DUBAI: Mohammed Al-Falasi, the mastermind behind Dubai’s culinary sensation Saddle, has embarked on an international mission.
Al-Falasi recently opened the cafe in Cannes, making Saddle the first Emirati cafe to open in the French city. The entrepreneur also opened up a branch of his concept, which began as a modest food truck operation in Dubai, in London October, with plans to unveil another outlet in Riyadh in November.
Saddle’s menu boasts all day breakfast staples like avocado on toast and homemade granolas, to a variety of specialty coffee – like the V60. It also offers acai and an array of desserts like the homemade brownies.
In an interview with Arab News, Al-Falasi said: “The inspiration behind Saddle lies in a passion for exceptional coffee and a desire to create a welcoming haven inspired by the Arabian equestrian heritage. It began as a dream to craft a space where coffee appreciation and warm hospitality converge.”
He said that expanding the brand to London and Cannes was a “thrilling endeavor.” “It fills me with a sense of pride and excitement to introduce our cafe to an international audience.
“London’s vibrant culinary scene and diverse culture aligns well with our brand ethos of offering exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality,” he said. “This expansion reflects our commitment to growth, quality and creating memorable dining experiences.”
Riyadh was a market the founder has been thinking of tapping into since December 2018. Al-Falasi said he has actively participated in various events, including the 2020 Riyadh Oasis.
“Our journey has been marked by remarkable demand and overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers,” he said. “We’ve observed that our concept aligns perfectly with the burgeoning growth Riyadh is experiencing.”
The founder believes that Riyadh has undergone significant urban development in recent years, making this the right time to take the leap and enter the restaurant scene in the Saudi capital.
“This rich cultural tapestry has given rise to a unique culinary scene, and Saddle Cafe is well-positioned to cater to this diversity … our aspiration is to align ourselves with the Saudi vision, contributing to the growth and prosperity of this dynamic city and its community,” Al-Falasi said.
