China's Luckin Coffee makes a big splash in the U.S. after $310M scandal—But I’m still loyal to my filter kaapi

Dubai: Judge all you want, but I’ll happily spend $300 on a dress without a second thought—but ask me to pay $10 for a cup of average tea or coffee, and I break out in judgment.

Give me my soft-boiled tea or a strong, frothy Madras filter coffee brewed at home preferably in a steel tumbler (yes, the vibe matters), and I’m content. It’s not about the price—it’s about the soul.

So while the rest of the world is buzzing about China's Luckin Coffee’s dramatic U.S. debut, I’m sitting here wondering: will this bold Chinese brand ever make its way to Dubai? And more importantly—will it ever win me over?

First, let’s rewind the plot. Luckin Coffee, once hailed as China’s great challenger to Starbucks, fell from grace spectacularly in 2020 when it admitted to fabricating $310 million in sales.

The fallout was brutal. Their CEO and COO were ousted, the brand was fined heavily by the U.S. SEC, and it was swiftly delisted from the Nasdaq. It even filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in the United States.

Any other company might have vanished quietly. But Luckin? It regrouped, cleaned house, and restructured its entire operation. Within a couple of years, it bounced back harder than a TikTok trend.

And now, in June 2025, it’s making headlines for all the right reasons. CNN reported that Luckin Coffee opened its first U.S. stores in New York City—one in East Village, the other in NoMad—officially stepping onto Starbucks’ home turf.

But before the grand openings, Luckin tested the waters with stylish pop-ups across Manhattan. Think free iced drinks, tote bags, app-only ordering, and subtle flexes on social media.

The brand's selling points? Speed, minimalism, and affordability. Orders are placed only via the app. You scan a code, tap your drink of choice, and pick it up without ever standing in a long line or misspelling your name at the counter. Their first-drink promo was priced at $1.99, with regular prices ranging from $4 to $7—undercutting Starbucks while still looking cooler.

It’s all very Gen Z, very efficient, and very now.

But I haven’t tried Luckin yet. Not because I’m against the idea—I’m just waiting for it to land in Dubai, a city where international brands love to make their mark.

While there were reports years ago about potential partnerships and expansions in this region, things understandably slowed down after the scandal. There’s been no official word about a UAE launch since. Still, considering how fast Luckin is growing globally—with thousands of stores across Asia and now the U.S.—I wouldn’t be surprised if they quietly set their sights on this part of the world next.

And when they do? Yes, I’ll try it. Curiosity always wins. But will it beat the nostalgic joy of drinking filter kaapi made exactly the way I like it? That’s a hard no.

Coffee chains can have all the apps, the sleek cups, and the influencer-friendly lighting they want—but there’s something irreplaceable about a morning ritual that smells like home. It doesn’t come with a loyalty card. It comes with memories, history, and a little stainless steel tumbler.

Scandal survived. Global ambitions activated. But as for me, I’m staying grounded—one perfect cup of kaapi at a time.