With over 67 branches worldwide, Dubai-based Shaghf Cafe had its grand opening in Sugar Land, Texas on April 17.
Out of the many cafes I have been to, this one—with the interior’s all-white and gold-themed modern design, alongside the wide variety of beverages and appetizers—is my favorite. The menu includes anything coming from lattes, matcha, espressos, frappes, refreshments, tea, desserts and pastries that include appetizers to enjoy alongside your drink!
Shaghf Cafe’s warm-toned LED lights with small hanging light bulbs, wall arches, slight greenery, ivory marble tiles and furniture lined with dark wood fit perfectly with its luxurious, elegant modern aesthetic. The cafe includes many white-cushioned chairs with booth seating, giving plenty of space for customers to sit and relax as they enjoy their food, whether they’re catching up with old friends, having a small gathering or studying for an upcoming exam. I’ve studied at this cafe and also grabbed a coffee and sweet treat with friends and family, and I have to say, this cafe is perfect for any occasion.
If you’re a big fan of lattes like me, specifically a tiramisu lover, their Tiramisu Latte is a go to! It includes tiramisu filling, sweetened milk and espresso. Almost every time I stop by Shaghf Cafe, I get this drink because it is as if I am having a slice of tiramisu but in drink form. I can still taste the bitterness of the espresso—it’s not just sugar—and on top of the tiramisu filling, there is a ladyfinger, which makes the latte come together. I am not the biggest fan of caramel flavored drinks because of how overpoweringly sweet they can be, but Shaghf’s Caramel Frappe is an exception because of how delicious it is. It includes a perfect blend of rich caramel syrup, coffee and ice that adds a frothy, thick texture making it very refreshing for the hot weather. If you’re ever in the mood for a Frappe, try Shaghf’s—it is truly out of this world! There are a wide variety of matcha flavors and types provided like regular Matcha, Coconut Matcha, ‘Habibi Matcha’ —which includes vanilla, hazelnut, sweet milk and ceremonial matcha—Mango Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, Red Velvet Matcha and Vanilla Matcha. I’ve only tried the regular Matcha and I love how it is subtly sweet, creamy and a light amount of matcha was added, but I definitely plan on trying the other flavors.
Along with my coffee, there always needs to be a sweet treat included. My top three favorite desserts are the Chocolate Lava Cake, Biscoff Cheesecake and Brownie. The Chocolate Lava Cake is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled chocolate ganache, featuring a filling with a consistency of brownie batter. I love how the fluffy, spongy cake is crispy and warm on the outside since it compliments the ice cream and warm brownie batter filling (like molten lava). The Biscoff Cheesecake is truly perfection. With the base of Biscoff cookies, the cream cheese filling having a semi-sweet taste, a thin layer of melted Biscoff spread and a melted Biscoff sauce drizzled, the cheesecake is subtly sweetened, making it a light dessert to eat considering how cheesecakes tend to be very heavy. If you order the Brownie, you have the option of adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup on top, making it similar to a brownie sundae. The brownie has a rich chocolatey taste with chunks of chocolate added inside. My favorite part about this dessert is that with each slice of brownie you have, it is as if you’re getting a corner piece because of the crunchy outer edge and gooiness in the middle.
Overall, I highly recommend stopping by Shaghf Cafe at least once, maybe even making it your go-to cafe whether you want to buy a coffee before school, have a casual hangout with friends and family or have a study session before an exam!
