They say tea solves everything, but for Tania, it did so much more—it built a home, a community, and one of Dubai’s most beloved cafés. What started as a personal journey of healing, inspired by her own battle with an autoimmune disease, turned into Tania’s Teahouse—the 7th most instagrammable cafe—an escape where tea meets mindfulness, creativity, and inclusion. From gluten-free bites to Instagrammable corners, she’s created a space that feels like a hug in café form. We caught up with Tania to talk about brewing purpose from pain, creating a brand with heart, and what’s next for her tea-fueled empire.
They say tea solves everything—so how did your love for tea help you brew a space that’s now a household name in Dubai?
They also say my blood type is ‘tea positive’—sorry, bad pun! I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused chronic pain, especially in the form of migraines, a weakened immune system, and flare-ups of muscle, joint, nerve, and bone pain, along with severe fatigue. This led me to explore holistic health, going back to ancestral remedies, and diving deep into the world of tea.
I became a certified tea sommelier and researched herbs and plants that could help with issues like migraines, inflammation, supporting the nervous system, improving sleep, managing stress, and aiding cellular repair. I noticed a huge difference in navigating flare-ups and increasing my resistance to stress and other environmental factors.
It became clear to me that my pain could be transformed into purpose, and I felt called to share what I had learned. This journey of healing and discovery became my path.
Starting small is often the key to building big. If you could go back to the early days of Tania’s Teahouse, what’s one piece of advice you’d give yourself ?
So many things! I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and it doesn’t serve me to feel guilt or regret about anything that helped teach me or helped me grow in some way. However, one huge lesson would definitely be that I wish I had focused more on the inner work and less on the toxic hustle. As an empath, I would take things so seriously—like operational issues, staffing problems, or dealing with a toxic customer—and I would ruminate on them, letting them eat me up at night. I wish I had valued the importance of letting go of anything that doesn’t serve me, surrendering to circumstances beyond my control, and making peace with them, rather than stressing incessantly about it.
Tania’s Teahouse started as a family-run labor of love. Is it still all in the family, or has it evolved into something even bigger?
We’re still deeply rooted as a proudly family-owned business, but we’re also venturing into exciting new territory with franchising and have some innovative projects brewing! My ultimate dream has always been to take our brand global, sharing ‘positive-tea’ with the world through impactful community activations, mindful dining experiences, and immersive spaces that celebrate the art of slow living.
From gluten-free bites to vegan-friendly dishes, you’ve made sure everyone feels included. What inspired you to focus on such inclusivity, and how do you ensure every guest feels considered?
Because of my autoimmune issues, I’ve learned a lot about my body, what suits it, and how to nurture it better. I’ve also researched which food groups can increase the chances of a flare-up and unlearned many misconceptions about what foods are actually good for you and which ones aren’t.
Being someone allergic to many foods, I’ve always valued inclusive dining and finding creative ways to offer dishes that cater to dietary restrictions while still being full of flavor. It’s important to provide dietary-friendly options in a way that feels welcoming, not pretentious, and we take pride in offering something for every palate.
Dining out used to be so frustrating, especially when a server didn’t understand an allergy or wasn’t familiar with the ingredients in the dishes. That’s why I’m passionate about staff training, ensuring deep menu knowledge, and making sure every guest feels comfortable and well-fed.
My mother and sister have always been my biggest motivators and my unwavering support system. They constantly remind me how important it is to center my values around my business and channel my creative gifts through that. My mom, in particular, is one of the most creative people I know—growing up, we were always immersed in DIY projects. Thinking outside the box and prioritizing human connection and love (as cheesy as it may sound) is, in my opinion, the true magic behind any brand, and it’s what I strive to do every day.
They’ve also taught me the importance of kindness and humility, and how energetically, blockages will keep arising if my heart and my business are not in authentic alignment. I feel incredibly blessed to have had such supportive and inspiring role models.
Tania’s Teahouse has been recognized as the 7th most Instagrammable café! What inspires the aesthetic and all the whimsical details that make each of your spaces so unique?
It’s been an honor to have received this title! I’ve always believed that spaces have an incredible power to shape our experiences. In hospitality, we’re lucky enough to have the superpower of creating journeys—where every texture, color, and design choice can influence how people feel. I’ve always been drawn to quirky, eclectic pieces, and above all, I value comfort and warmth. Every art print, fabric, accessory, and little detail in the cafe was hand-picked with love, each one telling its own story. My goal is for Tania’s Teahouse to feel like a cozy, welcoming escape—a place where customers can truly feel at home, away from home.
Tania’s Teahouse is known for hosting meaningful, community-building events. What are some of your favorite memories or standout moments that have been created in this space?
My greatest fulfillment comes from seeing people leave happier, with their moods uplifted by their time at the restaurant. It’s truly humbling and such an honor. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to hear so many exciting stories from customers who’ve had memorable experiences at the diverse events we’ve hosted at Tania’s. Every time I see someone leave with a smile or hear how we’ve had a small but meaningful impact on their day or perspective, I feel incredibly fulfilled. Small acts of kindness can truly change lives. After all, ‘hurt people hurt others, but luckily, healed people heal others.’
What are three fun facts about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I’m obsessed with paddle-boarding and swimming at the beach, my happy place is the sea and connecting with nature. I have one tiny tattoo of a peanut because I’m deathly allergic; I can’t smell, touch or eat them so it’s my way of taking back the power! Lastly, I love romantic fantasy and love reading in general- I’m actually crazy fast at reading, if I had the free time I could devour multiple books within a single day.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Tania’s Teahouse?
I hope to grow my team, which feels like a family, and open more Tania’s! We’ve got some really exciting plans for expansion, along with sister concepts I’ve been dreaming of. I’m also looking forward to hosting more community activations now that our new flagship locations have opened. I want to keep creating experiences that nourish the mind, body, and soul. And of course, I’m always excited to push the boundaries of creativity.
This article originally appears in Soigné Middle East’s debut print issue
