Where We Are Going Today: Retro Burger in Riyadh/node/2571150/food-health
Where We Are Going Today: Retro Burger in Riyadh
Whether you’re there for the retro vibes or their standout burgers and fries, Retro Burger delivers a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank. (Supplied)
RIYADH: Tucked away in the Qurtubah district of Riyadh, Retro Burger offers more than just food, it’s a time capsule that takes you back to the heyday of classic American diners.
With its vibrant neon signs and vintage decor, this small yet cozy spot brings a unique blend of nostalgia and bold flavors to the Saudi capital.
Upon entering, you’re immediately transported to the past. The red leather booths, checkered floors, and retro jukebox create a charming, laid-back ambiance.
The checkered floor is a perfect vintage touch — a favorite with customers and adds to the throwback experience. However, the restaurant’s compact size may leave you wishing for more space, especially during busy hours.
Despite its limited seating, Retro Burger manages to attract a mixed crowd of families, friends, and burger enthusiasts.
I tried the Checkers Beef Burger, and it did not disappoint. The patty was juicy and well-seasoned, paired with fresh toppings and a perfectly toasted bun.
But what truly stole the show were their flavored fries, crispy, golden and packed with just the right amount of seasoning. For me, it’s no wonder they’re touted as one of the best burger places in Riyadh.
Despite the top-notch taste experience, Retro Burger keeps its prices reasonable, making it an ideal spot for those looking for great value without compromising on flavor.
Retro Burger might be small in size, but it’s big on taste and character.
Whether you’re there for the retro vibes or their standout burgers and fries, Retro Burger delivers a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank.
Where We Are Going Today: Patisserie Mo Mashat in Jeddah
Cheesecake enthusiasts will find something to love with options including strawberry, blueberry, mango, and even coffee-flavored varieties
Updated 08 October 2024
Afshan Aziz
If you are searching for a charming cafe that blends French elegance with a modern twist, Patisserie Mo Mashat on Prince Sultan Road, Al-Basateen district, is the place to go.
This newly-opened spot in Jeddah offers an array of artisanal French pastries, cakes and beverages, creating a haven for dessert enthusiasts, whether dining in or taking the treats to-go.
As you step in, the cafe’s welcoming ambiance instantly catches the eye. Large windows fill the space with natural light, while the blend of industrial and other elements — including gold chandeliers and exposed piping — adds a contemporary touch.
Cozy seating with patterned cushions invites one to sit back and enjoy the treats, making it an ideal spot for a casual, comfortable visit.
The star is, of course, the baked goods. The croissants, particularly the crispy pesto mozzarella and almond varieties, are a standout — delicate, flaky, and packed with flavor.
These freshly baked delights embody the essence of French baking, making them a must-try. Alongside the croissants, the mixed-berry Danish and pecan tarts offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Their cake selection ranges from the rich chocolate hazelnut to the bestselling raspberry mille-feuille. Each cake is carefully crafted with fresh ingredients, offering unique flavors including the refreshing mango tres leches and the indulgent caramel pecan offering.
Cheesecake enthusiasts will find something to love with options including strawberry, blueberry, mango, and even coffee-flavored varieties.
The venue has an impressive drinks menu, with a selection of hot and cold coffees as well as refreshing mojitos. Whether you prefer a simple latte to pair with your pastry or something a little more adventurous like a flavored mojito, there is something for everyone.
What truly distinguishes Patisserie Mo Mashat is not only the high quality of its pastries but also the surprisingly affordable pricing.
Check @patisserie_mo on Instagram for more details.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Operation Seafood’ in Jeddah
Updated 07 October 2024
Afshan Aziz
Located in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district, Operation Seafood provides a memorable dining experience for lovers of this type of cuisine. With mouth-watering appetizers and expertly prepared main courses, there is something for everyone in this intimate, casual setting.
The menu boasts an impressive variety, from dynamite fish to shrimp and oysters, ensuring flavorful dishes that impress.
Appetizers include standout cream soups, along with refreshing Rocca salad with shrimp, and celery salad with squid. Hot options to warm the palate include fish kofta and decadent crab with cream and cheese.
