Where We Are Going Today: Mr Chow, a Chinese restaurant in Riyadh

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The smart venue is open daily for dinner and it’s exactly the sort of grand, modern spot you’d expect in the area. (Supplied)
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The smart venue is open daily for dinner and it’s exactly the sort of grand, modern spot you’d expect in the area. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 April 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Mr Chow, a Chinese restaurant in Riyadh

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you must check out Mr Chow’s restaurant, which opened in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.

Specializing in real Chinese food, Mr Chow is located in the district’s upscale neighborhood, close to Zuma Lounge. Valet parking is available for your convenience.   

The smart venue is open daily for dinner and it’s exactly the sort of grand, modern spot you’d expect in the area. The glossy black entrance with neon artwork opens up to two floors of sprawling seats with white tablecloths, a spiral staircase, and staff in immaculate white outfits. 

Entering this establishment, you will be greeted with excellent service and a romantic atmosphere.   

The appetizers are a taste adventure in and of themselves You can begin your culinary journey with an appetizer of pot stickers, chicken satay, or glazed prawns with walnuts.

Following starters, opt for the Ma Mignon, a traditional tender fillet mignon served with fried rice on the side, or the fresh lobster. For dessert, be sure to try the rich chocolate cake. 

The food is presented wonderfully. You will love watching the chef skillfully work the dough live to make noodles. While enjoying your dinner, you can choose to sit outside and take in the stunning view of the financial district’s tall buildings and contemporary architecture.  

Who is Mr Chow? 

Michael Chow, founder and owner of the Mr Chow restaurant chain, is an actor, interior designer, artist, and British-Chinese restaurateur.

On Valentine’s Day 1968, London saw the opening of the first Mr Chow restaurant, where elite chefs served real Beijing cuisine along with novel creations, including Ma Mignon.

For half a century, clients have enjoyed watching the nightly handmade noodle show at all of the locations, and on the menu is one of the best-prepared Beijing ducks in the world. 

For more details, visit @mrchowriyadh.


Where We Are Going Today: Le Fournil

Updated 11 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Le Fournil

JEDDAH: La Fournil in Jeddah is a bakery that prioritizes wholesome and healthy ingredients.

The bakery’s name comes from the French word for “oven,” reflecting the traditional craftsmanship at the heart of its concept.

The speciality provided is natural yeast sourdough bread, offering a variety of shapes and sizes designed to suit dietary needs, including gluten sensitivity.

Among its standout offerings is the San Francisco-style sourdough bread, which takes up to three days to prepare. 

I sampled the sourdough coated with a traditional blend of Saudi grains. The bread stood out for its balanced texture and rich flavor and paired particularly well when served at home with labnah, salmon and olives.

After purchase, the bread is sliced upon request using a slicing machine and elegantly packed in a paper bag.

Founder and baker Abdulmohsen Bai brings more than 25 years of baking experience to the venture. He oversees production and develops new recipes, adding personal touches to each type of bread. 

La Fournil operates a single branch in Mohammadiyyah and does not supply other bakeries.

One of the bakery’s most distinctive features is its custom-built pizza oven that you see when you first enter the bakery, designed and constructed by Bai himself.

La Fournil offers more than 10 varieties of sourdough bread, with prices ranging from SR7 to SR37 ($1.87 to $9.87) depending on the type and ingredients.

For more information, visit their Instagram @lefournilksa.