Tucked into Al-Majdiah Complex in north Riyadh is the purple-hued “coffee and health bar,” Goya. Inspired by the growing wellness culture, Goya focuses on health in every recipe.
The small cafe has become a known healthy spot, with some TikTokers calling it the “Erewhon of Riyadh” because of its colorful smoothies. Goya also offers matcha, coffee and healthy snacks.
Goya’s health-focused aesthetic is reflected in its interior design. With wooden furniture and purple tones, the space is small but bright. The Goya logo appears throughout, and there are racks of hoodies and sweaters with logos from local institutes, such as Alfaisal University and Prince Sultan University.
Their matcha menu has several options, from the coconut-water “green sky matcha” to mango matcha and regular matcha. Since I prefer matcha with oat milk, I chose the regular matcha with a milk substitute.
The matcha was good but sweet; I would ask for less sweetener if you prefer a more umami flavor. The matcha itself was high quality, so the taste remained strong and pleasant. The cafe also has a coffee bar with various hot and cold options, from lattes to V60.
I am very interested in the health-focused beverage scene, so I was eager to try a drink from their smoothie menu. These smoothies have gained attention on TikTok for their vibrant colors and the option to add collagen or protein powder.
I chose Goya’s Glow smoothie out of my love for berries. It is collagen-based, infused with peptides, and mixed with acai, spirulina and blueberries. It tasted refreshing and is a good choice for a post-workout drink.
They also offer Goya’s Boost, which is protein-based rather than collagen. It is made with vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, fresh dates and banana — a suitable option for those looking to increase their protein intake for the day.
For food, I wanted something to complement the fruitiness of the smoothie while staying health-conscious, so I chose the acai bowl. It was fruity, sweet and filling.
They also offer chia seed pudding for a different option. Goya has other desserts that are less “healthy,” such as tiramisu and Break My Tart Cheesecake.
Preparation was relatively quick, and merchandise is available to browse while you wait. Seating is minimal, with a few tables outside. Goya seems more suited for takeout, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer to dine in.
