This Riyadh Food Truck’s Menu Has 'Gone Bananas'

Gone Bananas serves frozen bananas on sticks, dipped in Belgian chocolate, drizzled with sauces, and loaded with toppings ranging from crushed Oreos to kunafa. The result? A dessert that's turning skeptics into regulars, one banana at a time.

The concept comes from three longtime friends Obadah Faisal, Mohammed AlSinan, and Muhannad AlNamnakani, who felt the dessert scene had overlooked one ingredient in particular.

"Bananas haven't really gotten the recognition they deserve in the dessert scene," Obadah tells SceneNowSaudi.

While the idea feels obvious in hindsight, the founders quickly learned that convincing customers wasn't quite so simple. "We put in so much work explaining the idea to passing customers," Obadah says. "Once people understood the concept, they were amazed."

None of the trio came from traditional culinary backgrounds. Mohammed is currently studying medicine, Obadah is an engineering student, and Muhannad recently graduated with a degree in hospitality and management. What they did share was years of friendship, and enough confidence in the concept to give it a shot.

"Obadah made it happen," Mohammed says. "He called me and Muhannad and just said, 'Let's do it.'"

The timing proved ideal. As food trucks continue to thrive across Saudi Arabia, the founders saw an opportunity to introduce something different to a landscape dominated by burgers, coffee, and conventional desserts. "We came up with our own branding, designed the kitchen, and figured out how to streamline the whole process," says Obadah.

Though the founders hail from different cities, they agreed there was only one place to launch. "We know the hottest spot is Riyadh," Mohammed says. "The place to start a business is Riyadh."

Launching at the start of Ramadan, the team expected a gradual build-up. Instead, they sold out on day one. "I believed in the product," Obadah says. "But I didn't think it would take off that fast."

Since then, customers have kept coming back. According to the founders, more than 70% of customers return for another order, with one particularly devoted fan visiting on 17 separate occasions.

Today, Gone Bananas continues to draw university students, families, and curious first-timers willing to take a chance on a frozen banana. Many arrive wondering whether the concept can really be that good.