Where We Are Going Today: ‘Sultani Restaurant and Lounge’ in Jeddah

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Updated 09 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Sultani Restaurant and Lounge’ in Jeddah

Sultani Restaurant and Lounge, located in the As-Salamah district on Sari Road in Jeddah, specializes in traditional Iranian cuisine served in a contemporary setting.

On arrival, diners enter a plant-filled space that evokes the charm of a garden. Persian-inspired elements further enrich the decor, adding authenticity to the modern design.

The menu showcases the rich flavors of Persian cuisine. Appetizers include zeytoon parvardeh, a mix of green olives, garlic, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts; and sabzi khordan, an assortment of fresh herbs, feta cheese, and radish. Both offer refreshing and savory flavors.

Kashk-o bademjan, made with Persian whey and aubergine, is another sumptuous option, with a comforting, creamy taste.

Sultani’s soup e-jo, a thick barley cream soup, provides warmth and richness, while the chicken soup with potatoes, a traditional Persian comfort food, is rich in flavor.

Moving to the main courses, ghormeh sabzi, a lamb stew made with dried herbs, red beans, and dried lime, delivers tangy and savory richness. Another standout is chicken fesenjan, a tender chicken leg cooked in a pomegranate and walnut sauce, combining sweet and juicy elements in perfect balance.

Seafood lovers can enjoy dishes such as jumbo grilled shrimp and grilled seabass, both marinated in sweet paprika, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

For a larger meal, the royal seafood platter includes seabass fillets and jumbo shrimp, and is ideal for sharing.

The restaurant’s kebabs are a favorite. The kabab kubideh, made with minced lamb kafta, and kabab barg, a marinated beef tenderloin, are both perfectly grilled and full of flavor.

The jujeh kabab, a boneless chicken skewer marinated with yogurt, saffron, and lemon juice, is also a must-try. Try pairing your meal with Persian-style laban or tea, both traditional drinks.

Sultani’s delicious dessert options include fereni, a creamy rice flour pudding flavored with cardamom, rose water, and cinnamon, and faloodeh, a refreshing Persian cold dessert made with lime, rose water, and rice noodles. The ranginak, a date and pistachio pie with cinnamon and butter, is also a sweet ending to a meal.

Whether you are in the mood for a quiet meal or a special celebration, Sultani provides a memorable experience with each dish, making it a must-visit for food lovers in the area.

Check @sultani.ksa on Instagram for more details.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Baco’ restaurant

Updated 02 July 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Baco’ restaurant

With a menu marrying the bold flavors of Asian and Mexican cuisine, Baco is a fusion restaurant with branches in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Known for their bao buns, tacos and tapas, the restaurants also show off their creative flair with signature dishes including kimchi rice and brisket birria tacos.

Arriving at the Riyadh branch, in the As Sulimaniyah neighborhood, I was struck by the sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

We began our culinary journey with the Asian fries, which were crispy and generously topped with a special sauce, cheese and brisket beef.

I also sampled the crispy prawn Japanese salad which, while visually appealing, I found lacking in flavor. The sauce was rather scant and it didn’t quite meet my expectations. However, the chicken bao, which had a special sauce with a hint of citrus, elevated the flavors beautifully.

The Thai chicken gyoza was served with a delectable peanut sauce that complemented the gyoza’s crispy exterior perfectly and this dish really highlighted Baco’s ability to blend flavors seamlessly.

Those who enjoy bold flavors will also appreciate the kimchi rice with beef and a runny egg, which is somewhat spicy. 

Whether you crave a fusion dish or are simply looking for a stylish place to enjoy a meal, Baco is a destination worth exploring.


Where We Are Going Today: Mashwa Al-Balad Restaurant in Qatif

Kebab sandwiches at Mashwa Albalad. (@mashwa_albalad)
Updated 01 July 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Mashwa Al-Balad Restaurant in Qatif

  • These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings

Mashwa Al-Balad in Qatif is a grill and shawarma restaurant that will have you dialing the delivery number any time your cravings make you want to recreate nights spent grilling under the desert skies.

My family and I love this place because it usually solves the “What are we having for dinner tonight?” feud when one of us wants a shawarma and others want kebab plates; rarely do restaurants offer such a wide selection of dishes and do them all well.

Let’s start with the classic shawarma plates: Arabic beef and, my personal favorite, the Arabic chicken, both of which come with fries. Well-seasoned, tender, and with a portion size that is great as a full meal. They sometimes put a little too much garlic sauce for my liking, but others might prefer it that way.

If you’re not a fan of the plates, they offer shawarma sandwiches in different styles as well, from classic to spicy to ones with a slight Mediterranean twist, served with pomegranate seeds and rocket leaves.

The stars of the show, however, are the kebab and grill wraps, including beef awsal (cubes), shish tawooq, beef kebab, chicken kebab, and chicken musahhab.

