There is always a time in our life as adults that we feel like kids, or at least want to be kids again. And because we couldn’t turn back time that easily, we succumb to the easiest way to solve our dilemma… eat candy. Ahhh candy, it’s what fairy tales and dreams and sweet nothings are made of! Its sweetness is instant happiness, its texture is comfort food that’s made affordable and its flavors are instant pick-me-uppers to a dreary day. Everyone love candies! And we’re pretty sure everyone will love a sweet, pretty candy emporium in Riyadh that doesn’t only satisfy a simple candy craving… it satisfies all the sweet cravings we’ll ever have. Come join us as we tour Candylawa, cosidered to be the world’s largest integrated candy store!
There was a boom of candy stores in Riyadh for quite some time now and seriously, we couldn’t even differentiate one from the other anymore but entering Candylawa and getting to know its different sections made us realize that hey, here’s a place that doesn’t only offer candies and chocolates but so, so, so much more! As they say in their tagline, Candylawa (a combination of the words “candy” and “halawa”), goes beyond sweetness. I wondered what that meant. But just looking at their well-thought and well-decorated but playful, mind-boggling store, I immediately knew why.
This two-level store (yes, it has a second floor) is filled with colorful treats and merchandise from wall to wall and shelf-to-shelf and every space your eyes can see. I can barely stay put in one area. I wanted to unwrap every product there is or even just those that were new to me (and there were many) but I couldn’t because every shelf catches my eye; even the pillars of cartoon-like designs appealed to me (also there’s a guard nearby haha). This is one place the brings immediate happiness and I was hooked. So pardon me if this post is bombarded with pictures. There’s just so many things to capture and every inch of that store is selfie-worthy!
The first floor welcomes with an array of candies and chocolates imported and sourced outside Saudi Arabia, also displayed are different Candylawa merchandise that are the company’s own.
A corner was delegated for the very much loved M&M’s. They don’t only have the “melt in your mouth not in your hands” chocolates but they also have original M&M’s merchandise from shirts to tumblers to mugs to stuffed toys to onesies for babies (really, really, cute!).
While the first level already caught my attention, it was when I went up the escalator to the second floor that I was truly amazed. Again, which direction should I have gone first? I quickly realized that there was no right direction, the store comes full circle and given enough time, I unraveled all of Candylawa’s sections.
The candy section is a given but I was still awed by the sheer amount of candies and jelly beans and chocolate pellets on the walls. Its a smorgasbord of flavors and shapes and picking can be a chore but the more the merrier right?
Candylawa carefully picks their chocolates and candies from around the globe. It was truly hard to get just one bar and be done with it. Well considering the Candylawa people have more brands and kinds to choose from all over the world, choosing in just one candy store should be easy peasy for us right?!
Wait, there’s more. Candylawa is just not a celebration of candies… it’s a celebration of art, sweets and creativity that’s why they have other sections, NINE to be exact. It’s a one-stop shop for everything sugar and everything nice! A sweet tooth junkie like me has found her fix.
1. Cakelawa
Cupcakes? Customized cakes? Gourmet chocolates? Yup, you name it they have it! Their baked goods are great for any occasion. Just look at this Kingdom Tower cake:
2. Lollilawa
Just off to the side of Cakelawa is the Lollilawa section. It’s the home of sugar art and homemade sugar candies. Their rock candies can be customized to suit events that require giveaways or souvenirs. Someday, we wish for a Pink Tarha candy, haha!
It’s also the first time that I saw really huge candies that can probably be an alternative for cake in a party. I’ve been wondering if I’ll ever have the heart to break this kind of candy and eat it. Maybe I can just display it! Haha! What do you think?
I stayed around for a few minutes and had the chance to see the ‘candymen’ make a fresh batch of candy. It wasn’t an easy task but it was mesmerizing.
3. Mellolawa
Near the candymaking counter is the Mellolawa section where yes, you guessed it right… marshmallows are made. It’s not just simple marshmallows that they make here. They create gourmet marshmallows that are flavored to enhance the taste. We tried the red velvet and indeed, the soft mallow tasted like red velvet!
4. Popcolawa
What’s a carnival without the popcorn? In Candylawa, you just don’t get the usual butter or cheese flavor, you get more (even flavors that you didn’t imagine)! Their gourmet popcorn is made from the finest kernels popped using a healthy cooking method to create the perfect crunch.
5. Shakalawa
A sweet store is not complete without ice cream and Candylawa has a section that offers it… and goes beyond ice cream by blending it and whipping it into a shake! Candylawa’s gelato combined with your favorite chocolate, fruits, candies, and even cakes can be made at the Shakalawa section. Yes, whatever edible stuff you grab at the store can be turned into shake! How awesome and convenient is that?
6. Yogolawa
But if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to the gelato then look no further than the next section… Yogolawa, which offers the perfect swirl of frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruits (or candies again if you’re just going semi-healthy, haha!). We tried the original and strawberry froyo flavors and they’re tart and sweet and sour all at the same time. Pretty awesome for something healthy. Haha!
7. Cafelawa
You might have seen a video in Instagram of a chocolate ball melting under a steady pouring of liquid chocolate to reveal fruits inside… that’s a creation you can find in Cafelawa. It’s one of their famous treats you can enjoy in Candylawa’s coffee shop that overlooks Piatto and Panorama’s food court. It’s one of the most popular coffee shops in this mall and it’s always full whenever we chance upon it at night. They serve other desserts, pastries, and beverages here. Seriously a Pink Cloud and a Candyccino? I’m well intrigued.
8. Wrapalawa
Now, now, Candylawa is not just about edible stuff. They also have a gift wrapping section that prepares your purchases and make them all the more special. Wrapalawa has unique papers, ribbons, wrappers, and containers that can turn your gifts prettier and more unique. I’d be happy to receive a gift wrapped here! I mean, I pretty much spent five minutes just looking at the displayed gift packages.
9. Artylawa
The kids will not only enjoy the food, they will also enjoy Candylawa for this area especially reserved for them. They can come here to paint and create artworks and masterpieces. This area encourages your kids to use their imagination and turn them into reality through art sets and crafts that are available in Candylawa. It can also be used as a venue for parties.
I just enumerated nine reasons why Candylawa is the place to be when it comes to sweets and creativity. But I’m pretty sure I already got you with just mentioning “candy.” Actually, I have four more reasons:
Meet Mello, Sprinkle, Coco, and Sukkar, the mascots of Candylawa! Aren’t they the cutest? Don’t ask us what they are because they couldn’t answer that either. Haha! They’re cute and cuddly and fun… so what’s not to like? They represent all that Candylawa stands for and they’re a great addition to your shopping cart.
Candylawa is the real sweet tooth’s paradise. And you know what’s awesome? Candylawa is one of the world’s best candy shops according to Fox News. So, you know now where to go to indulge your saccharine cravings.
Candylawa
Gate 2, Panorama Mall,
Takhasussi Street,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: 920004575
FB: https://www.facebook.com/candylawaSA?fref=ts
Twitter: @candylawa
Instagram: @candylawa