Hidden Gem: Riyadh's Ashjar Café is an oasis of calm

In our quest to find an oasis away from the daily grind of city life, it's ofter the simple solutions that are the best.

Take the age-old ritual of gatherings in the comforting shade of a tree. Such natural settings have always fostered connection and reflection, and that's how it feels when you walk into the Ashjar Café in Riyadh, a modern-day sanctuary for creative thinkers.

• 

• 

Set up by a group of Saudi entrepreneurs, Ashjar — meaning 'trees' in Arabic — is nestled in the vibrant Ar Rabi district. Step inside and you'll be struck by the blend of nature and contemporary design, where refined furniture and organised workspaces seamlessly co-exist.

Ashjar is artfully divided into three different sections. The first, the cafe: buzzing with conversations and lively discussions, whilst others work on their laptops. Beyond the cafe lies an outdoor seating area, where patrons gather in the shadows of the majestic tree that stands tall as the centrepiece, surrounded by a relaxing pool of water.

The third area, the Ashjar Space, makes working from 'home', or more realistically, working from 'anywhere' a whole lot easier. With a specifically designated work space in the back of the cafe, you can book a chair for yourself or a larger workspace for meetings, turning the cafe experience into a productive and enjoyable work environment.

• 

• 

This cafe is the perfect spot to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxing cup of coffee, and a snack, or enjoy several leisurely hours of work from an aesthetically pleasing and creative setting.

When it comes to the coffee menu, Ashjar Café does not disappoint. This oasis of calm is complemented by a wide selection of beverages and desserts. The aromatic V60 drip coffee, for instance, is bound to get you into the right mind-space to get creative or be productive. The velvety flat white goes well with any of the café’s dessert options.

There is also the much-loved Matcha Matcha, the café's take on a delightful matcha latte; if you're a matcha lover, this is one you need to try.

Of course, there is also good food to be found at Ashjar Café, specialised in sweet snacks, the café offers treats like honey cake to refreshing Jazan mango soft serve, specifically made for the increasing heat of the summer months.

The café has a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, pleasant environment for all visitors, with the fresh aroma of coffee, the comforting hum of conversation, the welcoming smiles of friendly and attentive staff.

Whether you're looking for a café for a quick pick-me-up, or somewhere to meet friends and catch up over some freshly brewed drinks and delicious snacks, or you need somewhere other than your home office to get some work done, Riyadh's Ashjar Café should be on your list to try.

Ar Rabi District, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh
@ashjarcafe