Where We Are Going Today: Bohemia Cafe

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Bohemia Cafe's new location in Alkhobar Alshamaliya is a quaint standalone house with a sizable front yard and plenty of seating. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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The hybrid cafe has become a sort of sanctuary where the artsy types can come together and listen to music over a cup of coffee. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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Updated 22 June 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Bohemia Cafe

  • The original branch opened in a bustling part of the city of Alkhobar in 2018 that enjoyed an enthusiastic following but was plagued with car traffic
  • The cafe relocated to Alkhobar Alshamaliya this year, in a quaint standalone house with a sizable front yard and plenty of seating

Alkhobar has long enjoyed a deep, laid-back lifestyle and culture, which includes an insatiable appreciation for coffee, music and gathering like-minded people in a fun and homey environment for discussion.

The new Bohemia Cafe in Alkhobar is the perfect place to do all of the above.

Forget about waking up to smell the roses, Bohemia Cafe is asking people to wake up and smell the coffee — while rocking to music. The hybrid cafe, which sells music records and offers a space for live performances, has become a sort of off-the-beaten-path sanctuary where the artsy types can come together and listen to some tracks while sipping on some beverages or enjoy homemade pastries.

Arab News first spoke to founder Fawaz Alsulaim in 2019 when he mentioned that the multipurpose venue was meant to be a co-working space, record store, coffee and vegan-food shop, as well as an art gallery. They also aim to bring back the old-school nostalgia through selling a sizable collection of vinyl records which includes Arabic music, classic rock, newer pop and some hidden gems in-between.

“Owning vinyl records, something that you can touch, is a new way (for our generation) to experience music,” Alsulaim told Arab News at the time.

The original branch opened in a bustling part of the city of Alkhobar in 2018 that enjoyed an enthusiastic following but was plagued with car traffic.

The cafe relocated to Alkhobar Alshamaliya this year, in a quaint standalone house with a sizable front yard and plenty of seating.

Much like the first iteration, this newer branch has an artsy bohemian vibe with lots of posters of musicians of all genres decorating the walls.

On the day of our visit, freshly-baked cinnamon rolls were available, slathered in decadent frosting and perfectly layered. Their iced coffee also hit the spot.

You will likely find two types of patrons: the ones sitting alone in deep concentration, with an assortment of beverages on the table, typing away on a laptop and jamming to whatever is coming out of their headphones; and the chatty individuals who excitedly talk about music, art or just life.

This summer, there will be live music at the cafe.

For more information, visit @bohemia_artcafe on Instagram or their website bohemiaartcafe.com


Where We Are Going Today: Yu by Toki Restaurant in Riyadh

Updated 24 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Yu by Toki Restaurant in Riyadh

  • One order comes with two rolls on a plate, perfect for those looking to share one of the best dishes on the menu

Bringing its flavors from Toki in Jeddah, Yu by Toki is in Riyadh at Mamlaka Social Dining, tucked into a back corner, where the Chinese restaurant offers dishes inspired by Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, with a modern twist.

At Mamlaka Social Dining, guests order directly from each restaurant’s booth before choosing a table within the shared dining area. Many opt for the outdoor terrace, which offers sweeping views of Riyadh from the iconic tower.

Yu’s one-page menu is concise yet diverse in options, with a particular focus on starters and dim sum. The starters introduce the menu’s flavor palette.

To start, I opted for the Szechuan crispy duck roll which comes wrapped in homemade pancake and stuffed with cucumber and spring onion alongside the crispy duck meat.

One order comes with two rolls on a plate, perfect for those looking to share one of the best dishes on the menu. The crunchy duck meat, fresh cucumber, and sweet sauce provides a balanced and delicious starter experience.

Another popular dish — often sold out — is the bang bang chicken, served with chili and pandan cream for a bold, spicy kick. For a milder option, the smoked corn chicken offers a deeper, caramelized flavor profile.

When it comes to buns and dumplings, I would go for either the baked smoked angus bun or the Szechuan sui mai.

If you are looking for something on the heavier side, the baked smoked angus bun is intense with strong flavors of beef paired with a sauce and fluffy bun.

On the other hand, the Szechuan sui mai is a light and fresh dish, paired with soybean, chili, Chinese mushrooms, and spring onion.

For the main course, I selected the sweet and sour chicken and paired it with the vegetable noodles.

Unfortunately, Yu by Toki’s does not offer dessert, which can be disappointing for those looking to indulge in Chinese varieties. Mamlaka Social Dining solves this by offering a vast array of options.