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Where We Are Going Today: Cafe Van Houtte in Alkhobar

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Updated 25 June 2023
Jasmine Bager
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Where We Are Going Today: Cafe Van Houtte in Alkhobar

  • To satiate our craving for a snack, we opted for a slice of lemon cake, which was topped with luscious white frosting and garnished with fresh raspberries
Updated 25 June 2023
Jasmine Bager

In recent years, Alkhobar has witnessed a flurry of cafes opening and closing. Checking Google Maps prior to visiting a cafe has almost become a prerequisite due to the possibility of it being closed.

For those in search of a serene coffee shop to unwind or study in, Cafe Van Houtte stands out as one of Alkhobar’s best-kept secrets. Despite the saturated market and cutthroat competition in the area, this cafe has managed to maintain its position since its inception nearly four years ago. It continues to be an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere in which to sip a cup of coffee or hit the books.

Located at the end of a cluster of eateries, Cafe Van Houtte spans two floors and offers a plethora of food and beverage options. In addition to the usual coffee choices, customers can also purchase their own blend of beans to brew at home. To eat, the cafe offers more than just baked goods and pastries, with a diverse selection of sandwiches, salads, pastas and pizzas. It frequently offers lunch and dinner specials, providing a complimentary drink with a combo meal.

To satiate our craving for a snack, we opted for a slice of lemon cake, which was topped with luscious white frosting and garnished with fresh raspberries. The slice provided a perfect balance between the tart and tangy fruit and the sweet cream. To complement this indulgence, we paired it with an iced latte.

In addition, we ordered Cafe Van Houtte’s chicken salad, which was served in a generous portion and made to order. The dressing was evenly distributed throughout the fresh veggies and we found it to be a pretty decent salad for a coffee shop.

Unlike many cafes in the area, this cafe is child-friendly and does not have any restrictions on young children. We saw a mother reviewing study materials with her young son at one table, while at another table nearby a young individual was typing away on their laptop, with a textbook open alongside a steaming mug of hot coffee.

For more information about Cafe Van Houtte’s operating hours and specials, check out its Instagram page @vanhouttekhobar.

 

 

Topics: Where We Are Going Today

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Zuma Riyadh ‘feels like a homecoming,’ says Azumi Group CEO

Updated 08 January 2025
Dalal Awienat
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Zuma Riyadh ‘feels like a homecoming,’ says Azumi Group CEO

Updated 08 January 2025
Dalal Awienat

DUBAI: Born in London, coveted Japanese restaurant Zuma opened its doors in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District mere weeks ago, with Azumi Group CEO Sven Koch telling Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s capital city was chosen “because of its cultural importance to the Kingdom.”

With 15 locations across the world, this marks Zuma’s first outpost in the Kingdom — but Saudi foodies are familiar with the luxury brand, Koch said.

“Since its inception in London in 2002, guests from Saudi Arabia have been one of the most loyal Zuma demographics from around the world. Bringing the Zuma experience to the Kingdom feels like a homecoming,” he said.

With interactive sushi and robata counters offering a front-row view of the artistry and precision of Zuma’s chefs, the Izakaya-style restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist.

There are a few Riyadh-exclusive items on the menu. The Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake dessert comes with ginger crumble, poached pears, and sweet corn mochi ice cream.

It is “a creation that combines the essence of the region’s flavors with Zuma’s renowned techniques,” Koch said.

Koch described Zuma Riyadh as a space that blends Middle Eastern influences and classic Japanese designs.

“Designed by renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, the space is a blend of Middle Eastern influences and Japanese design, creating an ambiance that is both locally inspired and globally sophisticated,” he explained.

Zuma’s launch in Riyadh was inspired by the cultural and economic transformations that the Kingdom has been undergoing over the past few years, especially in the food and beverage sector.

In 2025, Riyadh will have several new glittering international restaurants including Latin hotspot Amazonico, Japanese-Peruvian eatery Chotto Matte and Italian dessert cafe Cipriani Dolci.

