India’s popular artisanal coffee brand Blue Tokai is officially going global—again. After making waves in Tokyo, the homegrown roaster is now setting its sights on the Gulf, kicking things off with a master franchise agreement with Ambrosia Gulf. The collaboration marks Blue Tokai’s debut in the GCC region, with the very first café expected to open its doors in the UAE by the end of 2025.
The upcoming flagship café will spotlight what Blue Tokai is known for: its signature single-estate coffees, slow manual brewing, and a strong focus on transparency from farm to cup.
“Bringing Blue Tokai to the UAE is a proud moment for us,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman at Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re looking to introduce brands that care deeply about quality and storytelling—and Blue Tokai checks all the boxes.”
Ambrosia Gulf isn’t new to the business of food. It’s part of Ambrosia Foods Group, which is backed by Pulsar Capital, a private investment firm active across India and the Middle East. The group has a knack for scaling brands thoughtfully—its upcoming Papa Johns launch in India and existing Biryani By Kilo operations in the Gulf are testaments to that.
For Blue Tokai, this step is more than just international expansion. It’s about entering a market that values specialty coffee, traceability, and a sense of community around the cup.
“This is an exciting chapter for us,” said Blue Tokai Co-Founder and CEO Matt Chitharanjan. “Ambrosia Gulf brings both operational muscle and a sharp understanding of local tastes. We’re thrilled to work with them as we plant roots in the Middle East.”
Beyond cafés, the partnership will also introduce Blue Tokai’s retail products in the region. Expect everything from packaged beans to cold brews hitting shelves and entering hotels, restaurants, and homes through HoReCa and direct-to-consumer channels.
