The Flat White has become one of the fastest-growing specialty coffee drinks in Saudi Arabia. Originally from Australia and New Zealand, it is now a favorite among café lovers across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province.

Unlike the sweeter Spanish Latte or the airy Cappuccino, the Flat White shines because of its strong espresso flavor paired with smooth, velvety microfoam.

Through my work running Saudi Coffee Crafters, visiting cafés, and speaking with baristas daily, I’ve learned why the Flat White is becoming the go-to drink for customers transitioning from sweet coffees to more authentic espresso-based drinks.

This guide will show you exactly how to make a Flat White the way Saudi specialty cafés prepare it—smooth, strong, and beautifully balanced.

What Is a Flat White?

A Flat White is an espresso-based drink that focuses on the texture of the milk rather than the volume of the foam.

It consists of:

• Double Espresso (Often pulled as a Ristretto in premium cafés).
• Steamed Milk with a very thin layer of silky microfoam.
• The Vessel: Served in a smaller 150–180 ml cup to ensure the coffee flavor is concentrated.

Why the Flat White Is Growing in Saudi Arabia

Based on our platform insights, the Flat White is now among the top 5 most ordered specialty drinks nationwide. Here is why:

1. The “Serious” Choice: Young professionals in Riyadh prefer it for its strong espresso profile compared to lattes.
2. Bean Quality: Specialty cafés promote it because the thin milk layer highlights the notes of premium Ethiopian and Brazilian beans.
3. The Evolution: It is the natural next step for customers moving away from sugary drinks like the Spanish Latte.

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How to Make a Flat White (The Expert Method)

This method is based on analysis of how top Saudi specialty shops prepare the drink.

Step 1: Pull a Double Espresso Shot

The espresso must be the hero of the drink.

• Dose: 18–20g freshly ground coffee.
• Yield: 36–40g liquid.
• Time: 25–30 seconds.

Expert Insight: Many high-end cafés in Riyadh use Ristretto shots (less water, same amount of coffee) for Flat Whites. This makes the drink sweeter and richer, cutting through the milk more effectively.

Step 2: Steam Milk to 55–60°C

Temperature control is critical for a Flat White.

• Target: 55–60°C (Cooler than a Latte or Cappuccino).
• Why? If the milk is too hot, it loses its sweetness and texture becomes “flat” in the wrong way.
• Technique: Keep the steam wand just below the surface to introduce very little air. You do not want big bubbles.

Step 3: Create Silky Microfoam

This is the step that separates good cafés from great ones. You are looking for a texture that resembles wet paint.

• Visual Check: Glossy, shiny, and swirling.
• Bubble Check: There should be zero visible bubbles.

Step 4: The Pour

1. Swirl your espresso to break the crema.
2. Swirl your milk pitcher until the milk looks like liquid silk.
3. Pour slowly into the center of the cup.
4. Finish with a very thin layer of foam (approx. 0.5cm).

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Flat White vs. Latte: What’s the Difference?

This is the most common question we get. Here is the breakdown based on Saudi café standards:

Feature	Flat White	Latte
Espresso	Double Shot / Ristretto	Single or Double
Milk Foam	Very thin, silky microfoam	Thicker, creamy foam
Cup Size	Small (150–180 ml)	Large (240–300 ml)
Strength	Strong (Espresso dominant)	Mild (Milk dominant)
Ideal For	Coffee Lovers	Beginners

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Regional Trends: How Flat Whites Differ Across Saudi Cities

City	Style & Preference
Riyadh	Intensity: Strongest Flat Whites. High demand among business professionals. Consistency is key here.
Jeddah	Variety: Slightly sweeter variations are common. The Iced Flat White is trending heavily here.
Eastern Province	Balance: Cafés in Khobar/Dammam tend to stick to the classic preparation with balanced flavor notes.

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The “Iced Flat White” Trend

While traditionalists say a Flat White must be hot, Saudi summers have created a new trend: the Iced Flat White.

• The Recipe: Double espresso poured over ice, topped with cold, frothy milk (often shaken or frothed cold).
• The Rule: No sugar (unless requested). It maintains the strength and creaminess of the hot version but refreshes you in the heat.

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Common Mistakes (What We See in Cafés)

• Too Much Foam: If it has a thick foam cap, it’s a Cappuccino, not a Flat White.
• Overheated Milk: If the milk scalds your tongue, the delicate texture is destroyed.
• Wrong Cup Size: Serving it in a large mug dilutes the coffee, turning it into a weak Latte.
• Weak Espresso: Using a single shot makes the drink taste like warm milk.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Flat White?

It is a strong coffee drink consisting of a double shot of espresso and steamed milk with a layer of silky microfoam, served in a small cup.

2. What is the ideal milk temperature?

55–60°C. This is slightly cooler than other drinks to preserve the glossy texture.

3. Does a Flat White use a single or double espresso?

Always a double shot (or double Ristretto) in Saudi specialty coffee culture.

4. Is a Flat White strong?

Yes. Because it uses the same amount of coffee as a large latte but much less milk, the coffee flavor is much more intense.

5. Which milk is best?

Full-fat milk is essential for achieving the glossy, “wet paint” microfoam texture.

6. Is the Flat White popular in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, it is rapidly growing, especially in Riyadh’s business districts and specialty hubs.

7. Can you make an iced Flat White?

Yes. It is very popular in Jeddah. It uses cold foamed milk instead of steamed milk.

If you enjoyed this guide, explore more of our brewing tutorials:
• Learn how to make Espresso — the base of almost every café drink: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-espresso/
• Master a creamy Latte at home: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-latte/
• Try a rich, chocolatey Mocha: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-mocha/
• Learn the basics of a bold Macchiato: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-macchiato/
• Make a sweet and balanced Spanish Latte: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-spanish-latte/
• Brew your own smooth Cold Brew: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-cold-brew/
• Create a classic Cappuccino with perfect foam: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-cappuccino/
• Prepare a clean, rich Americano: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-americano/
• Make a dessert-style Affogato with espresso and ice cream: https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-affogato/