Caim S.
Yelp
Stepping into The Royal Roaster felt like I had been transported into a luxurious marketplace somewhere in the UAE. The air was rich with the scent of freshly ground spices, roasted nuts, fragrant teas, and sweet pastries stacked high behind glass. I was overwhelmed in the best way. Every corner of the store offered something new to take in, especially with so many foreign snacks on display.
The (long) line outside looked intimidating at first, but it moved quickly. Once inside, we were greeted with generous sample trays featuring chocolates, Turkish delights, pistachio-filled pastries, and more. I loved being able to try so many unique flavor combinations before buying. Pistachio is clearly the star of the show here, and I wasn't mad about it.
I ordered the mango and lotus blossom ice cream, and it was one of the creamiest, most flavorful scoops I've had in a while. Usually, mango flavors lean more sherbet-y, but this one was smooth, silky, and perfectly balanced with the nutty floral hint of lotus. I could've gone back for seconds.
My friend was hoping to try the viral fruit-layered pastries we saw trending on TikTok, but they were completely sold out by the time we arrived around 9 p.m. The cashier kindly let us know those items move fast and recommended placing an order a day or two in advance to guarantee a box.
The atmosphere inside was bustling and felt like somewhere between a specialty grocer and a pastry café. Whether you're craving sweets, stocking up on imported goods, or just passing through with curiosity, The Royal Roaster makes it worth your time (and the short wait).