The cafe offers coffee-to-go in flasks big enough to serve five people
Updated 13 July 2019
AMEERA ABID
JEDDAH: Dose cafe is bringing an exciting twist to coffee to add to Jeddah’s growing cafe scene.
Dose provides coffee lovers with one of the widest choices of flavors found in Jeddah, such as the trendy pistachio and rose lattes.
They have created new and exciting flavors, such as their crunchy coffee, which is topped with cereals to add an interesting twist.
The cafe offers coffee-to-go in flasks big enough to serve five people. They serve cold brew, KitKat and pistachio flavors.
To help beat the Jeddah heat, they have added soft-serve ice cream to the menu.
With its comfortable interior, a grand structure with funky lighting, Dose has become a favorite spot for friends to gather and socialize.
The UK capital’s latest Saudi restaurant drew the crowds for its opening night
Updated 08 May 2025
Bahar Hussain
LONDON: North London just got a little warmer. On May 1, at 510 Holloway Rd, the heart of the Kingdom found a new home in the UK capital. With oud music drifting through the air and the scent of spiced lamb and simmering wheat pulling people in from the street, Diwan Kitchen opened its doors to the public.
The new Saudi restaurant isn't just serving food. It’s telling stories.
The interiors are a soft, glowing tribute to the Kingdom’s past. From carved wood panels evoking the mudbrick homes of Najd, to vibrant fabrics and lanterns echoing the coastal souqs of Hijaz, every corner of Diwan Kitchen feels like a page from a living history book.
Guests on the restaurant's opening night. (AN Photo)
Those traditional mudbrick homes of Najd, designed to keep cool in scorching summers and warm in desert winters, weren’t just shelters; they were social spaces, built around courtyards, where family, memory, and hospitality were the foundation of daily life.
“We wanted to show people what traditional Saudi dining is like” Adem Nasraddin, co-founder of the restaurant, told Arab News. “There’s a rhythm to Saudi life. A scent, a pace, a flavor. We bottled that feeling and served it on a plate.”
And what a plate it is. The tasting menu is a culinary journey across the Kingdom. You can start in Hijaz, with motabag — pan-fried pastries that are light and crisp and deeply comforting. Whether filled with spiced vegetables, gooey cheese, or minced beef, each bite transports you to a Jeddah street corner at sunset.
There’s foul medammas, a creamy mash of fava beans seasoned the Hijazi way: with garlic, lemon, and cumin. And tamees bread; hot and soft, made for tearing and sharing — just as it should be.
The restaurant serves authentic Saudi cuisine. (AN Photo)
The main courses venture into the windswept heartlands of Najd, with jareesh, a dish made from crushed wheat, simmered with tomatoes and onion, that tastes like something a Bedouin grandmother would proudly serve you under an open sky. Alongside it is marqooq, a rich, flat-dough stew that has nourished generations through long desert nights.
Of course, no Saudi table would be complete without rice. Diners can choose between kabsa — the fragrant national treasure of the central regions — and mandi, with its delicate smoke, hailing from the misty mountains of Asir and the southern valleys.
Then comes saleeg, a creamy rice dish from Taif, cooked in milk and broth and topped with tender chicken. It's the kind of meal that slows you down, insisting you stay a little longer.
“My experience has been that it’s completely authentic,” one Saudi guest, Fahad Habib, told Arab News. “It feels like I’m back home.”
Beyond the menu, Diwan Kitchen is a space built on memory and modernity. Saudi music played at the launch, and as guests chatted over cardamom coffee and dates, the atmosphere was part-family gathering, part-culinary pilgrimage.
The opening night drew a mixed crowd — Saudis living in London, curious neighbors from Holloway Road, and food lovers eager to explore a cuisine that’s still underrepresented in the UK. For many, it was more than just a meal; it was a chance to connect with a culture through flavor, memory, and setting.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Saqyah Meat’ restaurant in Riyadh
Updated 07 May 2025
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: If you are in Riyadh and craving authentic, Saudi-style meat dishes that are rich in flavor and fall-off-the-bone tender, Saqyah is the place to visit.
With roots that go beyond the kitchen — they own their own grazing lands and farms — this brand takes pride in full control over the quality of its meat, and it shows in every bite.
Saqyah offers a wide range of meat options, from naeemi and Kashmiri to hashi and more. Prices are surprisingly affordable for the quality delivered. Individual meals start at SR24 ($6.40), while larger sharing platters range between SR200 and SR1,000 ($53 to $266) depending on the size and type of meat.