Operation Seafood excels in main courses, offering bags filled with shrimp, crabs, mussels and lobsters, customizable with three spice levels of hot, medium or light. Rich sauces to enhance each dish include cajun, lemon garlic, or creamy lemon.
Noteworthy tajin dishes include shrimp pasta and fish fillet with tahina, blending traditional preparation with contemporary techniques.
For sharing, generous medium and large platters feature fried fish, calamari, shrimp, and crabs over Sayadia or white rice — perfect for family or group dining. Grilled options to enhance flavors include salmon and shrimp.
Fried shrimp and calamari baskets offer a satisfying crunch, while Thai-inspired shrimp noodles and tajin shrimp with curry provide exciting flavors for adventurous eaters.
Check @operation_seafood on Instagram for more details.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Lumiere’ Restaurant in Dammam
For the main course, the butter chicken was a highlight, with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor, a must-try dish
Updated 06 October 2024
Waad Hussain
Lumiere, located in Dammam’s Al-Shatie district, blends spaciousness and elegance in a welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant is bathed in natural sunlight, creating a warm and inviting setting with a mix of classic and modern decor in soothing colors, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
The menu offers a wide variety of choices, from breakfast and salads to appetizers, pasta, and sweets. I started with the standout corn and sour cream appetizer — sweet, crunchy corn paired with tangy sour cream, a simple yet delightful dish.
For the main course, the butter chicken was a highlight, with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor, a must-try dish.
To end the meal, the San Sebastian cheesecake delivered a creamy texture and balanced sweetness, a perfect conclusion.
The Arabic coffee, infused with cardamom and saffron, was also a standout — rich, aromatic, and hard to resist.
With ample parking and a prime location, Lumiere offers a dining experience with delicious food, beautiful decor, and a warm atmosphere.
Where We Are Going Today: Cleaver Burger in Riyadh
The brisket croquette and meat cheese finger are great side dishes, each offering a burst of savory meaty richness
Updated 06 October 2024
Waad Hussain
Cleaver Burger has become a popular destination in Riyadh’s fast-growing burger scene, for both casual diners and enthusiasts alike.
With three branches across the city, the restaurant delivers reasonably priced high-quality meals, making it an accessible option for anyone craving a satisfying bite.
My visit to Cleaver Burger left me thoroughly impressed — particularly with its eponymous signature dish, which features a juicy, tender wagyu beef patty that stands out for its rich, full flavor. The perfectly toasted bun, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and special house sauce create an ideal balance of flavors, making every bite an indulgence in savory goodness.
In addition to the Cleaver Burger, I tried the steak sandwich, chicken burger, and truffle burger. While the steak sandwich and chicken burger were solid, the truffle burger offered a more adventurous option — perfect for those who enjoy bold, earthy flavors.
The brisket croquette and meat cheese finger are great side dishes, each offering a burst of savory meaty richness.
The real surprise, however, came in the form of Cleaver Burger’s fries. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and perfectly seasoned, they easily rank among the best fries I’ve had in Riyadh. Whether you enjoy them alongside your burger or as a standalone snack, they are a must-try.
With its consistent quality, flavorful dishes, and affordable prices, Cleaver Burger is a top pick for anyone looking for a great burger in the Kingdom’s capital.
A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community
Arab News looks at the evolution of an online community taking breakfast to new levels
The evolution of a vibrant online group
Updated 05 October 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In the age of social media, where trends are born in an instant and entire communities form around shared passions, one unique and wholesome movement has emerged on X to celebrate the most important meal of the day: breakfast.
What began as a simple space for users in Saudi Arabia to share their daily meals has quickly evolved into a vibrant online community where creativity, health, and aesthetic presentation come together.
Photo by Shoroog Al-Ghamdi
People from all over the Kingdom contribute their carefully crafted breakfast plates with artistic flair, making breakfast a celebrated moment every day.
Khaled Saud, the creator of the community, has reflected on how far it has come, saying: “Watching the community grow from fun and lighthearted posts to a space where people take pride in their breakfast creations has been incredibly rewarding.
