Established in 2023 by a local Saudi entrepreneur, Kenko, which means “health” in Japanese, opened its doors just over a year ago in Alkhobar. It’s aptly adjacent to a medical center, marked by its distinct, cobalt blue entrance.
The only branch in the kingdom thus far, Kenko recently extended its hours to accommodate early commuters, now welcoming guests from 8 a.m. until midnight.
Upon entering, the space feels compact but not claustrophobic. Calm music drifts throughout. The playful animal logo and minimalist design set the tone.
If you choose to dine in, there are two tables seating three each, plus two extra seats off to the side. The space is bright, with plenty of light coming in through the large glass doors.
Totoro memorabilia, a few quaint trinkets and books add a distinctly Japanese touch. There is also a full-length mirror, evidently popular for selfies.
Cutesy, contained, clean and calm.
What I appreciated most on my visit was the large digital screen used to display the menu. A staff member walked me through the options using a remote — no QR code scan required. She also discussed ingredients and portion sizes before guiding me to make my selection.
I ordered the tuna sando (SR24, $6). It was crustless and toasted, with Kenko’s name branded onto the top of the bread. The creamy filling was accented by a tangy taste from fresh dill. It came in a box with the lid tucked underneath, a clever design that doubled as a sturdy takeaway container in case you decided mid-bite to save the rest for later.
I also tried the medium matcha boba (SR28). The tapioca balls were soft without being squishy, and I was told the matcha was sourced directly from Japan. They made the boba fresh, they said, and kept it slightly warm, so it never hardened. I ordered it with medium sweetness, and the ratio of liquid to tapioca was good. The staff member even waited until I took a sip to check if the sweetness was to my liking; she said many preferred it sweeter, but I found it just right.
The menu listed other items, but many were unavailable on our morning visit, including the taiyaki, a fish-shaped dough (with no actual fish) stuffed with various fillings. Unfortunately, the signature ice cream-filled version wasn’t available during my visit either.
I did manage to try their other popular dish, the fluffy Japanese pancake; I opted for the cheesecake one (SR30). It was good, but I felt that the 40-minute wait time was too long.
While the staff member was extremely attentive to me, the service was slow overall. A few customers walked in and took dozens of photos but left empty-handed since nobody was immediately available to take their order.
With no restroom and limited parking, it’s an ideal place for a quick stop in “Japan” while ordering a delicious snack.
Visit them on Instagram: @kenko_saudi
