Where We Are Going Today: Mr Chow, a Chinese restaurant in Riyadh
Updated 25 April 2024
Rahaf Jambi
If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you must check out Mr Chow’s restaurant, which opened in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
Specializing in real Chinese food, Mr Chow is located in the district’s upscale neighborhood, close to Zuma Lounge. Valet parking is available for your convenience.
The smart venue is open daily for dinner and it’s exactly the sort of grand, modern spot you’d expect in the area. The glossy black entrance with neon artwork opens up to two floors of sprawling seats with white tablecloths, a spiral staircase, and staff in immaculate white outfits.
Entering this establishment, you will be greeted with excellent service and a romantic atmosphere.
The appetizers are a taste adventure in and of themselves You can begin your culinary journey with an appetizer of pot stickers, chicken satay, or glazed prawns with walnuts.
Following starters, opt for the Ma Mignon, a traditional tender fillet mignon served with fried rice on the side, or the fresh lobster. For dessert, be sure to try the rich chocolate cake.
The food is presented wonderfully. You will love watching the chef skillfully work the dough live to make noodles. While enjoying your dinner, you can choose to sit outside and take in the stunning view of the financial district’s tall buildings and contemporary architecture.
Who is Mr Chow?
Michael Chow, founder and owner of the Mr Chow restaurant chain, is an actor, interior designer, artist, and British-Chinese restaurateur.
On Valentine’s Day 1968, London saw the opening of the first Mr Chow restaurant, where elite chefs served real Beijing cuisine along with novel creations, including Ma Mignon.
For half a century, clients have enjoyed watching the nightly handmade noodle show at all of the locations, and on the menu is one of the best-prepared Beijing ducks in the world.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Durrat China’ – authentic Chinese cuisine in Riyadh
Despite this, the quality of the food and available parking make Durrat China a must-visit for anyone in Riyadh who craves authentic Chinese flavors away from the noise and traffic
Updated 17 March 2025
Waad Hussain
Durrat China has 14 branches around the Kingdom, offering a dining experience with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. From soups to seafood, each dish aims to capture the essence of Chinese cuisine.
One of their standouts is the tom yum soup for SR26 ($7), a comforting dish with fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs which strikes the perfect balance between tangy, spicy and savory flavors.
Another must-try is their hot and sour soup, a rich and flavorful option that packs a punch with the ideal blend of heat and acidity.
For seafood lovers, the shrimp with garlic sauce for SR86 is a great choice. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, coated in a fragrant and savory garlic sauce. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more spice, the shrimp with chili sauce delivers a satisfying kick without overpowering the balance of flavors.
Another fantastic appetizer is the mixed dumplings, a juicy and flavorful combination of chicken, mutton and shrimp — a delicious way to start your meal.
However, while the food at Durrat China is exceptional, the ambiance could be improved. The interior design feels outdated, and better ventilation would create a more inviting atmosphere. A modern refresh would elevate the overall experience and make it even more enjoyable.
Despite this, the quality of the food and available parking make Durrat China a must-visit for anyone in Riyadh who craves authentic Chinese flavors away from the noise and traffic.
The combination of fresh ingredients, well-balanced flavors and generous portions makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
For more information, check their Instagram @durratchina.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Bab Al-Bahr’ at Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah
Updated 16 March 2025
Afshan Aziz
The Bab Al-Bahr tent at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah offers a curated iftar experience boasting a selection of traditional Arabian and international dishes.
Guests are welcomed with dates to follow the traditional breaking of fast. The meal begins with a warm bowl of oats soup, followed by a cold mezze spread featuring hummus, mutabal, fattoush, and moussaka.
Freshly prepared cheese and zaatar fatayer and flavorful chicken shawarma were standout options among the hot mezze.
The traditional foul with tameez had great flavor, although the bread could have been served warmer.
For the main course, a mixed grill selection included meat kebabs, shish taouk, and steaks, alongside lamb mandi, chicken kabsa, and fried hamour fish.
