Coffee shops have always been an intrinsic part of Arab culture and one Saudi cafe has made an art form out of creating the right environment for the perfect brew.
Jeddah’s Hue Cafe not only offers delicious Arabic coffee and a meeting place but also the stage for artists to express their creativity.
The outlet has become a favorite haunt for artists of all ages who play with colors and paint while sipping a cup of coffee.
Tariq Banjar, who opened the cafe on July 22, told Arab News: “I’m someone who goes to cafes a lot. I noticed that all cafes are the same. They did not have anything new to offer. People just sit and talk.
“I wanted to do something different. I wanted people to do something that make them put their phones aside and release their negative energy. I wanted something that elevated people’s spirits.”
Banjar’s inspiration for the venture came from his wife, who is an artist. The cafe’s customers vary from those who simply wish to spend quality time with their family, to professional artists and beginners.
“But they’re all looking for some place simple, quiet, and peaceful. It is important for me to make customers feel like they’re at home,” he added.
Banjar decided to call the cafe Hue because of the simplicity of the word and its meaning in terms of a shade or color, and even shades of coffee.
He said art was important in the Kingdom and in all aspects of life. “Many artists told us they’re happy they found a place.”
Hue Cafe also allows artists to organize workshops to help them promote art and talent. “We’re not just a cafe or a business cafe. It’s more than that because you get to do activities here.”
Prior to opening the cafe, Banjar said he had not realized the extent of artistic talent in the city and added that as well as painters, musicians, poets, and calligraphers were among those who came to drink coffee and practice their art forms.
Startup of the Week: Hue Cafe: Making an art form out of coffee
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Startup of the Week: Hue Cafe: Making an art form out of coffee
- Banjar decided to call the cafe Hue because of the simplicity of the word and its meaning in terms of a shade or color, and even shades of coffee
Where We Are Going Today: Alkofeia in Jeddah
- The menu is extensive, with a plethora of dishes prepared fresh
In my household, weekends are a chance to step away from mundane daily chores and unwind, which usually translates into eating out and trying something different.
And, so while driving with my husband around Jeddah’s Rawdah district, Palestinian restaurant Alkofeia caught our attention with its unusual warm rustic facade.
The interiors of the multi-story restaurant exude an old-world Middle Eastern charm, with miniature roped furniture strategically hanging from the ceiling and vintage sign boards plastered across the walls. The abstract wooden tables, chairs with traditional Palestinian embroidered covers and distinctive cutlery add a unique touch. The restaurant is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
The menu is extensive, with a plethora of dishes prepared fresh.
For starters, we ordered the beetroot hummus, which was super creamy and flavorful; and the fattoush salad — which was quite fancifully served by the waiter — was fresh, crisp and tangy with the right amount of pomegranate molasses. We also shared a comforting bowl of barley soup.
For the main course, I had chicken maqlouba, which also comprised finely sliced potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes and toasted almonds; it was simply delicious. My husband had a traditional meat and rice dish garnished with toasted almonds; he quite enjoyed it but I did not. Different palates, I guess.
Both dishes came with a side of small bowls of plain yogurt.
For drinks, both of us had pomegranate juice, finely balanced between sweet and sour.
The prices are wallet-friendly given the prime location and generous portion sizes. We had enough leftovers to take home for lunch the next day.
The servers are friendly but could be a little more attentive considering the restaurant was not busy when we went.
This was my second visit — and surely, not my last.
