The Al Rigga Bakery in Al Rigga, Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

You know the kind of place where you walk in for one snack and leave with a tray full of bread? That’s exactly what happened when we visited Al Rigga Café and Bakery. This newly opened gem in Al Rigga feels like your neighborhood panaderia—if your neighborhood panaderia had rows of freshly baked artisan breads and a whiff of cinnamon, cheese, and nostalgia in the air. Here, you don’t just browse. You grab a tray and tongs, and go on a bread shopping spree. Among our favorites: pandesal (in various flavors), flaky empanada, hopia, Cebu's sesame-crusted binangkal and lunga, a sugar bread for the win! And that’s just the Filipino part. They’ve also got raisin bread, coconut bread, milk bread, crinkles, donuts, and our current obsession: cinnamon pistachio rolls—an unexpected combo that works. It’s not unusual to spot a baker kneading dough at the back counter—there’s something about seeing your bread being made that just makes the experience extra special. This place is a carb-lover’s paradise—and you will leave with more bread than you planned. Prices? Most breads range from Dh2 to Dh4, so you can stuff your bag with goodies without breaking the bank. Try it What: Al Rigga Café & Bakery Where: Al Rigga Road, Dubai Timings: Open daily from 7am This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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