Where We Are Going Today: Umq Coffee

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Updated 24 October 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Umq Coffee

  • It is reliable, unpretentious and proudly Saudi, and that shows in every cup

Few Saudi Arabia coffee brands have managed to build such steady loyalty across cities as has Umq Coffee.

With branches in Alkhobar, Dammam, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa, the brand has become a familiar stop for coffee lovers looking for consistency, quality, and fair prices — three things that are rarely found together.

You will love the Ethiopian iced V60. It is smooth, rich and full-bodied, with deep chocolatey undertones and a gentle, lingering sweetness.

The clarity of the brew allows the beans’ natural profile to shine through without any bitterness, giving each sip a clean and satisfying depth — making it perfect for hot afternoons and late-night drives.

You will appreciate how their flavor remains consistent across branches, a sign that Umq takes its roasting and preparation seriously.

Beyond the coffee, the menu includes breakfast and dessert options that are decently priced but fall short in quality compared to the drinks. The food is not bad, just not memorable, it is the kind of thing you order for convenience, not craving.

The coffee, however, is a different story: always freshly brewed, well-balanced, and undeniably the highlight of the experience.

Their accessibility is another plus. Having branches in multiple cities means you can count on finding Umq almost anywhere, which adds to its charm as a truly local brand.

It is reliable, unpretentious and proudly Saudi, and that shows in every cup.

If you are looking for consistent specialty coffee at a reasonable price, Umq is an easy recommendation. It is not about luxury or hype but familiarity done right.

For more information, check their Instagram: @umqcoffee.
 


Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Updated 15 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Mexican restaurant Cocina La Cantina — on Sari Road in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district — offers a menu focused on traditional flavors with contemporary twists.

I started with three salads, including maiz del fuego and verde brasa. The charred corn and kale were well prepared, and the dressings reflected traditional Mexican flavors.

The seafood dishes — lamica roja and aguachile de camaron — were fresh and retained their natural texture and taste. Guacamole served with crispy plantain provided a simple balance to the spiced dishes. 

The tostadas, especially the salmon and smoked crab versions, were well executed, with each ingredient distinct and flavors authentic. The menu offers a variety of options.

I also tried the birria quesadilla, featuring slow-cooked beef with Oaxacan-style cheese in a blue corn tortilla, and the ribotes — charred corn ribs topped with cotija, lime, tajín, and smoky morita mayo. Totopos with guacamole and pico de gallo completed my round of starters. 

For mains, I had pollo enmolado, with 48-hour marinated chicken in chintextle mole served with XO rice; pipian del mar, featuring salmon with molokhia pipian and macha oil; and carne asada suprema, a 24-hour marinated Wagyu 5+ striploin with guacamole and salsa verde.

The proteins were fresh and cooked to order, with sauces and marinades complementing the dishes as described.

The menu uses Mexican-style names but includes clear descriptions, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. For more information, visit @lacantina.ksa.