SimplyAbuDhabi XLIX

E very tashas begins with a question: what makes this place feel like home? The answer is never the same. ach destination reflects the character of its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the people, the pace, and the everyday moments that shape life there. It is a philosophy that has guided Natasha Sideris since opening the first tashas café in Johannesburg more than two decades ago, and one that finds expression in the brand’s newest home in Al Ain. That philosophy has long resonated in Abu Dhabi, where tashas Al Bateen has become one of the brand’s most established and loved locations. Its connection with the local community has made it an important part of the tashas story in the UAE, with Al Ain now representing the next chapter for the brand within the emirate. Known as the UAE’s Garden City, Al Ain offers a gentler rhythm, where leafy boulevards, historic oases, and a strong sense of community encourage visitors to slow down. That feeling flows naturally through the café itself. Warm neutral tones, natural materials, handcrafted details, and soft textures create an atmosphere that is contemporary and comforting, while a bespoke ceiling installation provides a quietly artistic focal point. The menu embraces the uncomplicated pleasures that have made tashas a favourite across the UAE and beyond. From vibrant breakfasts and generous salads to freshly prepared seafood, comforting classics, and indulgent desserts, every dish is made to order using carefully selected ingredients. Whether meeting friends over coffee, catching up at lunch, or gathering with family, the experience is unhurried, inviting conversation to take its natural place alongside the food. The opening of Al Ain also marks the beginning of a new partnership with Arada, alongside a second location in Sharjah. While Sharjah celebrates storytelling and heritage through classic detailing and a striking suspended book installation, Al Ain takes its inspiration from the character and natural beauty of its surroundings. Together, they reflect Natasha Sideris’ long-held belief that every tashas café should have its own personality, while remaining unmistakably part of the tashas family. There is an easy warmth about tashas, one that quickly becomes part of everyday life. In Al Ain, that quiet philosophy feels especially at home. Beautiful food, atmospheric design, and genuine hospitality come together with effortless grace, creating not simply somewhere to dine, but somewhere to return to, time and again. Simply Abu Dhabi | 273