Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street

Biosphere which includes a butterfly exhibit. Once entering the sphere-shaped space, you are greeted with colorful, majestic butterflies flying over your head and thriving in their environment. (Photo by Sulafa Alkhunaizi)
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Updated 01 March 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street

  • The Date Library includes the most prominent dates of the region, including descriptions on the fruit’s characteristics and region of cultivation

Foodsphere in Riyadh is a new spot that takes visitors on an educational and adventurous journey through Saudi Arabia’s rich food culture.

Located on Riyadh’s Tahlia Street, Foodsphere is part of the Riyadh Oases Network, which will be built across numerous neighborhoods in the Kingdom.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by the warm staff and ushers that provide a guided experience in each of the themed spaces.

The first space is dedicated to the significance of coffee and dates in Saudi Arabia, a key symbol of hospitality.

In the Coffee Capsule visitors enter an immersive room highlighting the process of coffee cultivation in Jazan, in the Asir region. The coffee space has two invigorating sensory experiences, allowing guests to smell different types of Arabic coffee, consisting of different base notes and flavors according to the region.

The Date Library includes the most prominent dates of the region, including descriptions on the fruit’s characteristics and region of cultivation.

I had a cappuccino and date pudding from Saudi coffee shop Rawaa, which brews locally sourced coffee. The coffee had a balanced flavor and the date pudding was heart-warming and delicious with a sweet date flavor.

The Apiary features a live beehive exhibit, allowing guests to witness the wonders of one of the most important insects.

My favorite part of Foodsphere is the Biosphere, which includes a butterfly exhibit. Upon entering the sphere-shaped space, you are greeted with colorful, majestic butterflies flying over your head and thriving in their environment.

The center includes thorough descriptions of each zone in English and Arabic, to provide an accessible learning experience for visitors.

Outside of the center is an area dedicated to food and drink venues, as well as a running track and public seating.

Entry is free, making Foodsphere an ideal spot for friends and families to visit together.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Go Greek’ in Jeddah

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Updated 02 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Go Greek’ in Jeddah

  • The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe

While doomscrolling on social media before bed one night, my phone flashed a post about a brand new place called Go Greek that had just opened in Jeddah. I saved it like I always do, but quite unusually, I did not conveniently forget about it. 

So, a few days later after dinner my husband and I drove to one of the new hot spots in town, La Paz Plaza, which houses Jeddah’s Go Greek store.

It was crowded with the queue spilling out of the doors — but rightfully so, because when we got our hands on the yogurt bowls, it was clear why: They were seriously so good! It makes you want to go back for more. 

The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe. 

The store has four large vending machines, each with two flavor options. 

You can sample the flavors before you fill your cup depending on your appetite. You are then guided to the next station to choose toppings, with myriad options ranging from different kinds of berries and tropical fruits to seeds, granolas and crumbles.

I went for the dark chocolate and vanilla cup, and my husband chose the pineapple and coconut-flavored cup, which tasted remarkably like pina colada. The yogurt was fresh, rich and creamy, with the berries giving it the right kick of tanginess, while the chia seeds and granola delivered the perfect texture and crunch. 

Payment is done by the gram, weighed right in front of you.

On another counter, they also have plain, Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored yogurts. I bought a few grams from each to have it at home the next day; and the Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored ones are indulgent on their own, with no toppings needed. 

Staff members are polite and attentive, and the service efficient. It is definitely worth a visit.