Where We Are Going Today: Maritime

Where We Are Going Today: Maritime
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Where We Are Going Today: Maritime
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Where We Are Going Today: Maritime
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Where We Are Going Today: Maritime
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Where We Are Going Today: Maritime
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Updated 29 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Maritime

Where We Are Going Today: Maritime

Where We Are Going Today: Maritime

Afshan Aziz

Located in the Jeddah Edition hotel at Kurnaysh road, Maritime delivers an unparalleled dining experience, blending French finesse with Asian culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s design features contemporary sophistication, with stylish tables and seating that enhance the overall aesthetic.

Guests are welcomed into a sleek, inviting space where an open-show kitchen serves as the focal point, allowing diners to witness the artistry behind each dish.

Maritime’s menu is a celebration of culinary creativity, showcasing an inspired fusion of flavors. Chef Cedric Vongerichten, celebrated by Zagat as one of the top 30 chefs under 30, has meticulously crafted the menu, skillfully blending locally sourced ingredients with global influences to create a distinctive selection of dishes that delight the palate.

The lunch menu offers an array of vibrant salads, comforting starters and hearty entrees, tailored for a midday feast. Highlights include the zesty avocado salad with quail eggs and peanut relish, the delicate salmon sashimi with turmeric dressing, and the savory mie goreng, a stir-fried noodle dish enriched with prawns and bean sprouts. For those seeking comforting bites, the corn fritters, paired with sambal oelek and kecap manis, deliver a satisfying mix of sweet and spicy flavors.

Dinner elevates the experience with an expanded and more refined menu, showcasing small plates and entrees. To begin your meal, the monkey bread is served warm and fresh, accompanied by salted butter — a comforting and flavorful start that sets the tone for the dining experience. The shrimp dumplings draped in velvety lemongrass beurre blanc and topped with caviar are a standout, alongside crispy baby squid paired with galangal emulsion.

Main courses offer an exquisite range, from the flavorful garlic crab rice, accented with tapioca crisps and fresh cilantro, to the juicy half chicken Lombok, served with smashed rosemary potatoes for a perfect balance of spice and comfort. The lamb shank, paired with crunchy okra and a deeply spiced gulai sauce, is another favorite that impresses with its tender texture and bold flavors.

Whether it is lunch or dinner, Maritime’s offerings cater to diverse tastes. While the lunch menu features lighter and quicker fare, the dinner menu adds a layer of indulgence, offering an expanded selection of thoughtfully crafted dishes.

Maritime’s desserts are as indulgent as the savory dishes. The pandan custard with passionfruit and the banana sundae featuring ube ice cream offer the perfect sweet conclusion to a meal.

Complementing the menu is a selection of temperance beverages and innovative drinks. Highlights include the vibrant Saffron Spritz, a blend of clementine, honey, ginger, and saffron, and the creamy yet refreshing Avocado Oasis, combining Lyre’s white cane, avocado, cucumber, chilli honey and black lava salt. The tangy Rujak Bounce delights with pineapple, tamarind, lime, gula jawa and tajin, while the elegant Amaretti Sour pairs Lyre’s amaretti with lime juice, cherry, and orange peel. For a classic touch, the Martini features Conviv bianco, Lyre’s dry London, mementi blue and olive brine, offering something for every palate.

For private gatherings, Maritime offers two elegant dining rooms, providing exclusivity and intimacy for special occasions.

Check @maritimejeddah for more information.
 


Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco

Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco
Updated 05 January 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco

Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco

If you are craving bold flavors and authentic Mexican street food, Just Taco in Riyadh is worth a visit. Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious menu, the restaurant combines casual dining with a fun twist.

The menu features flavorful choices such as the taco mix platter, offering a variety of tacos packed with authentic Mexican spices. For sharing, the loaded nachos are a hit, with crispy tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese, jalapenos and fresh pico de gallo.

Another standout is the cheesy fries with pulled beef, a hearty dish that combines creamy, savory and crunchy elements.

The food impresses with its freshness and quality, ensuring every bite is flavorful. With reasonable prices, it is an excellent spot to experience authentic Mexican cuisine. 

A cheerful team member at Just Taco showcasing the vibrant energy that makes the dining experience fun and welcoming. (AN photo)

Just Taco has quickly become a favorite for taco enthusiasts in Riyadh, offering consistent quality and memorable flavors.

The cozy ambiance, highlighted by vibrant green and yellow decor, creates a cheerful and welcoming vibe. Friendly staff further enhance the experience, making it a great choice for casual meals with friends or family.

One potential drawback is the shared-gender restroom, which may not suit everyone. However, the excellent food and lively atmosphere more than compensate for this.

For more information, visit their Instagram: @justtaco.sa.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Thai Soi’ restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 03 January 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Thai Soi’ restaurant in Riyadh

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  • The stir-fried noodles had just the right amount of spice and a beautiful medley of vegetables and chicken, with a savory sauce that brought all the ingredients together

Thai Soi is one of those hidden gems you just happen to stumble upon. In my case, I was looking for the perfect coconut green curry on a particularly chilly night in Riyadh. Lo and behold — Thai Soi popped up on my HungerStation app.

The restaurant offers diners a genuine taste of Thailand in the heart of Riyadh.

To start, the spring rolls, which are available vegetarian or with prawns, were a delightful appetizer — perfectly crispy, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Each roll was light yet packed with a savory filling, complemented by a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that elevated the dish.

For the main course, I opted for the green curry prawns, and the dish did not disappoint. The curry had the perfect balance of richness and spice, with the prawns cooked to perfection. The creamy coconut milk base, combined with the zesty green curry paste, created a satisfying depth of flavor that lingered long after the last bite.