HIGHLIGHTS
• For some participants the online community has sparked a new motivation to take breakfast more seriously.
• In addition to creativity, health is also a significant focus within the community.
“I’m happy to see how much participation has increased and how creative the presentations have become.”
For some participants the community has sparked a new motivation to take breakfast more seriously.
Photo by Mashael Omar
Wafa Al-Qahtani shared how the group helped her stay consistent with her meals, saying: “The reason I love this community is the interaction from the people. Honestly, it has motivated me to maintain a daily breakfast routine, and I try to get creative so I can post it in the community.”
This sentiment is echoed by Ameera Al-Dossari, who has embraced the idea of breakfast as a shared experience and said: “This is such a beautiful concept; it motivates me to wake up early and participate.
Seeing everyone’s posts encourages me to be more thoughtful with my breakfast choices. Honestly, I’ve started taking more care of my meals.
Ameera Al-Dossari, Community member
“Seeing everyone’s posts encourages me to be more thoughtful with my breakfast choices. Honestly, I’ve started taking more care of my meals.”
The community, for many, is not only about the food but about the relationships and connections formed through a shared love for breakfast.
Photo by Khansa Al-Omari
It has also had an unexpected effect on some members’ sleep schedules. One user joked that they had been trying and failing to wake up at 7 a.m. for two months but after joining the community were happy to wake up at 5:30 a.m.
“For me, breakfast is one of the best moments of the day. I don’t just see it as a meal; it’s more like a ritual where we begin a new day,” said Rahaf Tareq, for whom breakfast has become a cherished time.
That sentiment captures the essence of why so many in Saudi Arabia are drawn to the movement — it provides a moment of mindfulness and self-care at the start of each day.
Photo by Khansa Al-Omari
In addition to creativity, health is also a significant focus within the community.
Ram Wael highlighted the importance of breakfast as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle, saying: “The reason I participate is that breakfast is an essential and necessary meal that needs to be healthy.
Photo by Ram Wael
“However, many people have neglected its importance, and I love how this community has sparked a sense of competition and enthusiasm for creating and sharing breakfast.”
Wael’s participation is driven by a desire to bring attention to the value of a nutritious breakfast, encouraging others in the Kingdom to see it as more than just a quick meal.
Photo by Rahaf Tareq
Sahar Khojah, who believes the breakfast community has ignited a love for cooking and sharing with others, said: “I’ve always loved cooking and I constantly take pictures of my breakfast.
“I was really happy when I found this breakfast community because now I can share my meals, not just for myself but for people who appreciate them and can see my work.”
This sense of shared appreciation has turned a solitary activity into one that brings joy to others, showcasing how food can be a powerful tool for connection.
Khansa Al-Omari shared her excitement over the group’s influence on her creativity, saying: “It’s really nice when someone gets excited, prepares breakfast, and gets creative.
“Even though I don’t post often, when I see the shared posts I get inspired to make myself a neat breakfast. The community encourages even those who don’t often participate to step up their game and bring a sense of artistry into their everyday routines.”
Shoroog Al-Ghamdi, a software engineer, uses an analogy from her field to describe how breakfast fits into her life. She said: “In software we have something called eager loading, which loads all the data we need in advance.
“Breakfast is my way of loading my energy and booting up my brain cells!”
For Al-Ghamdi, breakfast is not just fuel for the body but also a mental preparation for the day ahead, tying it to productivity and well-being.
Layan Sultan reflected on how breakfast helps her start her day. She said: “The reason I show my breakfast specifically is that it’s one of the reasons I wake up excited every morning.
“There’s something good in every day, even if it’s just a meal. This meal makes my body, mind, and soul awake and ready to face every single thing that day brings.”
This collective enthusiasm across Saudi Arabia ensures that the community continues to grow, inspiring others to prioritize breakfast and add a personal, artistic touch to their meals.
Mashael Omar summed it all up, saying: “Breakfast gives energy for the rest of the day, improves the mood, and is part of practicing the hobby of cooking.”
