Above much else, Saudi is winning at the coffee shop scene. Every corner, every neighborhood there is a beautiful coffee shop to experience. At each one they might have v60, chemex, roast their own coffee. Its a coffee lover’s paradise! Not only is the coffee amazing but they create incredible coffee shop atmospheres to co-work at, to meet with your friends.
In the capital city for Riyadh, everywhere you go there are incredible coffee shops. Here are 5 of my favorite places to go to when I am in Riyadh.
- Kanakah
This was the first coffee shop I visited in Riyadh that was not a chain. They roast their coffee beans, selling coffee bags with the roast date. From their daily batch coffee, to their lates, and V60s. The coffee is on point. The decoration and atmosphere is eclectic, fun and vibrant and feels like it could be a Gilmore Girls set. The chairs and tables are mismatched with wonderful art pieces around the place. Including a fun piece of Dobby from Harry Potter at their coffee shop. Their cups are unique and change every few months. What I also find unique about them is this New York Times article about them. Apparently it was one of the first women only coffee shops that opened to both genders and started co-working. Definitely a coffee shop to support and whenever I’m in Riyadh its where I buy my beans. This place gives a homey vibe like your neighborhood coffee shop while pursuing excellence. I always order their daily batch coffee and Ethiopian coffee beans. If you are in the south of Riyadh, this is my number 1 recommendation of a coffee shop!
5 out of 5 chickpeas
2. Huna
From the Arabic word meaning “here”. Their brews are excelent. With barista’s who really care for the excellence of the output. They have a location at Panorma Mall and Riyadh Park Mall. They showcase different beans from roasters throughout the country. Huna is Panorma mall also has a co-working space you can rent out monthly right next door to its coffee shop. So not only is it incredible coffee, but also you can co-work at a wonderful location! In the co-working area there is also wonderful food options. If you are wanting to explore new roasts, see qualified and incredible barista’s and have a wonderful atmosphere Huna is the place to be.
5 out of 5 chickpeas
3. Ashjar Coffee
Ashjar’s decoration always includes a tree and sometimes a water display. This coffee shop is like a sanctuary, a place to breathe, dream and be with friends. They have good classic coffee and also have their own signature sweet drinks and deserts that are delicate and delightful. An overall wonderful experience. The location outside of Riyadh has a beautiful mirror wall that reminds me of the mirror in Alula. You need to get a registration in advance but it is a wonderful place especially a little bit outside of the city.
4 out of 5 chickpeas
4. Susam Coffee & Bakery
This bakery stood out to me by how it has an arab version of a High Tea/Afternoon Tea. You can get your big pot of Arabic coffee with dates, and deserts on the side. They have incredible cinnamon rolls, and also incredible coffee. Found in Sahafa, Riyadh. A beautiful experience, with great seating, good drinks and most importantly amazing sweets.
3 out of 5 chickpeas
5. Coffee Address
A Saudi Coffee chain that both sells their own beans and also has really good americanos and drip coffee. You can get coffees for under 10 sar. The locations are most often drive throughs, but if you need a good cup of coffee in Riyadh and you see a coffee address you should definetly try it out. On google they are not advertizing themselves in english.
3 out of 5 chickpeas