The pasta station offered white and red sauce options, while the butter chicken provided an additional international touch.
The steamed bao buns with a meat filling were a highlight, offering a soft, well-balanced texture.
Desserts included fresh fruit, Arabic sweets like baklava and luqaimat, and indulgent options such as umm ali, sticky toffee pudding, and kunafa served with nuts.
A chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruit added a playful touch.
Live Ramadan programming, Arabic coffee service, and henna artists enhanced the cultural atmosphere.
A dedicated kids’ corner and an ice cream station featuring flavors like vanilla, chocolate, karak, and Vimto provided something for younger guests.
Available from sunset to 8 p.m. until the end of Ramadan, the iftar cost before VAT is SR345 ($92) per person and SR200 for children under the age of 12.
Jeddah fitness buffs break sweat before and after iftar
Fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes during holy month
Updated 16 March 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Ramadan provides a tough test for many, with iftar spreads of sugary, calorie-packed, and fried food being quite a temptation — but fitness enthusiasts in Jeddah are not letting that slow them down.
Many fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes, hitting the gyms and cycling, jogging, paddling, running, boxing, and tackling other high-energy activities to keep their health on track during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)
Tariq Abdulmajeed, 42, who walks daily before iftar on the Tahlia pathway, told Arab News: “One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
“It really can improve physical and muscular capacity and enhance overall body fitness.”
Fitness expert Nasser Al-Saadi told Arab News that Ramadan was not the time to push your limits or set personal records, and added: “You should treat it as a time to maintain (your health). People should take it easy and not have hard workouts because that could affect their health.”
One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
Tariq Abdulmajeed, Jeddah resident
He explained that exercising before iftar can help burn fat, as the body relies on stored energy. But it may also lead to dehydration.
Al-Saadi recommends light exercises such as walking, stretching, or low-intensity activities, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breaking the fast. He added: “Exercising after iftar is the ideal time because the body is replenished with nutrients and fluids.”
With more people training in the hours just before and after iftar, gyms across Jeddah are seeing more members attending during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)
Mahmoud Abdul Raziq, a coach at Ultimate Power Gym, told Arab News: “Many people intend to maintain their health during Ramadan but they should be committed all year long, not only for one month.”
He has been impressed by the discipline he has seen in his fasting clients, and added: “I think they are at full power and most of them seem very determined to make a change. They want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually and that’s the reason we have seen more members signing up.
“Group classes are scheduled two hours before and two hours after iftar, which has been advised as the best timeline for results geared towards losing fat and gaining muscle.”
Arab News caught up with a few people in the gym, and all of them had goals: losing excess body fat, maintaining muscle mass, and toning the body.
Most of them have their workout just before their fast ends. They get home just in time for iftar or end their fast in the gym with a single date and water.
Rayan Abu Hamza, 34, said his fitness goal was to maintain muscle mass and tone his body, and added: “Since the beginning of Ramadan I have been coming to the gym before iftar because it is much better than coming at night when the gym gets crowded and most of the exercising machines are busy.”
When asked if it was better to exercise before or after iftar, Saad Al-Zahrani said: “For me it is before iftar. I don’t feel lazy and it gives me more strength.”
Another member, Tawfiq Hamawi, a Syrian expat, said he preferred later in the day, adding: “Due to my working hours, it is impossible to come before iftar. This would be ideally two hours after eating because it allows the body to replenish nutrients and fluids before physical exertion.”
Whether it is walking outdoors, joining group classes, or hitting the gym alone, residents in Jeddah are finding ways to balance health and tradition.
Ramadan is no excuse for these committed locals to pause their fitness journey, but a period to adapt and push forward.
Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 March 2025
Nada Hameed Jeddah and Nada Alturki
RIYADH: As we center our days around fasting in Ramadan, it can be fun to spice things up. Here are a few unusual and memorable ways you can experience iftar this month.