“This transformation has focused on fostering a more vibrant lifestyle, creating a bigger demand for world-class dining and flavors … Zuma Riyadh’s debut in the Kingdom is a testament to the growing demand for exceptional dining experiences while also catering to a clientele that values both tradition and innovation,” said Koch.

 

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Mamola’ dessert shop

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Updated 07 January 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Mamola’ dessert shop

  • If you are looking for a comforting dessert during the winter season, Mamola’s exclusive winter menu offers large, hot cakes perfect for kashta or desert camping
Updated 07 January 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi

This Saudi Arabia brand offers a variety of traditional, buttery sweets with a unique twist.

As the name Mamola suggests, the dessert chain with branches across the Kingdom takes inspiration from the iconic mamoul cookie, which is known for being a staple on every Eid Al-Fitr table.

The round mamoul is stuffed with dates, walnuts, pistachios or nuts, and the outer layer is sprinkled with crushed white sugar.

Mamola has different variations of the mamoul cookie: cream, sesame, kunafa, and many more.

My personal favorite is the kunafa mamoul. Resembling kunafa, a traditional Arab dessert, the cookie is filled with cream instead of dates and topped with crispy shredded filo dough.

But Mamola has much more than cookies. From cakes to ice cream, the diverse menu will leave you feeling spoiled for choice.

If you are looking for a comforting dessert during the winter season, Mamola’s exclusive winter menu offers large, hot cakes perfect for kashta or desert camping.

My personal favorite is the cinnamon date cake, served in a heated dish. After the first bite, I was blown away. It was soft and sweet, with salted caramel and pecans balancing its toffee flavor perfectly.

What makes Mamola stand out is their attention to detail in their curated boxes, which come in various sizes, making them the perfect gifts for loved ones.

 

Topics: ‘Mamola’

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Pic Group president David Sinapian discusses French brand’s expansion and Gulf success

Updated 05 January 2025
Zeina Zbibo
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Pic Group president David Sinapian discusses French brand’s expansion and Gulf success

Updated 05 January 2025
Zeina Zbibo

DUBAI: With three Michelin stars at their flagship restaurant Maison Pic in Valence, France, the president of Pic Group, David Sinapian, and his wife and celebrated chef Anne-Sophie Pic are on a mission to take French culinary genius to the world.

After entering a long-term partnership with French luxury label Dior to open Dior Cafes around the world — starting with two outposts in Japan in December 2024 — Pic and Sinapian have their sights set on the Gulf.

“We have almost reached the potential for development of the catering business in Saudi Arabia, and I believe that the future holds great opportunities for the industry in the Kingdom. It is a no-brainer,” Sinapian told Arab News en Francais recently, three years after the Pic Group hosted a pop-up restaurant in AlUla.

Meanwhile, in the UAE, the group opened La Dame de Pic Dubai at the city’s swanky One&Only Zaabeel hotel in 2024, nabbing a Michelin star in the 2024 guide and being voted the World’s Best New Restaurant 2024 at the fifth annual World Culinary Awards.

“I have witnessed an evolution at a pace that continues to surprise me ... and that’s what characterizes business in the Emirates,” Sinapian said of the famously fast-paced food and beverage industry in the city.

“You can be in fashion one moment and quickly out of it the next, because the market changes, and if you can’t adapt, you’re left behind,” he added.

The Pic Group’s international accolades are the latest in a long list of culinary nods for a brand founded in the late 19th century.  

The precursor to Maison Pic, Cafe-Restaurant du Pin opened its rather more humble doors in 1889, with Pic’s great grandmother cooking ingredients hunted and farmed by her husband. Pic’s grandfather, Andre, then took over the family restaurant and earned it three Michelin stars in 1934.

Over the decades, Maison Pic lost and gained stars with the most recent blow being dealt after Pic’s father Jacques died in 1992 — the restaurant lost its third star in 1995 before Sophie-Anne returned in 1997 to head up the kitchen. After 10 years of creating memorable dishes in the restaurant, she gained back the third star in 2007.

“We began to build an ecosystem together and expand our business by opening other restaurants,” Sinapian told Arab News of the period that followed.

