Where We Are Going Today: YOLO

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Updated 24 June 2022
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Where We Are Going Today: YOLO

Looking for an affordable and tasty mochi and dessert place? YOLO, located in the Saudi capital, could be the place for you.

YOLO mochi flavors include mango, toffee, vanilla, salted caramel, coconut, lemon, muhallabia, chocolate, and butterscotch. Mochis are sold in mixed or singular flavors in a box of 12 pieces for SR98 ($26), at SR8 a piece.

Mochi is a traditional confectionery Japanese sweet, originally called daifuku mochi. It is typically served with green tea. The dough wrapped around the small ice-cream ball is rice-flour based and usually gluten-free.

YOLO opened its store in Olaya, Riyadh, a few years ago with a wide range of desserts on its menu. Their most famous cake is the YOLO cake. It is a biscuit and milky-flavored cake. It comes in original or latte-flavored options.

Their Kush Kush cake is similar to the YOLO cake, although it includes shredded phyllo dough on top with a sauce drizzle. All three cake types come in large or small boxes, with six small cakes costing SR115 and a large cake costing SR140.

Cheesecakes in many distinct flavors are also sold by YOLO. Flavors include rose berry, pecan caramel, and a few flavors of lotus cheesecakes such as regular, saffron, triple chocolate, chocolate mousse, and rose.

The rose berry and pecan caramel cheesecakes cost about SR88 a box. Each box includes six mini-cakes of either a single flavor or a mix of both flavors. Lotus cheesecakes cost about SR75 a box. A box consists of six lotus cheesecakes, either with a single flavor or mixed flavors on request.

YOLO only receives orders virtually. Their physical branch closed a few months ago. The delicious dessert store, @yolo.s.a, is on Instagram and delivers to your doorstep through the food delivery apps Jahez and The Chefz.


Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Updated 15 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Mexican restaurant Cocina La Cantina — on Sari Road in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district — offers a menu focused on traditional flavors with contemporary twists.

I started with three salads, including maiz del fuego and verde brasa. The charred corn and kale were well prepared, and the dressings reflected traditional Mexican flavors.

The seafood dishes — lamica roja and aguachile de camaron — were fresh and retained their natural texture and taste. Guacamole served with crispy plantain provided a simple balance to the spiced dishes. 

The tostadas, especially the salmon and smoked crab versions, were well executed, with each ingredient distinct and flavors authentic. The menu offers a variety of options.

I also tried the birria quesadilla, featuring slow-cooked beef with Oaxacan-style cheese in a blue corn tortilla, and the ribotes — charred corn ribs topped with cotija, lime, tajín, and smoky morita mayo. Totopos with guacamole and pico de gallo completed my round of starters. 

For mains, I had pollo enmolado, with 48-hour marinated chicken in chintextle mole served with XO rice; pipian del mar, featuring salmon with molokhia pipian and macha oil; and carne asada suprema, a 24-hour marinated Wagyu 5+ striploin with guacamole and salsa verde.

The proteins were fresh and cooked to order, with sauces and marinades complementing the dishes as described.

The menu uses Mexican-style names but includes clear descriptions, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. For more information, visit @lacantina.ksa.