Wisdom Cafe, located in the Al-Quds neighborhood in Riyadh, is inspired by traditional Russian cafes.
Its interior is a sight to behold, with its decor immersing guests in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The intricate floral decorations and artwork create splashes of color that are not too overwhelming, bringing a special touch to the cafe’s overall black-and-white interior aesthetic.
One of the standout options on the cafe’s menu is its delectable honey cake, a must-try for dessert lovers in the city. The texture of the cake is moist and delicate, with layers of sponge cake and honey-infused cream.
Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness that is simply irresistible. The subtle flavors of honey blend perfectly with the creamy frosting, creating a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
The cafe also offers delectable and crunchy chocolate treats, as well as indulgent brownies, catering to those with a love for chocolate.
The environment is warm and friendly for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Their beverage menu offers a range of hot and cold options to pair with your dessert. From traditional Russian teas to specialty coffee drinks, there is something for every palate.
The Raff Russian coffee is a favorite, with the option to add caramel for those with a sweet tooth. Vegan milk options such as coconut and almond are also available for those looking for dairy-free alternatives.
Whether you are a dessert connoisseur or a coffee enthusiast, Wisdom will delight your senses and leave you craving more.
The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
For updates and more details, check their Instagram @wisdom_cafe_sa.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Khaliat Khalid’ Saudi pastry shop
For many Saudis, the classic khaliah is tied to childhood memories and family traditions
Updated 15 February 2025
Nada Hameed
Khaliat Khalid is a Saudi pastry shop with branches across the Kingdom. It offers a variety of freshly baked pastries, including a popular specialty known in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf as khaliah (honeycomb bread).
This sweet-and-savory treat gets its name from its unique beehive-like shape. It consists of small dough balls filled with cream cheese and baked to a golden color, often drizzled with sugar syrup for a contrast of soft bread and creamy filling.
Khaliat Khalid elevates this classic with a range of fillings and toppings, including cheesecake with blueberry and raspberry, chocolate with za’atar, cinnamon with sugar glaze, caramelized pecans, and even a savory version filled with chicken musakhan.
For many Saudis, the classic khaliah is tied to childhood memories and family traditions. It is the comforting pastry mothers and grandmothers would prepare, filled with kiri cheese, topped with sesame seeds, and served with tea after lunch or with coffee when hosting guests. It is also a beloved dish on Ramadan iftar tables, bringing families together in the evening.
For those wanting to try different flavors, the bites box includes six varieties with two dipping sauces: condensed milk and sugar syrup. I tried it and loved the cloud-like dough, perfectly balanced filling, and irresistible flavors. My favorite was the cinnamon with condensed milk, and the saffron flavor — it tasted just like home.
I also tried their warm date pudding, served in a clay bowl. It was soft, rich, and satisfying. In addition to sweets, they offer mini meat or chicken pies, ideal for gatherings. Best of all, most items are priced under SR30 ($8).
For more information visit @khaliatkh.sa on Instagram.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Yemeni Village’ food in Jeddah
Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for families and groups looking to enjoy traditional Yemeni cuisine without overspending
Updated 14 February 2025
Nada Hameed
If you’re someone who loves exploring new cuisines, it’s time to experience authentic Yemeni food at Yemeni Village. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant immerses you in a vibrant Yemeni atmosphere.
Some of the standout dishes include shrimp maghash, mugalgal, lamb liver, mutabaq, beef and chicken fahsa (slow-cooked meat stew), mandi (fragrant spiced rice with tender meat or chicken).
For appetizers, you may try their sambusa, filled with minced meat and white cheese, freshly fried with a delicate, soft pastry. You will also enjoy their lentil and wheat soup, both rich and comforting.
You will love their shrimp maghash and mugalgal, the shrimp and meat are incredibly tender, and the seasoning is perfectly balanced. Every dish is cooked to perfection; not overly oily, yet rich in taste.
Each dish is served in a special traditional stone pot, a cylindrical vessel made of stone designed to retain heat, ensuring the food stays warm throughout your meal. This type of cookware is widely used in homes across Jazan, adding an authentic touch to the experience.
Despite the restaurant usually being full, the service is surprisingly fast. The staff are attentive and efficient.
Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for families and groups looking to enjoy traditional Yemeni cuisine without overspending.
A complimentary serving of melawah bread is provided with the meal. It is a large, layered Yemeni bread available in both white and whole-grain flour, resembling a giant burrata-style flatbread.