In 2009, they cut the ribbon on Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“I was in charge of building the project in terms of identity, design and team building, while Anne-Sophie began to create a new menu using Swiss products,” Sinapian said, explaining their working relationship.

The Pic name then expanded its activity internationally, with openings in Paris, London, Singapore, Megeve, Hong Kong, and Dubai alongside its projects in Japan.

A new Monsieur Dior restaurant opening in Osaka, Japan, in 2025, will be orchestrated by the French chef.

“Anne-Sophie has had an affinity for Japan for a very long time, and so have I. It’s the love she has for tea, the products, and Japanese refinement,” Sinapian said.

 

Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco

Updated 05 January 2025
Waad Hussain
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Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco

Updated 05 January 2025
Waad Hussain

If you are craving bold flavors and authentic Mexican street food, Just Taco in Riyadh is worth a visit. Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious menu, the restaurant combines casual dining with a fun twist.

The menu features flavorful choices such as the taco mix platter, offering a variety of tacos packed with authentic Mexican spices. For sharing, the loaded nachos are a hit, with crispy tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese, jalapenos and fresh pico de gallo.

Another standout is the cheesy fries with pulled beef, a hearty dish that combines creamy, savory and crunchy elements.

The food impresses with its freshness and quality, ensuring every bite is flavorful. With reasonable prices, it is an excellent spot to experience authentic Mexican cuisine. 

A cheerful team member at Just Taco showcasing the vibrant energy that makes the dining experience fun and welcoming. (AN Photo/Waad Hussain)

Just Taco has quickly become a favorite for taco enthusiasts in Riyadh, offering consistent quality and memorable flavors.

The cozy ambiance, highlighted by vibrant green and yellow decor, creates a cheerful and welcoming vibe. Friendly staff further enhance the experience, making it a great choice for casual meals with friends or family.

One potential drawback is the shared-gender restroom, which may not suit everyone. However, the excellent food and lively atmosphere more than compensate for this.

For more information, visit their Instagram: @justtaco.sa.

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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Thai Soi’ restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 03 January 2025
Nada Alturki
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Thai Soi’ restaurant in Riyadh

  • The stir-fried noodles had just the right amount of spice and a beautiful medley of vegetables and chicken, with a savory sauce that brought all the ingredients together
Updated 03 January 2025
Nada Alturki

Thai Soi is one of those hidden gems you just happen to stumble upon. In my case, I was looking for the perfect coconut green curry on a particularly chilly night in Riyadh. Lo and behold — Thai Soi popped up on my HungerStation app.

The restaurant offers diners a genuine taste of Thailand in the heart of Riyadh.

To start, the spring rolls, which are available vegetarian or with prawns, were a delightful appetizer — perfectly crispy, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Each roll was light yet packed with a savory filling, complemented by a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that elevated the dish.

For the main course, I opted for the green curry prawns, and the dish did not disappoint. The curry had the perfect balance of richness and spice, with the prawns cooked to perfection. The creamy coconut milk base, combined with the zesty green curry paste, created a satisfying depth of flavor that lingered long after the last bite.

The drunken noodles were equally impressive, although they were a bit cold upon delivery. While drunken noodles are meant to be made extremely spicy, you can opt to remove the heat.

The stir-fried noodles had just the right amount of spice and a beautiful medley of vegetables and chicken, with a savory sauce that brought all the ingredients together. They were a tad on the drier side, although not soggy, but the portion size was generous.

No Thai meal is complete without dessert, and the mango sticky rice at Thai Soi was a sweet, refreshing finish. The sticky rice was perfectly chewy and paired wonderfully with the ripe, juicy mango, making for a simple yet exquisite treat.

The restaurant is great to visit, at one of two locations in Riyadh, as the vibrant interior decor and motifs give the perfect ambience to feel like you have escaped the city for a few hours.

It is also a nice option for at-home functions as Thai Soi sells a dumplings party box with 20 pieces of mixed dumplings and sauces, and a mix starter platter with six starters and dips. The restaurant also offers a catering service for larger groups.

 

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