Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street
Biosphere which includes a butterfly exhibit. Once entering the sphere-shaped space, you are greeted with colorful, majestic butterflies flying over your head and thriving in their environment. (Photo by Sulafa Alkhunaizi)
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street
  • The Date Library includes the most prominent dates of the region, including descriptions on the fruit’s characteristics and region of cultivation

Foodsphere in Riyadh is a new spot that takes visitors on an educational and adventurous journey through Saudi Arabia’s rich food culture.

Located on Riyadh’s Tahlia Street, Foodsphere is part of the Riyadh Oases Network, which will be built across numerous neighborhoods in the Kingdom.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by the warm staff and ushers that provide a guided experience in each of the themed spaces.

The first space is dedicated to the significance of coffee and dates in Saudi Arabia, a key symbol of hospitality.

In the Coffee Capsule visitors enter an immersive room highlighting the process of coffee cultivation in Jazan, in the Asir region. The coffee space has two invigorating sensory experiences, allowing guests to smell different types of Arabic coffee, consisting of different base notes and flavors according to the region.

The Date Library includes the most prominent dates of the region, including descriptions on the fruit’s characteristics and region of cultivation.

I had a cappuccino and date pudding from Saudi coffee shop Rawaa, which brews locally sourced coffee. The coffee had a balanced flavor and the date pudding was heart-warming and delicious with a sweet date flavor.

The Apiary features a live beehive exhibit, allowing guests to witness the wonders of one of the most important insects.

My favorite part of Foodsphere is the Biosphere, which includes a butterfly exhibit. Upon entering the sphere-shaped space, you are greeted with colorful, majestic butterflies flying over your head and thriving in their environment.

The center includes thorough descriptions of each zone in English and Arabic, to provide an accessible learning experience for visitors.

Outside of the center is an area dedicated to food and drink venues, as well as a running track and public seating.

Entry is free, making Foodsphere an ideal spot for friends and families to visit together.

 


Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan

Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan
Updated 28 February 2025
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Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan

Demand for Najran’s Al-Samraa brown wheat rises for Ramadan
  • High demand because of nutritional value, health benefits
  • Staple in several popular dishes including Raqsh and Wafd

NAJRAN: Wheat produced in Saudi Arabia’s southern region of Najran is in high demand because of its wide use during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Among the most popular type is the Al-Samraa brown wheat, known locally as Al-Bur Al-Najrani, a staple ingredient in numerous popular dishes such as Raqsh and Wafd.

“The increased demand for Najrani wheat during Ramadan is attributed to its high quality, nutritional value, and health benefits,” the SPA reported.

This particular variety is rich in vitamins B and E, folic acid, zinc, and fiber.

Al-Samraa is one of 13 products in Saudi Arabia that have been chosen by the Slow Food organization’s Ark of Taste. Slow Food is a US-based organization that catalogs “delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction” or that need to be recognized.
 

Al-Samraa is one of the 13 products in Saudi Arabia that had been chosen by the Slow Food's Ark of Taste. (SPA file photo)

“By identifying and championing these foods, we keep them in production and on our plates,” stated the website of Slow Food, which has added more than 3,500 products from over 150 countries to its International Ark of Taste.

Earlier this month, the regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said Najran farmers expect to harvest their wheat crops in March.

Planting began in early October, just before the Kingdom’s winter. Farmers said their crops were cultivated without chemicals and that advancements in agricultural machinery have enhanced efficiency and product quality.

Najran's Al-Samraa wheat is unhybridized and naturally grown, a heritage passed down from generation to generation. (SPA file photo)

Last year, Al-Samraa was featured in the inaugural Najran Wheat Festival organized by the MEWA and Social Development Bank to showcase the region’s cultural heritage.

“This unhybridized, naturally grown wheat is a heritage we received from our ancestors,” farmer Mohammed Al-Mansour said, according to the SPA.

“We use minimal irrigation to protect it from pests, ensuring its high quality,” Al-Mansour added.

According to the Cooperative Agricultural Association West of Najran, traditional wheat cultivation involves meticulous land preparation and irrigation.

Farmers also rely on animals for land preparation and harvesting. Wheat farming has been made easier today with the introduction of modern planting methods and the use of advanced machinery.

Wheat farming has been made easier today with the introduction of modern planting methods and use of advanced machineries. (SPA)

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Marble Slab Creamery’ ice cream shop

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Marble Slab Creamery’ ice cream shop
Updated 26 February 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Marble Slab Creamery’ ice cream shop

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Marble Slab Creamery’ ice cream shop

Marble Slab Creamery is one of the go-to destinations for ice cream lovers across the Kingdom, offering a fully customizable experience.

Known for its handcrafted ice cream and a wide selection of mix-ins, the ice cream parlor allows customers to create their perfect dessert. 

The menu features a variety of sizes, with prices starting at SR21 ($5.60) for a small cup and going up to SR46 ($12) for a pint. Customers can select one or two flavors and add unlimited mix-ins at no extra charge.

For those looking for something more indulgent, the tasty creations for SR29 offer pre-mixed combinations such as Nutella Matilda’s cake, which blends Nutella ice cream, graham crackers, chocolate cake, and Nutella sauce, and cookie dough drizzle, featuring birthday cake ice cream, cookie dough, and chocolate sauce.

The ice cream shop also offers a selection of ice cream cakes, including fun designs such as the Chanel ribbon cake and butterfly cake, as well as cookie cakes and cake’n’cup, a mix of chocolate and red velvet flavors served in individual cups. 