For dessert, you may try their marsa, a traditional banana-based dish similar to masoub. It’s made with mashed ripe bananas, ghee, honey and cream, sprinkled with black seeds, best enjoyed with a cup of Adani tea or Saudi coffee.
The restaurant spans three spacious floors, with dedicated family spaces and a rooftop area where you can enjoy traditional Yemeni hookah in an inviting and culturally rich setting.
The restaurant provides a cosy, traditional ambience, featuring clay pots, wooden windows and clay lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
The waitstaff, dressed in traditional Yemeni attire, complements the cultural experience. For more details, visit @yemenivillage on Instagram.
Jeddah celebrates global culinary extravaganza at Food Culture Festival
Festival heads west after successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh
Workshops, musical performances, and global cuisine on offer
Updated 15 February 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: After successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh, the much-anticipated Food Culture Festival is taking place at Jeddah’s Wonder District from Feb. 12 to 16.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program, the event showcases a rich blend of local and international culinary experiences.
The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.
Leo Wen, CEO and co-founder of Whoa Tea, which offers authentic Chinese drinks and sweets like Tang Hu Lu (candied fruit snack) and coconut cubes, said: “It’s exciting to introduce these unique flavors through this festival, and the response has been overwhelming.
“Our goal is not only to provide a delicious experience but also to share the rich heritage behind these drinks and desserts, showcasing the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions.”
FASTFACTS
• The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.
• In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.
• The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands.
Noura Abdullah, founder of Soma, a Saudi brand known for its signature grape leaves, as well as dishes like grape leaves fatteh, musakhan, kibbeh, and fresh juices made from carefully selected ingredients, said: “Everything we serve is homemade, with our signature dish, the grape leaves, being particularly popular.
Guests will also get a chance to watch live cooking demos. (Supplied)
“I started in Alkhobar, then expanded to Riyadh, and now, by participating in this festival in Jeddah, I’m exploring the possibility of franchising Soma.
“The positive feedback from visitors has been incredible, especially (for) the grape leaves. Their response has been very encouraging and motivates me to bring Soma to even more people.”
Ahmed Imran, owner of My Makan, the only Malaysian restaurant in Jeddah, told Arab News: “Festivals like this bring together diverse cultures, and food is the perfect medium to unite people from all walks of life.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of culinary offerings from around the world. (Supplied)
“It’s truly amazing to see such a celebration of global cuisines, and I’m excited to introduce authentic Malaysian dishes to the visitors. It’s also heartwarming to witness the positive response from the community towards Malaysian cuisine.”
The festival also welcomes food truck owners, offering them an opportunity to showcase their food and attract new customers.
Al-Baraa Yahy, who owns Protein Dose, a food truck based in Al-Safa district, said the festival has given her the opportunity to introduce her products to a wider audience.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of culinary offerings from around the world. (Supplied)
“I’m grateful for the chance to showcase my offerings through such a fantastic platform,” she said.
For those eager to enhance their culinary skills, the workshops area offers hands-on experiences with activities such as sushi making, food decoration, pasta crafting, and even food photography, with a special focus on the flavors of Singapore.
Live cooking demonstrations will also allow guests to witness the magic of food preparation firsthand.
Sadellah Zakaria, an Italian chef, and Mokhtar Mahdy, an Egyptian chef, teach festivalgoers how to make pasta like fettuccine and ravioli from scratch with their workshop.
“These workshops are a great way for attendees to not only learn valuable culinary skills but also connect with the craft of making fresh pasta. Even children can join and enjoy this immersive experience,” Zakaria said.
The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands and Indian Bharatanatyam dancers.
Additionally, roaming performances like living statues, an interactive parade, and a Chinese dragon dance add to the event’s festive atmosphere.
The kids’ area offers a chance for children to get involved in cooking workshops and farm activities, participate in friendly competitions, and unleash their creativity in a safe and educational environment.
Mohammed Hussein, who came along with his family said: “It’s great that the workshops let kids get involved and try things out for themselves. Plus, the festival has this cool passport challenge where you get a stamp every time you visit a different zone.”
Ghadeer Abdullah, a visitor from Makkah, said: “The best part of the festival is definitely the weather. It’s so pleasant that we’re enjoying all the zones. The kids’ zone is especially engaging. My children spent almost an hour completing the workshop, and they loved every minute of it.”
