Where We Are Going Today: Blumen Coffee & Sweets

Located in the JAX District in Diriyah, far from the main sites, Blumen cafe offers coffee, sweets and breakfast menu for its customers. (AN Photo by Haifa Alshammari)
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Updated 24 November 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Blumen Coffee & Sweets

  • Overall, Blumen’s coffee is genuinely good but, for me, the combination of limited menu availability, the sandwich’s seasoning, and the out-of-the-way location mean the establishment may not be a regular stop

Blumen Coffee & Sweets has a quiet outpost in the JAX District in Diriyah, but it is a bit removed from the main attractions.

I had hoped to try a few items from its menu, but several were not available during my visit. Instead, I opted for a breakfast choice: the reasonably priced makdous sandwich and a cup of coffee.

The coffee was enjoyable and brewed well. The sandwich, however, did not quite work for me. The filling was saltier than expected, which overshadowed the otherwise good-quality bread. I managed half of it, but it was not a flavor profile I would revisit.  

Given its position near the highway, the cafe may rely more on passersby than destination traffic, and it was fairly quiet when I stopped by. While the main coffee area was clean and pleasantly scented, the washroom could benefit from more consistent upkeep.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Wi-Fi is available for phones, but not ideal for laptop work, so it is better suited for a quick break rather than a remote-work session. 

Overall, Blumen’s coffee is genuinely good but, for me, the combination of limited menu availability, the sandwich’s seasoning, and the out-of-the-way location mean the establishment may not be a regular stop. 

Still, with a few adjustments, this branch has the potential to be a convenient option for those passing through the area.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Circle 3 at Fenna Alawwal

Updated 03 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Circle 3 at Fenna Alawwal

RIYADH: Fenna Alawwal is located in Riyadh’s Al-Safarat neighbourhood, known as the Diplomatic Quarter, and serves as a cultural and creative hub that embraces a diverse community of thinkers and creators.

Connected to the center, Circle 3 by Acoustic is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves a variety of food options and beverages. I tried the lunch menu and coffee during my visit.

The center is spacious, and the interiors have a minimalist touch; the ambient music was soft and soothing. Overall, the vibes at Fenna Alawwal were very relaxing and pleasant. 

Connected to the center, Circle 3 by Acoustic, which is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves a variety of food options and beverages, where I tried the lunch menu and coffee. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

For SR130 ($35), I ordered the eggplant fattah, the baked lasagna, and coffee after my meal. The cost was understandable, considering the restaurant’s location, and the food was good overall.

One of the services provided by the center was the “short stories” station for visitors interested in reading, along with a mini art gallery in the center’s outdoor area, and a library and bookshop. 

Fenna Alawwal is located in the Al Safarat neighbourhood, known as the diplomatic quarter. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

Yet, I would have liked Wi-Fi, as the center is an excellent option for people looking for a private, quiet spot in Riyadh to enjoy a cup of coffee and work.

Fenna Alawwal also has its own parking lot, which is an advantage considering the low chances of finding an empty parking space near the center.