Saqyah, however, is not just a restaurant, it is also a full-service butchery. If you want to buy fresh raw meat, they will prepare and cut it to order on the spot. Everything is well packaged, clean, and professionally handled, which makes it a trusted option for home cooking.
The only downside is that buying raw meat from Saqyah is more expensive than what you would find at regular markets. But you are paying for superior cleanliness, trusted sourcing, and precise butchering — something you might not always get elsewhere.
With its strong Saudi identity, quality control, and fair pricing for cooked meals, Saqyah is a name meat lovers in Riyadh should definitely have on their radar.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Phet Phet’ Thai restaurant in Riyadh
Updated 06 May 2025
Waad Hussain
Located at Pure Center on Takhassusi Road, Phet Phet is one of the boldest Thai kitchens to hit Riyadh — and it lives up to its name, which literally means “very spicy.”
With its neon signs, playful branding, and sleek modern seating, the place feels like a Bangkok street stall reimagined with modern aesthetics.
The menu leans heavily into bold, unapologetic flavors. I started with the shrimp cashew for SR75 ($20) — a standout dish that combined sweet, savory, and spicy notes perfectly, with just the right crunch.
Another favorite was the tom yum nam khon for SR 55, a rich and creamy soup layered with lemongrass, lime, and plump shrimp. It was intense and comforting at the same time.
Among the many appetizers we tried, the pow pow shrimp, chili wontons, and prawn toast all delivered.
The pad ki mao chicken and panang curry chicken were flavorful, with deep spice profiles that felt authentic. Even side dishes like sticky rice, coconut rice, and the playful Kinza cola added to the experience.
For dessert, the mango sticky rice (SR 35) offered a cool, sweet end to the fiery meal.
The place runs on energy — fast service, loud tables, and constant movement from the open kitchen to the packed dining area.
But here’s the only downside: Phet Phet is small. With how popular it already is, the space can feel cramped, and getting a seat without a wait is tricky.
Still, for those who love real heat, bold flavors, and a vibe that feels straight out of Thailand, Phet Phet is a must-visit.
For more information, check their Instagram @phetphetsa.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Noria Furn’ bakery in Riyadh
Noria Furn is a charming bakery with an early closing time that makes it ideal only for those who rise with the sun
Updated 05 May 2025
Rahaf Jambi
Nestled in the lively Rayyan district of eastern Riyadh, Noria Furn is bakery that specializes in Middle Eastern breakfast staples.
Open from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., it is an ideal spot for early birds eager to indulge in freshly baked goods, such as pies, mankoosha, falafel, and more.
The smell of freshly baked bread sets the tone as you enter, offering an appetizing and warm welcome.
On recent visits, I was impressed by the attentive and welcoming service, even when the outlet was bustling with customers.
Each dish I tried, from the taghmeesat shakshouka to the akawi cheese, was fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented. The cozy atmosphere, enhanced by the absence of background music, creates an inviting space for a leisurely meal.
However, there are areas for improvement. Prices are on the high side, which might not suit every budget, even if the quality largely justifies the cost.
I noticed their hot drinks, such as karak and tea, did not stay warm long enough. Using kettles with a base to maintain temperature could greatly enhance the overall experience.
While the tandoor bread was delightful, offering a wheat option would accommodate a wider range of dietary preferences.
Noria Furn is a charming bakery with an early closing time that makes it ideal only for those who rise with the sun. I look forward to returning and seeing how they continue to develop their offerings.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Sign’ burgers in Riyadh
One of the highlights was the Sign box, which includes four burgers and four fries, ideal for gatherings
Updated 03 May 2025
Waad Hussain
If you’re in Riyadh and looking for a burger spot that delivers on both taste and value, Sign should be on your list.
With eye-catching pink branding and loyal customers, it is clear they have tapped into a winning formula: simple, good food done right.
I tried their classic burger meal, which includes fries and a drink, and was genuinely surprised to get all that flavor for just SR24 ($6.40). The patty was juicy, the bun soft, and the sauce had the perfect tang without overpowering the rest of the ingredients. It felt well-balanced and satisfying, not greasy or heavy.
One of the highlights was the Sign box, which includes four burgers and four fries, ideal for gatherings. Sign uses locally sourced ingredients from Saudi farms, which is also a major plus — you can taste the difference in the quality of the meat and vegetables.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite through their drive-thru or sitting down with friends, it’s a spot that gets it right without overcomplicating things.
If there is one downside, it is the wait. The place is almost always packed — a sign (no pun intended) of how popular it has become. But if you are happy to queue, it is absolutely worth checking out.
