At Mashal Architects, we never look at a project as just bricks, glass, and chairs. Every space we design has to tell a story. And with Filli Cafe, the story is too good not to celebrate. When we were asked to design their international stores in Mauritius, we knew we weren’t just setting up a cafe. We were carrying a legacy across the ocean, giving it a new voice on an island that already thrives on cultural blend.
A Brand Built on Friendship
If you’ve ever met Mr. Rafih Filli, you’ll know exactly why his brand feels so alive. He’s the kind of person who loves to be around his friends, who laughs easily, who makes you feel at home. The nickname “Filli” wasn’t something he chose, it was given to him back in his school days. Nobody could have guessed that the name his friends threw around for fun would one day end up on storefronts across the world.
The real turning point was his Zafran Tea. Honestly, it started humbly. He brewed, he experimented, he handed cups to his regulars. Some liked it immediately, some needed time. Word of mouth did the heavy lifting. Slowly, this chaiwala carved a spot in a country thought to be dominated by coffee culture. That one experiment turned into a global trend. Today, Filli Cafe is present in 11 countries and still growing, and yet it has held on tightly to the simplicity and warmth that started it all.
That was our job as architects: to translate that warmth into space.
Designing for an Island with Its Own Rhythm
Mauritius isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a place with a pulse, sunlight, sea breeze, languages colliding, communities overlapping. We couldn’t ignore that. Copying a Dubai design and dropping it here would’ve missed the point completely.
We worked with textures that made sense in this climate: stone, wood, earthy finishes. We let light pour in, we allowed cross ventilation to carry the breeze through. The cafe needed to feel like part of the island, not a visitor. But at the same time, this is still Filli. So you’ll find the brand’s subtle gold details, clean modern lines, and a sense of sophistication that makes every store recognizable no matter where in the world it stands.
Cafes Are About People, Not Just Tea
Here’s the truth: tea is only half the story. The rest is the conversations it creates. Friends laughing after work. Families sitting down to share a meal. A tourist stumbling across Zafran Tea for the first time. Those are the real moments we design for.
That’s why the layout balances intimacy and openness. Small corners for quiet sips. Bigger spaces for groups. Lighting that makes the tea glow just right but also softens the whole room. Even acoustics matter, because a cafe filled with voices should feel alive, not overwhelming.
Our Journey With Filli Cafe
Mauritius wasn’t our first chance to bring Filli Cafe’s vision to life. Over the years, Mashal Architects has shaped several of their key locations; Filli Cafe at Nas House, at Riche Terre Mall, at Port Louis, and even all the way in Dallas. Each project was different. A mall location has to stand out against constant noise and movement, while a standalone cafe needs to own its identity from the outside in.
But across all of them, the challenge is the same: protect the Filli story while adapting it to a new context. That’s something we’re proud to say we’ve mastered with time.
Storytelling Through Space
Architecture, for us, is a language. And in Mauritius, the story we told was about bridges. Bridges between Dubai and the island. Between tradition and modernity. Between Rafih’s schoolyard nickname and the international empire it now represents.
So, yes, you’ll see local motifs quietly woven into the design. You’ll feel the space breathe with the island air. But you’ll also recognize Filli in the clean cuts, the elegance, the way the whole place feels like it was built for tea and togetherness.
Sustainability as a Responsibility
On an island, you can’t ignore the environment. We didn’t. Natural light, open ventilation, durable local materials, these weren’t afterthoughts. They were priorities. The goal was simple: cafes that feels welcoming without depending heavily on machines to make it comfortable. Sustainability, in this case, went hand in hand with experience.
What This Means for Mashal Architects
For us, this project isn’t just another line in our portfolio. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do. We design to carry stories, to connect people, to celebrate heritage. Working with Filli Cafe across multiple locations has been a privilege because it shows exactly how architecture can travel, adapting in form, but staying true in spirit.
The Mauritius stores reflects Filli’s journey itself. From a playful school nickname to a trusted global brand. From an experimental Zafran Tea to a trend loved worldwide. Our job was to give that story a new home here, and we’re proud of the way it came to life.
Looking Ahead
Filli Cafe has its sights set high, aiming to be the most admired tea brand in the world. By 2025, they plan to open over a hundred stores in the UAE alone, not to mention their international expansions. We’re excited to continue walking alongside them, shaping the spaces where those dreams unfold.
Because at Mashal Architects, crafting culture is what we do. And with Filli Cafe, we found the perfect partner in that mission. Together, we’re building more than cafes. We’re building memories, communities, and experiences that travel far beyond the last sip of tea.
