If you’re after authentic hot drinks, luscious desserts and quite possibly the best cafe view in the world, then Cafe Moment in Makkah is an absolute must. I came across this place thanks to TikTok and for once I am glad and grateful of some TikTok hype. We were super impressed, I mean we enjoyed the pretty pot of tea and the cake was delicious, but once you have the view they have to show off, nothing else matters really. You will be totally blinded by the greatness of the view that even if the drinks and cakes were not as good, you’ll easily forgive and forget. I also love the fact that it is so close to the Haram, you can literally come here in between prayers to chill and not miss any prayers, comfortably.
Where is the cafe?
There’s a couple of Cafe Moment cafes in Makkah near the Masjid al-Haram. The one with the views is the one nearer to the Clock Tower and opposite the Swissôtel. I’ll place the Google Maps location link below, but it is still a little difficult to locate. If you follow the Google directions, you’ll end up outside the express Al Baik branch and indoor shopping complex on its left, and the cafe nowhere in sight. Not to worry. Enter the indoor shopping complex and go up to the second floor. You should see a plethora of touristy/traditional shops – Arabic perfume, traditional clothing, souvenirs, abaya etc. It’s a little difficult to tell you where to find it on this floor, but you just got to keep walking to each corner and then you’ll find it there on one of those corners. If in doubt, just show any shop keeper or security a picture of the cafe’s entrance and they’ll direct you accordingly. Whoever we asked seemed to know of it, so that’s good. All the best! It’s a little difficult to locate, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Google Maps location link.
The best cafe view in the world
Why is it worth the hunting? Well, simply put because of the out of this world view. You get an amazing view of the Masjid al-Haram. I mean just look at the pictures. The perfect place to people watch, to chill, to catch up or to simply just sit there in quiet and admire the mind-blowing view. We were super impressed how this cafe even managed to get such a view. This is something you’d expect big fancy superpower names to have. But hey ho, we weren’t complaining. And it was really quiet when we went, so it added to the calm and relaxing environment. A much needed feeling in this city of hustle and bustle.
The drinks and desserts
The menu is full of a wide variety of traditional teas, coffees and speciality coffees. And I love how they serve them too – in traditional pots – really adds to the experience. To try something really traditional, go for the Arabic Coffee (Qahwa), it is somewhat of an acquired taste, but it goes so well with something sweet like dates. We actually were feeling the Karak and so we went for that. Their desserts menu is also impressive with western and eastern options to choose from. We went for the honey cake. And they also have a food menu, namely a meze/ Arabic breakfast spread (think falafel and hummus).
The aesthetics and the ambience
I love how the drinks are served. They come out in traditional pots, each drink having a traditional pot to match – very impressive. Aesthetic pots to match the aesthetic view. Then, with the tea comes bakhoor – the waiter comes and lights it up and it burns for a minute or so – creating a wonderful ambience and giving off lovely smells traditionally found in Arab homes. Loved the atmosphere this created.
Overall, a unique cafe serving up some high quality tea and coffee, traditional drinks, delicious cakes and most impressively a mind-blowing view. The perfect place to chill out and relax in this hustle and bustle city that never sleeps.
Getting there
Google Maps Location link: click here
