Where We Are Going Today: ‘21N 39E Brunch’ luxurious weekend brunch in Jeddah

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(AN photo by Nada Hameed)
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Updated 16 July 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘21N 39E Brunch’ luxurious weekend brunch in Jeddah

If you want a luxurious weekend brunch experience in Jeddah with a breathtaking Red Sea view, look no further than the 21N 39E Brunch at the Waterfront Kitchen, Shangri-La Hotel.

In a setting inspired by life aboard a luxury yacht, the brunch features an exquisite open buffet with flavors from around the world crafted at nine live cooking stations catering to diverse tastes.

From the freshest seafood at the Atlantic Ocean station to the heavenly flatbreads and pizzas at the Mediterranean Sea station, every dish delivers its promise.

The BBQ live cooking station serves up juicy and tender fresh-cut lamb ribs that are so irresistible I went for seconds.

Watching the Indian naan bread being baked upon order is a treat, and the butter chicken pairs perfectly.

The giant royal ouzi tray is a showstopper, with tender lamb and well-spiced rice. The dish includes lamb marinated with a mix of spices and then slow-cooked until the meat is tender. It is served on a bed of rice cooked with a blend of herbs, nuts, and dried fruits, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor.

The roasted ducks at the Chinese station are another highlight, served with a delicious gravy sauce, sliced onions, and bell peppers.

The World of Chocolate Corner offers an extensive artisan dessert selection, with the clementine-flavored chocolate being a standout with its refreshing and tangy filling.

While enjoying the festive array of food on the table, I tried the mixed berries mojito from the special mocktail menu, made of fresh mint leaves, lime, mixed berries, and soda — and it did not disappoint.

The brunch is available every Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Families can also enjoy an interactive art experience tailored for children at the hotel’s kids’ club.

For updates, check their Instagram @thewaterfrontkitchen.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Taste and Tales by Chef Shagufa

AN photo by Sadiya A. Nadeem
Updated 29 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Taste and Tales by Chef Shagufa

  • We shared three platters among the six of us, and needless to say, the portions were generous and the flavors satisfying

Relatively new on the block, Taste and Tales by Chef Shagufa, located in Jeddah’s Al-Rehab district, has been making quite a buzz on social media.

So, on a cool Friday morning at 7:00 a.m., five of my cousins and I decided to visit the restaurant to experience its much-talked-about traditional South Asian breakfast for ourselves.

We ordered the restaurant’s hyped breakfast thali (platter), which included sooji halwa (semolina pudding), kheer (rice pudding), chickpea curry, potato curry, pickles, pooris (fried, fluffy bread), and paranthas (layered flatbread), all served in beautiful copper serveware.

We shared three platters among the six of us, and needless to say, the portions were generous and the flavors satisfying. 

Personally, I enjoyed everything on the platter except the semolina pudding, which I found a little bland for my taste.

For drinks, five of us ordered milk tea, which was fairly good. One of my cousins opted for their famed Pakola lassi and couldn’t stop raving about it. Since she didn’t let any of us sample it, we’ve decided it’s something to try on our next visit.

Our total bill came to SR150 ($40), slightly higher than what nearby restaurants charge for similar breakfast platters. However, the taste, presentation, and overall ambience more than make up for the difference.

Not many South Asian restaurants in Jeddah offer decent dine-in breakfast seating for families, but Taste and Tales stands out. With its simple interiors and modest seating, the space is clean, comfortable, and welcoming. It’s definitely a place I’d visit again with my female friends, cousins, and family.