The best bakeries in Dubai

Far Eastern ingredients are in the spotlight at this chic Alserkal Avenue bakery, which prides itself on its small-batch production, unusual flavours and emphasis on tea. Pastry chef Keren Ye concocts flaky croissants, Matcha Madeleines and a signature egg and cheese sando encased in Tangzhong milk bread, among other delights. Regulars make sure they take home loaves of the daily-made sourdough bread, which comes in white, rye, cocoa, hazelnut, aseeda and fig and date varieties. Don't miss the Yabukita Tea-ramisu, which combines all their passions by using premium Japanese Hojicha tea to add a distinctive twist.

The fact that six outposts of Risen have mushroomed across the city shows the popularity of this home-grown bakery that champions seasonality, sustainability and local ingredients. Fans adore trademark delicacies like the salted caramel doughnut, traditional French baguettes, loaves and cherry-chocolate Black Forest tart. We suggest you take a waterside terrace seat at the Palm Jumeirah location, and sip on a flat white coffee while enjoying Risen's Croffle, a croissant-waffle hybrid.

This London import's Mall of the Emirates store beckons foodies thanks to its fresh-from-the-oven sourdough pizza slices, savoury rolls, pastries and cakes. But what really draws the crowds are Bread Ahead's world-famous doughnuts, as founder Matthew Jones has perfected delicious fillings like pistachio, blackcurrant cheesecake and millionaire shortbread, with new flavour additions constantly delighting fans.

Scandinavians looking for a taste of home should make a bee-line to this Dubai Design District cafe, specialising in baked creations. Swedish buns – cinnamon, cardamom and saffron options – sell out swiftly, while sweet and savoury Danishes come with toppings that include walnut and brie, or ricotta. Drop in for breakfast, lunch or a light bite (the three cheese and jalapeno brioche and tartines are highlights) teamed with a refreshing cold brew lemonade.

Visitors and residents alike love Hussam Hasan El Batta's Palestinian bakery Mama'esh, which arguably serves up the best chicken musakhan rolls and mince-filled yaffawi sfeha in town. Regulars find any excuse to feast on their variety of topped fatayer and manaeesh – which are baked in an authentic stone oven – while their nabulsi kunafa rolls filled with rose water and cheese, and topped with a pistachio crumb, end any meal on the perfect sweet note.

A leafy terrace overlooking the Dubai Water Canal is the perfect place to enjoy Brothaus' German bakes. Known for its apple strudel, traditional breads like dark rye and pretzels, as well as its all-day bistro fare and customised cakes, the casual Business Bay spot is a favourite with locals for its accessible pricing and authentic recipes.

It may be tiny – there are just a few tables to dine on items like harissa scrambled eggs and avocado tartines – but Al Quoz's Birch Bakery prides itself as being the ultimate spot to pick up real sourdough and fine viennoiserie. Made with sustainable flour, the menu features sea salt foccacia, potato and rosemary loaves, challah, croissants and traditional apple pies alongside other seasonal treats. Our top tip? Go for the Birch Greatest Hits box which has a morning bun, kouign-amann, pain au chocolat and rye chocolate chunk cookies.

Cupcake fans have a soft spot for this London import that is known for popularising its trademark red velvet as a flavour. From bright, multi-coloured rainbow slices to its Mile High salted caramel option, and fancy unicorn-themed novelty cakes to candy-filled piñata ones, Hummingbird is sure to bring a smile to every face.

A bread bar is just one of the innovative aspects of the elegant Room 1618, which has fast become a Mirdif hotspot. Topped flatbreads, patisserie, sandwiches and desserts are other strengths, while monthly pastry cubes filled with decadent ingredients like dulce de leche and caramelised banana, or robust Arabica coffee cream, are eagerly anticipated.

There's an element of nostalgia associated with Magnolia Bakery, given its link to the fictional Carrie Bradshaw and her iconic television show, but it still delivers the goods. This New York City icon that is credited with starting the craze for pastel-coloured cupcakes still sells its signature buttercream frosting-topped desserts, but is now equally famous for banana pudding and other American bakes like brownies and blondies.