Noug Camel Milk: Tried Saudi Arabia’s National Drink – A Full Tasting Experience Report

When you think of Saudi Arabia, dates and Arabic coffee might first come to mind. However, this country has another beverage deeply rooted in people’s lives since ancient times – camel milk. This milk, which was essential for nomads to survive in the harsh desert environment, is still loved by many people today for its high nutritional value.

That said, when you hear “camel milk,” you might imagine a somewhat wild flavor. Some might think it has a strong saltiness or distinctive taste. For this article, I experienced camel milk firsthand. I visited a café called “Noug” in AlUla Oldtown, a tourist attraction in western Saudi Arabia. Through this café experience, I’ll share the appeal of camel milk in detail.

AlUla Oldtown and “Noug”

Let me first introduce the place where I enjoyed camel milk. AlUla Oldtown is an area where history and culture are particularly well-preserved in Saudi Arabia. The narrow, maze-like alleys lined with sand-colored walls and wooden gates create a scene that feels as if time has stopped. As you walk around this old town, you naturally begin to feel the passage of time slowing down.

“Noug” is a takeout stand-style café located in the center of AlUla Oldtown. As a café, it’s quite compact with just a counter and no indoor seating. However, there’s a spacious outdoor area in front of the shop where you can relax and enjoy your drink while seated. It’s an ideal place to take a break, surrounded by an exotic landscape as the dry desert breeze passes through.

When I ordered camel milk at the counter, it was served in a clean, stylish package. To be honest, I had imagined it would come in a more rustic glass bottle, so I was a bit surprised. However, the refined package design perfectly matched the atmosphere of AlUla, where tradition and modernity blend beautifully, and I actually appreciated it.

Now, let’s take a sip of camel milk and savor the flavor as it spreads in my mouth.

The Taste of Camel Milk

The moment I took a sip, I was surprised by the unexpected smoothness and subtle sweetness. The milky white liquid flows quietly over the tongue and slides down the throat. This sequence has a sensation like oasis water permeating sand. It penetrates a parched throat gently, giving a feeling of moisture spreading throughout the body as if reviving life.

What surprised me was the gentleness of the flavor. When hearing about camel milk, I had imagined a more rugged taste or saltiness, but that was completely unfounded. It doesn’t have a strong peculiarity; rather, an elegant flavor fills the mouth. It’s like the pleasant taste of water with a hint of sweetness that a traveler wandering the desert finally finds at an oasis.

It has the richness of cow’s milk but is somehow lighter and passes through the throat smoothly. As you drink, a refreshing aftertaste remains in your mouth, making you feel revitalized as if you’ve gained a new breath of life. This sensation is unique and not easily experienced with other beverages. Camel milk perfectly combines the rich flavor of cow’s milk with a distinctive smoothness and lightness on the palate.

Diverse Camel Milk Experiences at “Noug”

Furthermore, Noug offers many ways to enjoy camel milk. Besides standard camel milk, they also have flavored versions such as strawberry and Oud. Oud is a fragrance from wood unique to the Middle East, offering a taste experience specific to this region. They also sell ice cream and butter made from camel milk, which piqued my interest.

Their diverse menu indicates that camel milk is not just a beverage but part of Saudi Arabia’s rich food culture. Every menu item is characterized by being adapted to modern tastes while having the background of the region’s history and tradition.

The Expansion of Noug – Camel Milk Available Throughout Saudi Arabia

In fact, this café called “Noug” is not limited to AlUla but has locations throughout Saudi Arabia. You can find them in major cities like Jeddah, and you might come across one by chance while touring. It’s nice to have opportunities to enjoy this simple yet sophisticated flavor not only in AlUla but in other cities as well.

Final Thoughts

Camel milk is a drink filled with Saudi Arabian history and culture. The taste I experienced at “Noug” in AlUla had a presence like moisture quietly living in the dry desert landscape. I hope that by trying this unique beverage during your tour, you can get a sense of the depth and diverse charm of Saudi Arabia as a country.