“Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death and sweet as love.” — Turkish proverb
A three-day coffee and chocolate festival held recently by Caffeine at Emaar Square-Jeddah Gate brought out Jeddawi coffee and chocolate addicts to savor all things C8H10N4O2 (for the uninitiated, that’s caffeine).
The Caffeine Festival featured blends of Arabic coffee, including types from Damascus, Ramallah, Riyadh and Amman. And we learned that chocolate is the most common additive, either sprinkled on top or added in syrup form, while other flavors can be included such as cinnamon, nutmeg and Italian syrup. One type of Saudi Arabian coffee at the event was almond coffee — one of the most popular traditional hot drinks served in the Hijaz region during the cooler months. It contains milk, almond, rice flour and cardamom.
But a serious omission at the festival was the absence of Turkish coffee (or Armenian coffee depending on how you identify your morning cuppa). This was a serious snub to Arabs who believe that quaffing black liquid that has the same consistency as motor oil is just short of paradise.
If true Turkish coffee drinkers felt slighted at last weekend’s event, they didn’t let on, because most people left the festival with enough energy to clean the house until 4 a.m. or feverishly work on their poetry, in which nobody will read or listen to, until the crack of dawn.
As one Saudi woman put it as she was leaving the festival Saturday: “Coffee is a passion and part of Saudi tradition.”
Saudi coffee culture was celebrated as visitors were offered the chance to taste blends of Arabic coffee, including blends from Qassim and Hejaz.
The place was as much for desserts as it was for coffee lovers and all vendors were glad to provide visitors with their special products.
“We tried to make it unique yet traditional by adding extra new toppings instead of only serving grained almonds,” one exhibitor told Arab News.
“Oreo, lotus, cookies, pistachio and hazelnut were added to coffees to entice customers.”
The event also featured Saudi folklore and dancing along with traditional songs and children’s activities.
Asmaa Dubaie, 41, showed off her inventive approach toward chocolate.
“I mixed new flavors into the chocolate as a hot drink, such as cardamom and flowers added to all types of chocolate — white, dark and milk chocolate,” she told Arab News.
Dubaie said she was trying to keep everything organic by creating “chocolate free of hydrogenated oils.”
The fun part that attracted most of the attendees was the special laser lighting along with the most recent American hip-hop songs, the amazing folklore dancing in addition to the dancing fountain. People were enjoying their time.
“Having such an event changes how Saudi Arabia is viewed by people around the world. We can have fun in Saudi Arabia,” another attendee commented.
Arwa Tallal Azhari, CEO of the event and founder of the Across Culture Association told Arab News: “We called the event ‘Caffeine’ due to the caffeine included in coffee and cocoa and tea. We gathered the startup businesses related to the theme, but not specializing in coffee or even espresso.”
The General Entertainment Authority, Mix FM, Sky for Lighting and Careem supported the event.
On the third and last day, the number of visitors exceeded the expectations.
“We expected only 3,000 to attend, however, surprisingly, on the third day, the number of attendees reached around 5,000 visitors. We could not let more people in,” Azahri said.
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For real coffee lovers, it is always caffeine and chocolate
For real coffee lovers, it is always caffeine and chocolate
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Nakhat Alshraq’ authentic northern Indian cuisine
- Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank
Nakhat Alshraq is a haven for those craving authentic northern Indian cuisine, with branches in Riyadh, Dammam, and Alkhobar.
Known for its dedication to fresh ingredients and bold spices, this restaurant has become a favorite for families and food enthusiasts.
The menu boasts a variety of classics like butter chicken for SR59 ($16), chicken tikka masala, and chicken biryani, all expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.
The royal biryani stands out as a signature dish, with its rich blend of basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and perfectly balanced Indian spices.
The Singapore noodles is an Asian fusion option that delivers a unique twist to the dining experience. The dishes are meticulously presented, showcasing attention to detail that elevates the overall meal. The vibrant and cozy ambiance creates a welcoming environment for gatherings, whether casual or celebratory.
Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the restaurant caters to a diverse palate, offering both mild and spicy dishes, ensuring something for everyone.
However, the restaurant’s popularity is both a blessing and a curse. Nakhat Alshraq is frequently crowded, particularly during peak dining hours, which can make securing a table a challenge. For those who plan ahead, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the consistently excellent food and service.
For more information, check their Instagram @nakhatalshraq.
Where We Are Going Today: Crosto bakery in Dammam
- The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal
If you’re in Dammam and looking for a flavorful brunch or a light meal, the recently opened bakery Crosto offers a cozy atmosphere and a versatile menu catering to different tastes.
The maple shrimp for SR46 ($12) was the highlight of our visit — perfectly cooked shrimp complemented by a sweet maple glaze. The chicken sliders (SR33) were another favorite — juicy, tasty, and served on fresh buns. The Turkish shakshuka and Crosto avocado are worth trying too.
The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal.
Crosto’s Turkish Coffee is a must-have for coffee enthusiasts. Its authentic preparation and rich taste paired perfectly with the desserts, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The atmosphere at Crosto is welcoming and casual. However, the service during our visit was a little slow, which might be a concern if you’re in a rush.
With its mix of regional and international flavors, Crosto could be a good choice for your next outing in Dammam.
For more information, check their Instagram @crosto.sa.
Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition
- Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals
RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.
Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”
The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.
The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.
“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.
The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.
Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”
Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”
The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.
Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh
Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.
While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.
Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls.
Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts.
The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.
The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh
Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.
This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes.
The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.
Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks.
However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.
Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.
This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.
For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.
