A Drinkable Cultural Heritage? Trying the Rare White Arabic Coffee in Saudi Arabia (Part 2) – Arabic Coffee Experience

In my previous article, I shared basic information about Saudi Arabia’s white coffee. Today, I’ll dive deeper into the charm of white coffee I encountered in Saudi Arabia. I’ll focus particularly on my experience at Joontos restaurant in AlUla, describing its taste and the wonderful hospitality I received.

Previous article is available here:

A Drinkable Cultural Heritage? Trying the Rare White Arabic Coffee in Saudi Arabia (Part 1) – Arabic Coffee Experience Report

Joontos Restaurant in AlUla’s “Old Town”

AlUla’s “Old Town” is a place where history and culture remain vividly preserved, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped back in time. Located within the Dar Tantora hotel in this historic area, Joontos restaurant offers a contemporary style that blends indigenous Saudi Arabian cuisine with Spanish culinary elements. While it falls into a higher price range, it’s well worth the cost—a place where you can truly have a special dining experience.

(Dar Tantora itself is a fascinating hotel built around the theme of recreating life in the ancient city. I hope to introduce it in more detail on another occasion.)

A Summer Visit and Warm Hospitality

Having visited in the middle of summer, I was the only customer during lunch that day. Amid the stillness of the ancient city and the hot sunshine outside, the restaurant offered a cool and comfortable atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive and friendly, which warmed my heart. Thanks to their kind service and welcoming ambiance, I was able to relax and enjoy my meal.

Encountering White Arabic Coffee

As I had just arrived in Saudi Arabia, I hadn’t yet had the chance to try white Arabic coffee. While chatting with the staff after my meal, they noticed my interest in white coffee and suggested, “Would you like to try some Arabic coffee for dessert?” To my delight, they offered to provide it as a complimentary service.

Generous Service

Right in front of my table, a staff member lifted the traditional dallah (pot) and poured coffee generously into a small cup. The scene was quite impressive, making me feel as if I were participating in a special ceremony. Each movement of the staff displayed deep respect and thoughtfulness, making the moment truly special.

First Impression and Taste of White Coffee

The white coffee served had a very light color, appearing almost like Royal Milk Tea. As I enjoyed the aroma, I could detect hints of cardamom and clove (the exact spice blend is a company secret, they told me). With the first sip, the refreshing flavor of cardamom spread throughout my mouth, followed by a subtle sweetness from the cloves. The fresh aroma of coffee beans was also pleasant, with almost none of the bitterness typical of deeply roasted coffee beans, and a clean aftertaste that made it extremely easy to drink. Its delicate flavor was like a cool breeze caressing my cheek, bringing a moment of calm and serenity.

Perfect Combination with Dates and Tamriyyah

The dates and tamriyyah (date balls made by crushing dates) served alongside the coffee created a perfect combination, with their sweetness enhancing the spiced flavor of the coffee. Taking a sip of coffee followed by a bite of date created a wonderful harmony in my mouth as the rich sweetness of the dates balanced with the spiced flavor of the coffee. The natural sweetness of the dates further enhanced the clean taste of the white coffee, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. I was amazed at how this simple combination could provide such a deep sense of satisfaction.

The staff at Joontos were extremely kind and also educated me about the culture and history of Arabic coffee. Thanks to their warm hospitality, I was able to not only enjoy the coffee but also connect with the culture and history behind it. Through these interactions, I truly appreciated the excellence of Saudi Arabian hospitality. Conversations with them enriched my journey significantly.

What Did You Think?

Through my experience at Joontos restaurant, I was able to fully savor the charm of Saudi Arabia’s white coffee. Enjoying this special coffee with the warm local hospitality became an unforgettable moment for me. When visiting Saudi Arabia, I highly recommend trying this white coffee at local cafes and restaurants.

In my next article, I’ll introduce several recommended cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy white Arabic coffee, organized by city. Stay tuned!

[City Guide] A Drinkable Cultural Heritage? Trying the Rare White Arabic Coffee in Saudi Arabia (Part 3) – Arabic Coffee Experience Report