While the quality of the ice cream and the variety of flavors make it a great spot for a sweet treat, the prices are on the higher side compared to other ice cream parlors.

For more information, check their Instagram @marbleslabksa.


Where We Are Going Today: Khayal Restaurant in Jeddah

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 25 February 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Khayal Restaurant in Jeddah

Photo/Supplied
  • The grill section is another highlight not to miss, offering such delights as cubes of perfectly grilled meat (awsal), Khayal kebabs with cheese, lamb chops, and chicken shashlik

Located in Jeddah Park Mall, Khayal restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise, serving succulent dishes made according to traditional family recipes.

I’ve been a frequent visitor for years and enjoy the food, though the wait can be frustrating, especially when I’m really hungry. To help pass the time, they offer Saudi coffee and dates at the entrance.

From breakfast to dinner, everything is prepared daily by experienced chefs. The Khayal hummus, paired with oven-baked bread, is a standout.

The bread, full of air when placed before me, slowly deflates as I tear off strips and dip them into the hummus, muhammara, and baba ghanuj. The dish is a simple yet satisfying start to the meal.

Don’t miss their lentil soup, served in a bread bowl, or the refreshing pineapple juice served in a pineapple. Their fattoush and tabbouleh salads are popular, and the hot appetizers, like grilled wings and skewered grilled kibbeh, are all simple and subtle in taste.

Though the wait for the main course can feel long, the classic Iskandar kebabs are worth it. Made with grilled beef or chicken marinated in tomato sauce, they are served on soft bread with butter and a spoonful of thick yogurt, providing a welcome contrast to the richness of the dish.

The grill section is another highlight not to miss, offering such delights as cubes of perfectly grilled meat (awsal), Khayal kebabs with cheese, lamb chops, and chicken shashlik.

If you’re in the mood for a platter, there are plenty of sharing options. They also offer grilled meter options, like the half-meter or 1-meter kebabs, served with rice.

Despite being full, I couldn’t resist sharing a portion of the kunafa, made to order. It was crispy on the outside, gooey and buttery inside.

The food is reasonably priced, typically totaling around SR350 ($93) for a family of four.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Spice Route’ in Jeddah

Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Spice Route’ in Jeddah
Updated 23 February 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Spice Route’ in Jeddah

Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Spice Route’ in Jeddah
  • Among the highlights of the main menu are the lobster tandoori and nawabi jhinga, creamy tiger prawns marinated in cashews and cheese, and the Peshwari chaanp — tender lamb chops

Located inside the Sunset Hotel in Jeddah, The Spice Route takes diners on a sensory journey to the four corners of India.

Appetizers like murgh tikka samosa — a crispy pastry filled with spiced chicken — and Mumbai sev puri with crispy puris and tamarind chutney — for those who prefer something a little tangier — perfectly set the tone.

The jhunga koliwada — Mumbai-style battered prawns — packs a spicy punch, while the mahi Amritsari is a crispy fried hamour fillet. There are also soups, like the murgh kesari shorba — a spiced chicken broth.

For those who prefer salads, the tilmil jhinga — prawn tikka on lettuce with a honey mustard dressing — provides a flavorful alternative to the richer dishes, while the lali hariyali — greens, strawberries and pomegranate — is vibrant and refreshing.

Among the highlights of the main menu are the lobster tandoori and nawabi jhinga, creamy tiger prawns marinated in cashews and cheese, and the Peshwari chaanp — tender lamb chops.

There is also a good selection of biryanis from around India, including the aromatic ghosht dum, Mughlai jhinga and awad hi murgh.

Three of the most popular curries are kairi jhinga — a tangy mix of prawns in a mango gravy — meen moilee — fish in a coconut milk-based sauce — and bhuna gosht — a rich lamb dish.

The vegetarian options include lasooni palak oaneer, kaju sabzi biryani and methi matar malai.

To round of the meal, desserts like rasmalai, pista kulfi falooda and rasmalai tiramisu are a great way to cleanse the palate.

For more details see @thespiceroute.jeddah on Instagram.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Candied’ – a unique sweet treat in Riyadh

For more information, check their Instagram @candied.riyadh. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
For more information, check their Instagram @candied.riyadh. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Updated 22 February 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Candied’ – a unique sweet treat in Riyadh

For more information, check their Instagram @candied.riyadh. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
  • Beyond the delicious taste, Candied wins hearts with its adorable packaging

If you’re looking for a unique sweet treat in Riyadh, try Candied — a local brand specializing in candied fruit boxes, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Customers can choose to coat their fruit — strawberry, grape, and pineapple — in one of three crisp, gloosy candy shell flavors: strawberry, lemon, or cotton candy. The mixed box combines all three flavors in one.

The first bite is an instant burst of happiness — a perfect balance of crunch and fruity freshness. The hardened candy shell cracks satisfyingly, revealing the juicy fruit inside. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the cold, refreshing fruit makes these treats incredibly addictive.

Beyond the delicious taste, Candied wins hearts with its adorable packaging. Each box is beautifully designed in pastel tones, featuring playful graphics that reflect the fun, nostalgic charm of the brand.

Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for an eye-catching gift for someone else, the packaging feels personal, crafted with love and attention to detail.

Candied operates exclusively on Instagram, and their treats require special care — they melt quickly and they best maintain their signature crunchy texture if kept frozen. They’re best enjoyed immediately, although they will keep for up to five days.

Each box is priced at SR100 ($27).

For more information, check @candied.riyadh on Instagram.