Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Popular French-Japanese brand Café Kitsuné opened its first branch in the UAE, bringing a touch of chic to the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

Café Kitsuné is known for its minimalist approach and design with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. It is also recognized for its specialty coffees such as its Americano, Cappuccino, Cortado, Espresso, Dirty Chai, Flat White and Mochaccino.

The coffee shop also serves different matcha drinks, teas, pastries and ice cream.

In Japanese, ‘kitsune’ refers to foxes and the animals in traditional folklore that are believed to have supernatural powers.

Speaking to Arab News Japan, Café Kitsuné’s International Project Manager Jules Cammas said that since launching in Tokyo in 2013, the café gained popularity in several countries.

“At first, we were mainly focused on Asian countries, but since opening in Doha, Kuwait and now in Dubai, we are considering expansion into Saudi Arabia as well,” he said.

The very first branch of Café Kitsuné was in Japan and then opened in Paris, where the café’s concept was developed further.

Cammas explained that the French and Japanese are quite similar in terms of their refined taste for luxury.

“We like to think that the Japanese and the French both have similar mindsets regarding the refined tastes, textures and music as well,” Cammas said.

Giving a sneak peak into what Café Kitsuné will look like in Saudi Arabia, Cammas told Arab News Japan that the café will be “huge.”

“We will have all the specialty drinks and pastries,” he said. “We will also adapt the menu according to the tastes of our customers there.”

The cafe is set to open in Laysen Valley in Riyadh.

On Feb. 16, Café Kitsune hosted a preview of the coffee shop, with exclusive merchandise for sale and Dubai-based DJ Parvané for a special performance.