Where We Are Going Today: A Cozy Day Out at Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe

Some discoveries happen by design. Others, like my visit to Brown Branch, happen by happy accident.

I was leaving a popular cafe across the street, recording a voice note for a friend, when my eye caught something through a window lush with fresh flowers. A newly opened bakery and cafe. The name was unfamiliar. The pull was immediate.

I stepped inside.

A Space That Welcomes

The interior is well-lit, thoughtfully arranged, and fragrant with the promise of fresh pastry. Flowers soften the corners. Warm wood tones anchor the room. It feels less like a commercial establishment and more like an extension of someone’s carefully kept home.

Up a short flight of stairs, seating opens up—both indoors and out. For those who prefer fresh air or a view of the surrounding neighborhood, the outdoor tables offer a quiet perch. For those arriving with laptops and intentions of productivity, outlets are plentiful. You can charge your device while you recharge. Practicality and prettiness, side by side.

The Nurses’ Recommendation

Brown Branch opened only this month, and during my visit, customers were few. But two young women at a nearby table—nurses, as we discovered during our pleasant chat—were finishing their order with visible enthusiasm. Only crumbs remained.

What had they tried?

The blueberry cheesecake, they said without hesitation. Highly recommended.

I ordered it immediately.

The Cheesecake That Stole the Show

Priced at 29 riyals, the cheesecake is round, modest in size, and perfect for one—or for sharing, if you’re feeling generous. What sets it apart is the crust. Rather than a thin base, it encases the entire dessert, cradling the creamy interior in buttery embrace. Fresh berries decorate the top.

For me, the crust is always the best part. Having it be the first thing my spoon touched was a delightful surprise. The interior is smooth, punctuated by tucked-away fruit. I ate it all in one go. No regrets.

The nurses also raved about the hot chocolate (15 riyals each). On their recommendation alone, I will return for it.

Hibiscus and Lemon

I arrived already well-caffeinated from my previous stop, so I opted for iced hibiscus tea (17 riyals). It was refreshing, bright, and finished too quickly. A larger size would be welcome.

The lemon cake (13 riyals), topped with icing, was pleasant but not memorable. A respectable effort, if not the star of the display.

A Familiar Hand

The owner, I learned, is already woven into the local cafe community. She opened Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall several years ago, later expanding to Dammam. Brown Branch represents a new sensibility—softer, more nature-infused, yet bearing the same attention to detail.

The name itself evokes growth, harvest, and the simple act of resting together on a branch. It suits the space.

Coming Back for More

The glass display case offers an abundance of choices—pastries arranged like small works of art. The drink menu is equally extensive. I left with a list in my head of what to try next.

Brown Branch is new, still undiscovered by the crowds. That will change. For now, it is a quiet corner of warmth and flavor, waiting for those who stumble upon it.

Find them on Instagram @brownbranch.sa. Tell them the nurse sent you.

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