For those seeking a traditional Saudi breakfast, Abuzaid delivers classic flavors at reasonable prices all around the Kingdom. With a menu rich in foul, masoub, mutabbaq and arika, the restaurant has built a reputation for homemade-style comfort food that resonates with locals.
One of the standout dishes is the royal masoub for SR21 ($5.60), a creamy banana-and-bread dish that balances sweetness and richness. For a more indulgent twist, the masoub cocktail with cheddar cheese adds a savory depth. Another fan favorite is the mutabbaq with vegetables and cheddar cheese, known for its crispy, flavorful filling. Those who prefer spicier options should request green chili in the mutabbaq for an extra kick.
Abuzaid’s foul dishes, a staple of Saudi breakfasts, come with different toppings, such as olive oil. The foul with cheese offers a mildly creamy and tangy variation. Other popular breakfast choices include the shakshouka and eggs with melted cheese, perfect for those craving a warm, filling meal.
Though the portion sizes and flavors are widely praised, it feels that certain items, such as the foul and areek, are slightly overpriced for a casual breakfast spot. However, the quick service and ample parking space make up for it, giving diners a smooth and hassle-free experience.
For more information, check Instagram @abuzaidrest.
Chef Michael Mina opens his first restaurant in Saudi Arabia
The acclaimed chef on the launch of Taleed and getting back to his Middle Eastern roots
Updated 13 February 2025
Hams Saleh
RIYADH: Egyptian-born American celebrity chef Michael Mina has brought his culinary expertise to Saudi Arabia with the opening of Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah.
Located in Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant, which opened this month, marks a long-desired expansion for the celebrated chef, who has been eager to build on his presence in the region.
“I really have wanted to be more present in the Middle East because this is very much tied to my roots and what I grew up with and what I grew up eating,” Mina told Arab News. “When this opportunity came, it just felt new and fresh, especially given where I’m at in my career.”
Located in Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant, which opened this month, marks a long-desired expansion for the celebrated chef, who has been eager to build on his presence in the region. (Supplied)
Mina, who was born in Cairo and raised in the US, recalled growing up in a household filled with the aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine. “My mother had eight aunts and uncles,” he said. “Every weekend there’d be 30 people at a home, and the table would be filled with food.”
This early exposure led him to discover his passion for cooking.
“My first job was in a restaurant. I started as a dishwasher and then started cooking and I fell in love with it,” he said. “I really enjoyed everything from the creative part to the hospitality part. And as I started to understand it a little bit more, by the time I was 16, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Charcoal grilled Australian tamohawk. (Supplied)
“But it took two years to explain that to my parents,” he added with a laugh. “It was doctor, lawyer, engineer... A cook wasn’t one of the choices. So it took two years and then I finally convinced them.”
It hasn’t worked out badly so far. Mina’s eponymous flagship San Francisco restaurant has earned a Michelin star, he’s cooked for three US presidents, and he is a multiple James Beard award winner.
Chef Alex Griffiths, vice president of culinary for Mina Group, played a key role in shaping the concept for the Riyadh restaurant, ensuring it reflects both the Mina Group’s expertise and traditional Saudi flavors.
Passion fruit labneh cheesecake. (Supplied)
“We came to Saudi more than 55 times in the past four or five years to really understand the food heritage,” Griffiths told Arab News. "One of the things we wanted to focus on was how to represent both Mina Group and Chef Mina, while incorporating influences from the Hijazi side of the Kingdom.”
The menu at Taleed features dishes that reflect this fusion, including shrimp kabsa, spice-marinated yellowtail, and a unique tuna falafel inspired by Mina’s mother’s recipe.
“We’re using sushi-grade tuna and almost treating it like nigiri, where the falafel is at the bottom and the tuna is dressed on top with Egyptian salad,” explained Griffiths.
Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah. (Supplied)
Looking ahead, Mina sees Taleed as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing culinary movement. “I think the Saudi food scene is going to explode,” he said. “You start to see more and more innovation, but that innovation stays rooted here as well as (in the) different cuisines coming in.”
For now, his focus is on establishing Taleed as a must-visit dining destination. “It’s always important to get yourself established before looking at doing more,” Mina said.
When asked what he hopes guests will feel when they visit Taleed, he said: “I think when you do a restaurant right, the thing that I love the most is when you sit at a table and everyone looks around the table and says, ‘I’ve got to come back and have that dish.’ That is the best form of flattery that you can ever get.”
