MNKY HSE: A transformative dining experience in Riyadh

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Updated 05 January 2023
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MNKY HSE: A transformative dining experience in Riyadh

If you are looking for a transformative dining experience in Riyadh, check out MNKY HSE in the Hitteen district. This award-winning restaurant, which originated in London, offers a refined, contemporary, Latin American culinary experience in a bold space with cozy lighting, pleasant music and luscious flavors that will surprise you and transport you to another place.

MNKY HSE, pronounced “Monkey House,” serves up a decadent sharing menu that puts a new spin on Latin American food. The venue’s cheerful staff also includes award-winning mixologists who will liven up your evening with concoctions such as This is Primavera, a surprising combination of tropical pomegranate, cherry, citrus yuzu juice, agave and earl gray.

There is truly something on the menu to suit every taste. The signature MNKY HSE tacos, for example, come with diced tuna, truffle ponzu, wasabi tobiko and avocado nestling in a fresh, crispy taco. Each bite is guaranteed to deliver a delicious burst of flavors.

Seafood lovers should also try the hamachi tiradito, with fresh black truffle. Alternatively, a MNKY HSE exclusive that should not be missed is the confit duck with compressed watermelon, pomegranate and cashew cream.

For a fun, pinata-style dessert experience with friends, order a hollow chocolate monkey and smash it to reveal a hidden treasure trove of candies and petit fours for sharing.

Meanwhile, the lounge at MNKY HSE is like a cozy living room. It is the ideal place to spend an evening socializing with friends. With its comfortable seating and sensory lighting, it also offers the perfect backdrop for a business meeting or a small get-together with family and friends to celebrate a special occasion.

For more information, check out #mnkyhseksa on Instagram.


Where We Are Going Today: Moon Hot Pot in Alkhobar’

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Updated 1 min 32 sec ago
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Where We Are Going Today: Moon Hot Pot in Alkhobar’

  • The shrimp and fish slices tasted clean and well-prepared, while the vegetables were crisp and the mushrooms absorbed the broth beautifully

I have passed Prince Turkey Street in Alkurnaish many times, but stepping into Moon Hot Pot feels like discovering something different from Alkhobar’s usual dining spots.

Easy to overlook from the outside, the restaurant opens into a warm, inviting space defined by soft lighting, Chinese decor, and cozy seating that immediately sets the tone.

Moon Hot Pot is not designed for rushed meals, and that is part of the appeal. The hot pot format encourages diners to slow down, share, and linger.

I opted for a spicy broth alongside a milder one, a combination that worked well. The spicy base offered depth and aroma without the overwhelming heat.

The ingredient selection stands out. Thinly sliced beef and lamb were fresh and tender, cooking quickly while retaining their texture.

The shrimp and fish slices tasted clean and well-prepared, while the vegetables were crisp and the mushrooms absorbed the broth beautifully.

The sauce station added another layer of enjoyment, allowing diners to mix sesame paste, garlic, chili oil, and soy to taste.

There are a few drawbacks. Prices are on the higher side, particularly if ordering generously, which is easy to do. While the quality largely justifies the cost, it may not suit everyday dining.

Service was friendly and attentive, though it can feel slightly stretched during peak hours, with minor delays for refills or additional items.

Despite this, Moon Hot Pot is worth seeking out, especially for those who enjoy interactive dining or want to explore Chinese cuisine beyond standard stir fries.

It is well suited to groups and long, unhurried meals, and its location on Prince Turkey Street makes it easy to follow dinner with a walk along the corniche.

Overall, Moon Hot Pot delivers a flavorful, engaging experience that feels more like an occasion than a routine night out in Alkhobar.