What We Are Eating Today: Wildflour

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Updated 06 August 2021
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What We Are Eating Today: Wildflour

Jeddah-based bakery Wildflour offers local homemade desserts and specialized gifts for people who crave the sweet taste of brownies and cookies.

The business chooses simplicity and classic flavors to create memorable dessert foods and baked goods.

Its most popular products include chewy brownie bites with a crumble top and freshly baked bundt cakes in several flavors, including banana and chocolate, and lemon and blueberry.

The bakery uses classic white boxes and decorative wildflower varieties to package its desserts. It also offers gift options, cards and flowers. Wildflour offers catering services for large events and also hosts product giveaways.

One unique product offered by the bakery is the brownie bit mini jar, which dispenses miniature sweet snacks for people following strict diets. It is also good choice for a chocolate treat on the go.

For more information, find the bakery on the food delivery app Lugmety or directly on Instagram @wildflour.bakery.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Crome London’ Cafe in Riyadh

Updated 02 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Crome London’ Cafe in Riyadh

  • Crome London offers a variety of French toast options, including the berry best, maple syrup, chocoholic, and lotus and banana

Nestled in Riyadh Park Mall, Crome London is a charming cafe offering great food and a stunning rooftop view of the Kingdom’s capital.

Having visited a couple of times, I’ve had the opportunity to explore their menu and experience the inviting atmosphere.

I’ve enjoyed several dishes during my visits, starting with the freddo cappuccino, which was fantastic. The Nutella croissant was equally delightful — rich and indulgent. The prices were reasonable for the quality.

On another occasion, I tried the red velvet French toast, which was delicious with just the right amount of sweetness.

The green tea and flat white I ordered were decent, though I found them a bit overpriced compared to other options.

One standout feature of this cafe is the food presentation; each dish is served with an artistic touch, making it Instagram-worthy.

I also sampled their tiramisu, honey cakes, and latte. The tiramisu was classic and creamy, while the honey cakes were light and flavorful. The latte was perfectly smooth and frothy.

Crome London also offers a variety of French toast options, including the berry best, maple syrup, chocoholic, and lotus and banana.

They also serve brunch items like Benedict French toast and smashed avocado French toast, along with fried chicken and sweet brioche.

However, my experience was not without its drawbacks. On one visit, I waited for half an hour without anyone checking on me, which was disappointing. Given the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere, I expected better service.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Onda’ Coffee in Riyadh

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Updated 01 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Onda’ Coffee in Riyadh

  • Onda offers a range of pre-packaged pastries, such as croissants in plain, cheese, and zaatar flavors

With several branches across Riyadh, Onda is a quiet, cozy coffee shop that offers a peaceful setting — ideal for studying or working.

Music, if played, is usually kept at a low volume, which helps maintain a calm atmosphere.

The menu includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, such as espresso-based drinks, iced teas, and seasonal options like hot chocolate raspberry and Arabian latte.

While the cold drinks include flavored iced teas like raspberry and peach, these are made with syrups rather than fresh fruit.

Onda also offers a range of pre-packaged pastries, such as croissants in plain, cheese, and zaatar flavors. These are reheated on-site, which is common in many Riyadh cafes, but there is no in-house bakery.

The interiors are simple and calming, with blue and white decor, comfortable seating, and plenty of charging outlets. Each location features a small bookshelf for guests to browse, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Outdoor seating — especially in the Diplomatic Quarter — is a nice touch, with some locations offering views of lively streets.

Onda is also open from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., making it a convenient spot for both early risers and night owls.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Tar’fay cafe in Alkhobar

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Updated 31 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Tar’fay cafe in Alkhobar

  • Tar’fay hosts a treasure trove of items and every space is full of vibrant and inspiring art to help fuel your creative energy as you fuel up on caffeine

In historic northern Alkhobar — where tradition and the contemporary collide — lies a quintessential Eastern Province cafe: The eclectic and quirky world of Tar’fay.

A kaleidoscope of color and craft, the cafe is the best-kept local secret.

Everything we tried was delicious — their famous cake slice, affectionately known as “cake heart of Khobar,” features a tiny red heart in the corner and goes for SR15 ($4).

Opened in 2023, the cafe is the brainchild of a Saudi woman creative whose name it proudly carries. More than just a cafe, Tar’fay hosts a variety of artsy events; their recent calendar has been packed with workshops like junk journaling, rubber-stamp making and a teddy bear workshop.

This is the place where you would take someone from out of town to show them the aura and essence of Alkhobar.

It is also the spot in which locals park their laptops and work while sipping on some coffee or matcha.

Tar’fay hosts a treasure trove of items and every space is full of vibrant and inspiring art to help fuel your creative energy as you fuel up on caffeine. They even have fun mugs that feel like a hug for your hands.

It is an Instagram and TikTok haven but also a great spot to slow down and delve into a physical book — many of which are supplied on the coffee tables.

Tar’fay is a gathering space for creatives with a large communal table and plenty of nooks to nestle in and read, or scroll on your phone.

The cafe is open daily. Check out Tar’fay’s Instagram page for more @tarfay.sa.

 


Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

Updated 30 May 2025
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Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

DUBAI: Georges Ikhtiar, head chef at Amelia Dubai, grew up in Beirut, where he remembers watching his mother cook “by instinct, without recipes or rules.”  

That early exposure sparked a curiosity not just for flavors, but for the process of cooking — how ingredients transform, how timing and technique matter. This eventually led him to Lebanon’s Ecole Hôtelière. 

A pivotal career moment came during his time in Peru, where he was introduced to the country’s bold, acidic and layered flavors. This now shapes his approach at Amelia, where he blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese methods. 

