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: Golden Gate

Updated 28 January 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Golden Gate

ALKHOBAR: Perched on the ninth floor overlooking Alkhobar’s waterfront, Golden Gate promises a dining experience shaped as much by its view as by its menu.

The setting is undeniably its strongest feature; greenery-filled interiors, generous natural light and wide glass panels that frame the sea, giving the space a calm and elevated atmosphere. It is the kind of setting that encourages long conversations and leisurely lunches.

During my visit, service was slow and noticeably inattentive. Staff interactions felt rushed and uncoordinated, and despite the restaurant being far from full, requests took time to be acknowledged.

Accessibility was also an issue. The building operates with a single elevator serving nine floors, and wait times were long enough to disrupt the flow of the visit. For a restaurant positioned as a premium dining experience, this type of bottleneck feels avoidable and adds unnecessary friction before guests even reach their table. 

Golden Gate’s ninth-floor dining room offers a bright, greenhouse-style setting with tons of natural light and greenery. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The kibbeh bil laban stood out as the highlight; tender, balanced and seasoned properly — easily the best dish on the table and the only one I would return for.

The freekeh carried a pleasant smokiness and depth, but the chicken served alongside it was dry and oddly discolored, affecting both flavor and presentation. The tabbouleh was fresh, bright and well-textured, offering a needed contrast to the heavier plates.

The biggest disappointment came from the grills. The meats had an unusual flavor profile that did not feel intentional nor tied to any regional culinary tradition. Texture and seasoning were off, and for a restaurant operating at this price point, it felt like a noticeable gap in execution. 

Golden Gate places significant weight on its view, despite not being on the waterfront and with several nearby restaurants offering clearer, more direct access to the shoreline.

With that context, the experience depends heavily on ambiance rather than execution. Between the slow service, uneven kitchen and premium pricing, it is not a restaurant I would return to — with the exception of the kibbeh bil laban.

For more details, visit @goldengateksa.