Where We Are Going Today: ‘Olala Roastery’ – coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia

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Unboxing Olala Roastery’s boxes — bold design, flavorful beans, and a whole vibe in every cup. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Inside the boxes by Olala Roastery — creative packaging and curated blends for your daily caffeine ritual. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 29 April 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Olala Roastery’ – coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia

  • The packaging is part of the Olala experience — lively illustrations, custom stickers and even branded takeaway cups. Every element reflects fun and youthful energy, making it perfect for gifting or for coffee lovers with an eye for design

Olala Roastery is one of the most recognizable names among local coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia.

I tried two of their signature boxes: Nsahsah (Wake Me Up) and Mw Eadi (Not Your Usual), each with labeled blends and a colorful unboxing experience.

The Not Your Usual box featured two exceptional beans — vista and roza. Vista quickly became a favorite, thanks to its smooth body, light acidity, and a finish that felt both clean and vibrant. It was the kind of coffee that stood out from the first cup. I finished it so quickly — it was the best I have ever tried.

Roza, with its subtle fruity tones, offered a more delicate profile that worked beautifully for slower mornings.

The packaging is part of the Olala experience — lively illustrations, custom stickers and even branded takeaway cups. Every element reflects fun and youthful energy, making it perfect for gifting or for coffee lovers with an eye for design.

One drawback, however, was the inconsistency between the flavor notes written on some of the packaging and the actual taste of the coffee. The flavor profiles were not as clear or defined as described, which may leave some drinkers guessing — especially those who choose beans based on specific expectations.

Still, Olala Roastery delivers fresh, well-roasted coffee wrapped in a full sensory experience, making it a creative and proudly Saudi addition to the specialty coffee scene.

For more information, check @olala.roastery on Instagram.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower

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Updated 25 January 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower

  • The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone

If you are ever in AlUla and looking for a dining experience in the heart of the oasis, overlooking its lush farmlands and surrounded by palm trees, I highly recommend checking out Wild Flower in Daimumah. 

What is really unique about Wild Flower is its farm-to-table concept: as you discover the different vegetables and herbs grown in Daimumah, such as eggplant, coriander, tomatoes, spring onions, arugula, and chili peppers, you get the burst of flavor from the fresh produce straight to your plate.

The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone.

We started off the meal with some cold mezze. The avocado hummus and beetroot hummus, served with beetroot chips, were light and refreshing as we took a break from the harsh sun under the restaurant’s shaded seating area.

We really enjoyed the watermelon salad that had an interesting mix between tangy and sweet, but the crunchy parmesan truffle fries are a must. 

For mains, we opted for the vegetarian biryani, which was not anything to write home about, but the lemon garlic pasta dish, served with grilled chicken, was definitely one we would go back for.

We also really enjoyed their Moroccan-style roasted chicken, which was super juicy and spiced to perfection.

The service, although a bit slow, was OK. The staff did their best to accommodate our needs. When I ordered an iced ginger lemonade and was served hot ginger tea instead, they were happy to change the order. The spot is moderately priced and perfect for sharing if you are going with a large group.

It is also a great spot to visit solo. While there is a small entry fee for Daimumah, you can explore the farms, pick vegetables to take home, feed the goats, join an art workshop at The Nest, see art installations, and learn about AlUla’s landscape, flora and fauna — and then finish the visit with a good meal.