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: ‘Go Greek’ in Jeddah
- The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe
While doomscrolling on social media before bed one night, my phone flashed a post about a brand new place called Go Greek that had just opened in Jeddah. I saved it like I always do, but quite unusually, I did not conveniently forget about it.
So, a few days later after dinner my husband and I drove to one of the new hot spots in town, La Paz Plaza, which houses Jeddah’s Go Greek store.
It was crowded with the queue spilling out of the doors — but rightfully so, because when we got our hands on the yogurt bowls, it was clear why: They were seriously so good! It makes you want to go back for more.
The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe.
The store has four large vending machines, each with two flavor options.
You can sample the flavors before you fill your cup depending on your appetite. You are then guided to the next station to choose toppings, with myriad options ranging from different kinds of berries and tropical fruits to seeds, granolas and crumbles.
I went for the dark chocolate and vanilla cup, and my husband chose the pineapple and coconut-flavored cup, which tasted remarkably like pina colada. The yogurt was fresh, rich and creamy, with the berries giving it the right kick of tanginess, while the chia seeds and granola delivered the perfect texture and crunch.
Payment is done by the gram, weighed right in front of you.
On another counter, they also have plain, Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored yogurts. I bought a few grams from each to have it at home the next day; and the Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored ones are indulgent on their own, with no toppings needed.
Staff members are polite and attentive, and the service efficient. It is definitely worth a visit.
