The Old City (nuts & spice) Roastery — Local services in Hayward

I have SOOO much to say… I came here twice and haven’t stopped thinking about this place ever since. I tell all my family and friends to come here! I live in Campbell which is about an hour away and will make the drive all the way to Hayward just because how amazing this family is. So here it goes…..

The Old City in Hayward is truly one of the best gems in the Bay Area! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home. The staff (especially the two young girls who work upfront! mA they are so sweet) they are so welcoming and treat you like family, always ready to help, share recommendations, or simply have a friendly conversation. It’s more than just a store. it’s a place where culture, tradition, and community come together in the most beautiful way.

The first thing that stands out is how yummy everything is! Every single item I’ve tried has been absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. From the fresh breads and savory goods to the sweets, spices, and specialty items, you can taste the authenticity and care that goes into everything they offer. Shopping here isn’t just about grabbing groceries and sweets it’s about treating yourself to a real experience.

What makes The Old City even more special is that it’s Palestinian-owned. There’s so much pride and heritage behind the store, and you can feel it in every detail. Supporting a local, family run Palestinian business like this is not only rewarding, but it also means you’re getting food and products that are deeply rooted in tradition and authenticity. It’s rare to find that level of heart and quality these days. May Allah SWT bless them with nothing but love and happiness.

Beyond the amazing food, the overall atmosphere here is unmatched. The store is full of character and culture. you can explore, discover, and always walk away learning something new. Whether you’re picking up everyday essentials, searching for the perfect gift, or just stopping by out of curiosity, The Old City makes the experience memorable every single time.

Hayward is incredibly lucky to have this spot. It’s not just a place to shop it’s a piece of culture, a hub of community, and a reminder of the beauty of supporting local, family-owned businesses. I can’t recommend The Old City enough. If you haven’t been yet, you’re truly missing out on something special. Stop by, try the food (everything is amazing!), and you’ll see why so many of us keep coming back again and again

I really wish I could give this...

I had a wonderful experience at The Old City (nuts & spice) Roastery. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the warm hospitality that reflects the heart of the Middle East. I came in specifically for traditional Arabic (Turkish-style) coffee, and it did not disappoint—freshly ground, richly aromatic, and brewed to perfection. It brought back memories of coffee shared in the Old City of Jerusalem.

I also picked up a mixed bag of salted nuts that were incredibly fresh and expertly roasted—crunchy, flavorful, and clearly top quality. Their variety of nuts and dried fruits is impressive, and everything is well-packaged and neatly displayed.

What really stood out to me was their vast selection of authentic spices. From za’atar and sumac to Palestinian freekeh and Aleppo pepper, it felt like walking into a traditional Arab spice market. The fragrance alone was enough to make me linger. You can tell these are not mass-produced; the ingredients are sourced with care.

What makes this place even more special is their commitment to supporting Palestinian products. The majority of their items are directly imported from Palestine, with others sourced from Jordan and Lebanon, maintaining that authentic Levantine identity. It’s rare to find a shop that carries this level of cultural integrity.

The staff were knowledgeable, kind, and eager to help. They explained the origins of their products and even gave a few recipe tips. This isn’t just a store—it’s an experience, and it’s clear that everything is selected with pride and purpose.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves authentic Middle Eastern flavors, traditional roastery goods, and supporting heritage-based...

A Sweet Paradise – From Traditional Treats to Gummies and Chocolate!

I’m officially obsessed with this Palestinian café’s dessert selection! It’s a dream come true for anyone with a love for sweets. The traditional options are absolutely phenomenal—starting with the knafeh, which was perfectly crispy on top, soft and cheesy underneath, and delicately soaked in rosewater syrup. The maamoul (filled with dates and nuts) literally melts in your mouth, and the basbousa was rich, moist, and had just the right hint of coconut.

What really surprised and delighted me was the modern twist—they also have a fantastic variety of gummies and chocolates! From tangy, colorful fruit gummies to creamy chocolate bites filled with nuts or caramel, it felt like stepping into a candy lover’s heaven. Everything was super fresh and beautifully displayed.

I loved how this café blends deep-rooted tradition with fun, modern treats—there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re after a nostalgic dessert or a quick chocolate fix, you’ll walk out smiling. I can’t wait...