Amelia Dubai. (Supplied)

Here, Ikhtiar reflects on how mistakes can lead to creative breakthroughs, and gives his thoughts on simplicity in cooking.  

When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made? 

Like many young chefs, I believed that more was more — that adding extra ingredients or steps would somehow elevate a dish. I loved experimenting, and while that spirit of curiosity still drives me today, I’ve learned that simplicity is key. The most powerful flavors often come from restraint and letting the ingredients speak for themselves. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs? 

Taste constantly. It’s the most important tool you have. And don’t let mistakes throw you off — every error is a lesson. Some of the best ideas I’ve had started as accidents. Cooking at home should be fun, not stressful. 

What’s one ingredient that can instantly improve any dish? 

In Peruvian cuisine, it’s definitely lime. It brings brightness, aroma and a sense of freshness that can completely transform a dish. Just a few drops can awaken the palate and sharpen and enhance every other flavor. 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? 

A simple truffle pasta. I soak the pasta to speed up the cooking time, then toss it with a creamy truffle sauce, fresh shaved truffles and parmesan. It’s rich, comforting and comes together fast, but still feels luxurious. 

Amelia Dubai. (Supplied)

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

Always. It’s part of the job. I’m always observing, analyzing, and seeing what I like or don’t like. But I keep it to myself; dining out is also about experiencing what other chefs are creating. 

What’s the most common mistake you notice in other restaurants? 

It’s usually to do with balance or execution, like undercooked elements, seasoning that is off, or dishes that feel overcomplicated. 

What’s your favorite cuisine? 

I gravitate toward Japanese and Peruvian food, naturally, but I’m always curious to explore. I like to see how others approach flavor, presentation and structure. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. 

What request or behavior by customers most annoys you? 

Honestly, nothing. I believe taste is subjective and the customer is always right. We’re here to create an experience that works for them, not just for us. 

Georges Ikhtiar grew up in Beirut. (Supplied)

What’s your favorite dish to cook? 

It is a dish called Adas be Hamid, which means lentils with lemon. My grandmother used to make it when I was growing up in Beirut. It’s incredibly simple but full of flavor and warmth. Cooking it always takes me back to my roots, and I love how food has the power to do that. 

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right? 

Risotto. It’s a very delicate dish that reacts to everything — temperature, timing, movement, even the humidity. You have to be fully present when making it. One misstep and the whole texture is off. 

As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback? 

I’m direct and hands-on, but not someone who shouts. I believe in open communication, mutual respect and building trust. My team and I have worked together for a long time, so we understand each other without needing to say much. There’s a flow in the kitchen when everyone is aligned, and that’s what I strive for. 

Chef Georges Ikhtiar’s hokkaido machu picchu recipe 

Ingredients: 

For the beef: 

250g beef tenderloin 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Cooked over a robata grill (or any hot grill pan) 

For the teppanyaki vegetables: 

2 tbsp vegetable oil 

20g Chinese cabbage, chopped 

3 rainbow baby carrots, sliced 

20g mange tout (snow peas) 

10g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 

20g baby corn, halved 

1 spring onion, thickly sliced 

2 tbsp soy sauce 

2 tbsp kimchi sauce 

2 tbsp sake sauce (optional for extra depth) 

For the shiitake sauce: 

300g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced 

1L fresh cream 

200ml milk 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

1 small onion, chopped 

1 tbsp butter 

Instructions:  

1. Grill the beef: 
Season beef with salt and pepper. Grill on a robata grill until cooked to your liking. Let it rest before slicing. 

2. Sauté the vegetables: 

Heat oil in a pan. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes. 
Add soy sauce, kimchi sauce, and sake sauce (if using). Stir well and cook until just tender. Season with pepper. 

3. Make the shiitake sauce: 
In a saucepan, sauté onions and mushrooms in butter until soft. 
Add cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer. Boil twice to bring out full flavor, then remove from heat. 

To plate: 

Slice the grilled beef. 

Place the sautéed vegetables on a serving plate. 

Lay the beef slices on top. 

Spoon the warm shiitake sauce to the side or over the top. 

Optional: If using a hot stone for serving, you can lightly reheat the meat on it just before eating for a fun finishing touch. 


Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Updated 29 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Iris Cafe is an elegant dining destination nestled within the new Ramla Terraza complex, offering a delightful blend of food and ambiance. Located on King Fahd Road in the Sahafah district of Riyadh, this cafe and restaurant boasts a beautiful interior, complemented by both indoor and outdoor seating options. The upper floor features a stunning garden with an open seating area and a mocktail bar, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink in a serene environment. 

The menu at Iris Cafe is a culinary journey, showcasing gourmet dishes inspired by international cuisines, including Mediterranean, Japanese, and Latin American flavors. Guests can indulge in a variety of offerings, from sandwiches and pasta to vibrant salads. The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring specialty coffees and a creative array of mocktails alongside delicious desserts. 

Visitors may begin with the Iris Oriental Dips, which include creamy black hummus, spicy roasted chickpeas, and special muhammara seasoned with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, all served with homemade crackers. This appetizer sets a high standard for the meal to follow and does not disappoint. 

However, the chicken tacos, featuring buttermilk-fried chicken topped with Asian slaw in a soft tortilla, are less memorable. On the other hand, the crispy chicken and shrimp wontons served with sweet chili and lime sauce are a highlight and a must-try. 

For the main course, you may try the glazed chicken, marinated and grilled with pomegranate sauce. The beef cheek, slow-cooked for 12 hours and served with caramelized onion cream, is absolutely delicious. This dish is a standout and sure to impress anyone looking for tender, flavorful meat. 

The San Sebastian cheesecake is rich and incredibly satisfying. Overall, Iris Cafe offers a wonderful dining experience with its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in Riyadh.