A desert experience
(Supplied)
Take a journey back to how our elders used to break their fast with this unique experience in the desert.
The journey starts at a camel farm where a guide will share more about the treasured animals and their significance in Saudi culture.
Sit down and relax afterwards at a traditional Kashta, an outdoor picnic, to break your fast with dates and laban before heading to the tent for the main meal.
The cost per person is SR700 ($187) through the WeBook app.
24-hour escape to Hofuf
Known as one of the largest date-producing areas in the world, Al-Hofuf is the perfect place for a day of serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty.
Departing from Riyadh, this experience takes you to the city in the Eastern Province where you will enjoy the sunset at Al-Asfar Lake to break your fast.
You will then depart to the Old Souk for a traditional iftar at a local restaurant, to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the region.
It also includes a trip to the historic Ibrahim Palace. The next morning, you will discover the unique rock formations of Al-Qara mountain and its caves before returning to the capital.
The price per person is SR2,500 through WeBook.com.
Iftar at a family farm in Muzahmiya
This year, the Ftoon family are opening up their home to guests.
This memorable Ramadan experience is a chance to break your fast with the family before enjoying a peaceful horse ride on the premises.
You will then head back for the main meal, a home cooked dish prepared by Umm Ftoon.
The experience is SR500 per person via WeBook.com.
Break your fast on a traditional mud house rooftop
Gaze at the stars atop a traditional mud house in Diriyah before the summer heat sets in.
A culinary expert will guide you through a traditional Saudi Arabia dining experience, explaining the significance of each dish, as you mingle with new faces in an intimate setting.
The price per person is SR300 through WeBook.com.
Unique Ramadan experience on Red Sea with AROYA Cruise
If you are looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy iftar or sahoor this Ramadan, AROYA Cruise, the first-ever Saudi Arabia cruise line, offers a truly special experience.
Throughout the holy month, AROYA will be anchored in front of the prestigious Jeddah Yacht Club, welcoming guests to break their fast or enjoy a late-night meal while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Red Sea.
From 4 p.m. until noon the next day, visitors can explore the ship’s luxurious facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and one of the largest kids’ clubs at sea.
Special Ramadan-themed activities include guest speakers and wellness programs, adding to the immersive experience.
For those who want to extend their evening, “Ramadan Along the Horizon” offers the option of an overnight stay.
Tickets start at SR499 for adults and SR299 for children under 17 through Aroya.com.
The menu offers flavors that go beyond the usual, including tiramisu, kunafa, banana pudding, and even a mix chocolate with hazelnut or biscuit
Updated 15 March 2025
Waad Hussain
For those craving a taste of Japan with a local twist, Okawa brings a fusion of matcha-based drinks and Japanese pancakes to Riyadh.
With two branches that are always bustling, the cafe has become a trendy hotspot among dessert lovers and coffee enthusiasts.
The real star of the menu is their classic matcha latte. It delivers a perfectly balanced, creamy texture with a rich matcha flavor that is not overpowering — smooth, slightly bitter, and naturally sweet. It pairs well with their other offerings.
One thing that stands out is the variety of unique Japanese pancake flavors. Unlike the traditional souffle pancakes, these have a denser, more cake-like texture, making them more filling.
The menu offers flavors that go beyond the usual, including tiramisu, kunafa, banana pudding, and even a mix chocolate with hazelnut or biscuit.
The creativity in flavors adds an enjoyable element to the experience, even if the texture itself is not necessarily the best.
Despite this, Okawa excels at providing an immersive experience. From the minimalist Japanese-inspired aesthetic to the beautifully crafted drinks, the attention to detail is evident.
While the pancakes might not be a must-try for everyone, the mix of flavors and the quality of their matcha drinks make it worth a visit — especially for those looking to explore something different in Riyadh’s dessert scene.
Okawa offers a fun experience with an ever-changing menu that keeps customers coming back to see what is next.
For more information, check their Instagram @okawa_sa.