The drunken noodles were equally impressive, although they were a bit cold upon delivery. While drunken noodles are meant to be made extremely spicy, you can opt to remove the heat.

The stir-fried noodles had just the right amount of spice and a beautiful medley of vegetables and chicken, with a savory sauce that brought all the ingredients together. They were a tad on the drier side, although not soggy, but the portion size was generous.

No Thai meal is complete without dessert, and the mango sticky rice at Thai Soi was a sweet, refreshing finish. The sticky rice was perfectly chewy and paired wonderfully with the ripe, juicy mango, making for a simple yet exquisite treat.

The restaurant is great to visit, at one of two locations in Riyadh, as the vibrant interior decor and motifs give the perfect ambience to feel like you have escaped the city for a few hours.

It is also a nice option for at-home functions as Thai Soi sells a dumplings party box with 20 pieces of mixed dumplings and sauces, and a mix starter platter with six starters and dips. The restaurant also offers a catering service for larger groups.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Wingstop

Where We Are Going Today: Wingstop
Updated 03 January 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Wingstop

Where We Are Going Today: Wingstop

Wingstop Inc. is a renowned US restaurant chain specializing in buffalo wings, and its arrival in Riyadh has generated quite a buzz.

Wingstop brings bold flavors to the local dining scene, and it is no surprise that the restaurant has become a hotspot for wing enthusiasts.   

The excitement in the air was palpable at the Tahlia branch, as everyone seemed eager to sample the much-talked-about wings. They have a Louisiana Rub which delivers a delightful blend of spices that kept us reaching for more.

Another highlight is the Mango Habanero. The sweetness of the mango balances perfectly with the heat of the habanero, making it a must-try for those who enjoy a little kick to their wings.

For dipping, you can opt for the ranch sauce and honey mustard, both of which complement the wings nicely, adding an extra layer of flavor.  

The onion rings with ranch sauce are incredibly crispy and delicious — a perfect side that pairs well with the meal.

However, not every dish hit the mark. The garlic parmesan wings, while tasty, has a buttery flavor that feels a bit overwhelming, and the Hawaiian wings are excessively sweet.

There are also cheese fries, which, to the disappointment of some visitors, do not quite meet expectations. They lacked the flavor punch some hoped for, making them the weakest link in their meal. 

However, a redeeming recommendation from the staff was the Wingstop seasoning fries.

The pricing at Wingstop is reasonable with eight pieces for SR34 (approximately $9). Given the quality and quantity, this is a fair deal for diners looking to indulge in flavorful wings.  

With three branches across Riyadh — Tahlia, King Fahad Metro Station, and Sahara Mall— Wingstop is conveniently accessible.

Overall, the standout flavors and lively atmosphere make Wingstop a worthy addition to Riyadh’s dining landscape.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Whoa Tea’ in Riyadh

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Updated 30 December 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Whoa Tea’ in Riyadh

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  • Whoa Tea is more than just a tea shop; it is a welcoming space where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a solitary moment

Whoa Tea, a tea shop that originated in China, has made its way to Riyadh, bringing with it a vibrant array of Asian beverages and desserts.

Nestled on Tahalia Street in Sulaimaniya district, the cozy cafe specializes in bubble tea and offers a range of delectable mochi, making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.

Upon entering Whoa Tea, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere characterized by charming decor and a relaxing vibe. The cafe is well equipped for social gatherings, featuring board games that encourage fun times with friends. Each table is conveniently outfitted with power outlets, making it an ideal spot for those looking to work or study while enjoying a refreshing drink.

The menu boasts a variety of milk teas, with flavors perfectly balanced for those who prefer a less sugary experience. The brown sugar boba is particularly noteworthy, striking a harmony between sweetness and flavor without overwhelming the palate. Another standout is the matcha jasmine boba, which offers a delightful floral note that complements the rich matcha base.

Desserts at Whoa Tea are equally impressive. The strawberry lava cake and mango lava cake are highlights, both providing a balanced sweetness that enhances their flavors. The matcha cheese drink is a unique offering, featuring high-quality matcha that delivers a smooth, slightly bitter finish, indicative of authentic ceremonial-grade powder.

The staff are friendly and attentive, often providing recommendations based on customer preferences. This personal touch, combined with the cafe’s careful selection of fresh ingredients, elevates the overall experience.

Whoa Tea is more than just a tea shop; it is a welcoming space where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a solitary moment. With its diverse range of boba flavors, exquisite desserts and cozy ambiance, this is a hidden gem in Riyadh that I cannot wait to revisit. Whether you are a boba aficionado or a casual visitor, this cafe promises a memorable experience.

For more details, check Instagram @whoa_tea.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh

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Updated 28 December 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh

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  • Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food

Ashbiz is a great spot for Uzbek cuisine, offering a rich and flavorful array of foods that combines influences from Central Asia and the Middle East.

The menu is small but full of dishes that burst with flavor, including a favorite of mine, chicken bukhari, which originated in the ancient city of Bukhara.

Bukhari, which can be made with beef, lamb or chicken, is served hot and packs a punch with its aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom and cinnamon.

Noodles are a key feature of Uzbek cuisine and the hand-pulled variety created at Ashbiz are key to its lag’mon: a delicious dish that combines beef or lamb with vegetables in a hearty broth.

Another favorite is the samsa, a tasty bun stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, which resemble the samosa, but instead of being fried is baked in the oven.

The menu also includes manto — a popular handmade steamed dumpling stuffed with a choice of pumpkin or meat and a unique blend of spices — and shish barak soup which has small dumplings.

Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food.

The restaurant has outlets in Riyadh’s Taawun district and the Mohammadiya district of Jeddah.