’s minds is clearly going to be, what does a gold cappuccino taste like? I’m going to be honest. It tasted, well, fine. Like a fairly unremarkable cappuccino. Not particularly strong, from a coffee perspective; and it turns out, gold flakes don’t really have a flavour at all. (Maybe that’s for the best.)
Do you have to book in advance?
You absolutely do not need to book in advance, and the hotel and its bars, restaurants and cafes are open to non-guests. Just walk on in, pals! However, of course there’s always a chance that you’ll have to wait for a table (or there will simply be no space.)
If you’d rather book ahead, you can go through the hotel itself, or with a company like Viator (here’s a dining experience to check out) so it can be easily cancelled if your plans change.
How much does the Emirates Palace gold cappuccino cost?
Prices have gone up a little since I supped from that bone china cup in Le Cafe, so now (2024) a gold cappuccino at the Emirates Palace hotel will set you back 90 AED. Which is about €22 or $24.50.
So, is it worth the price?
Well, this is definitely a case of paying for the experience rather than the exquisite taste, so whether it’s worth the price tag depends on your own take on things. There are other fancy beverage experiences around the world which are far more worth it in terms of taste (like the Caffè Florian in Venice), and don’t get me wrong, the gimmicky aspect of drinking pure gold seems a little silly. But I’d argue that just the experience of drinking it within the Emirates Palace, and indulging in some first class people watching, makes it kind of worth it. (If that kind of thing floats your boat.)
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