These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings.

And of course, you can’t forget about the classic grill plates, which include separate or mixed combinations.

What I like about Mashwa Al-Balad is that you can mix and match your favorite plates, sandwiches, and all the traditional appetizers (hummus, tabbouleh, grape leaves, and more) and ensure there’s something for everyone at the table.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Brunch’ in Jeddah

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Updated 29 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Brunch’ in Jeddah

  • The tuna sandwich offered a twist with rosemary sauce and crisp greens, while the scrambled mixed cheese delivered just what its name promises

In Madinah and craving a satisfying morning bite? Brunch is worth a visit.

Tucked away on Sultanah street, this cosy restaurant delivers a cheerful vibe and a menu that’s big on flavor.

We visited as a family and sampled a range of sandwiches, most of which are built around soft, buttery brioche bread.

The halloumi sandwich was a favorite, with grilled halloumi, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and arugula coming together in harmony.

The tuna sandwich offered a twist with rosemary sauce and crisp greens, while the scrambled mixed cheese delivered just what its name promises.

For those who prefer meatier bites, the turkey scramble was a good option, stuffed with fluffy eggs, sliced turkey, melted cheddar, and their house sauce all packed together.

We could not leave without trying the dessert. The Nutella French toast was just indulgent enough, topped with crunchy biscuit bits, while the banoffee French toast, filled with banana, creamy banoffee sauce and whipped cream, was rich and sweet.

Beverage choices, however, are simple: black coffee, fresh orange juice, and soft drinks. I was surprised to find no tea options. As a die-hard tea drinker, I had to make a quick run to a nearby cafe to fetch a cuppa to enjoy alongside the food.

Portions are on the smaller side, so extra items may be needed to feel full; I ended up going for two sandwiches, as well as dessert.

For more information, visit their Instagram @bruncharea.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Kold Kombucha in Alkhobar

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Updated 28 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Kold Kombucha in Alkhobar

  • Marked by a bold painted mural at the entrance, the hole-in-the-wall space receives a steady stream of curious visitors, notably young men who are fans of the Snapchat star

In the heart of historic northern Alkhobar, newly established Kold Kombucha is putting the spotlight on kombucha, a naturally fizzy fermented tea with roots in East Asia dating back over 2,000 years.

The compact, design-forward shop — opened this month by popular Saudi Snapchat personality Hammam Al-Mulhem — is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia spotlighting kombucha, which is brewed on-site in large fermentation vessels over 11 days using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast known as SCOBY.

Marked by a bold painted mural at the entrance, the hole-in-the-wall space receives a steady stream of curious visitors, notably young men who are fans of the Snapchat star.

Three core flavors rotate on tap. The beetroot is deep and earthy — slightly sour, complex — almost like a liquid snack. The apple cinnamon is my personal favorite: smooth and warming — pure autumn in a glass, while strawberry mint, bright and refreshing, hits just right on a blazing Eastern Province afternoon.

Each bottle goes for between SR23 ($6) to SR25. They also offer a chocolate chip dessert, and for those not quite ready to dive into the world of kombucha, there are coffees available too.

I stopped by straight from the airport — jet-lagged, dehydrated and craving something light but nourishing. Kold delivered.

Seating — like nearby parking spaces — is limited.

Kold Kombucha is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight. Find them on Instagram at @kold.ksa.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Chii restaurant in Jeddah

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Updated 27 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Chii restaurant in Jeddah

  • The birria fries and nachos are perfect for sharing and greasy in a satisfying way, though not for the faint of heart or diet-conscious

Located in Al-Naeem district in Jeddah, Chii restaurant brings a bold twist to casual Mexican dining with a Saudi edge. With its neon-lit signs and vibrant atmosphere, Chii draws you in for what promises to be a flavor-packed experience, and, for the most part, it delivers.

Visitors may start with the shrimp bites and guacamole. The shrimp are perfectly crisped and seasoned, and the guacamole is creamy with just the right citrusy tang, though a pinch more salt wouldn’t hurt.

The taco section is where Chii shines. The birria taco, featuring slow-cooked meat, mixed cheese, and their signature sauce, is a standout — rich, juicy, and indulgent. The chili smashed tacos echo similar flavors but pack more heat, perfect for spice lovers.

On the lighter side, the grilled chicken tacos are fresh but a bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the bold menu. For something more filling, the birria bowl is a hearty mix of rice, corn, beans, and all the fixings. Every bite felt thoughtfully layered, though the bowl can benefit from a bit more sauce to tie it all together.

The birria fries and nachos are perfect for sharing and greasy in a satisfying way, though not for the faint of heart or diet-conscious.

The chicken quesadillas are cheesy and comforting but do not stand out much. As for dessert, it changes daily, which keeps things interesting.

For more, check the location’s Instagram @chii.ksa.