Where We Are Going Today: ‘Bab Al-Bahr’ at Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah

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Updated 16 March 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Bab Al-Bahr’ at Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah

The Bab Al-Bahr tent at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah offers a curated iftar experience boasting a selection of traditional Arabian and international dishes.

Guests are welcomed with dates to follow the traditional breaking of fast. The meal begins with a warm bowl of oats soup, followed by a cold mezze spread featuring hummus, mutabal, fattoush, and moussaka.

Freshly prepared cheese and zaatar fatayer and flavorful chicken shawarma were standout options among the hot mezze.

The traditional foul with tameez had great flavor, although the bread could have been served warmer.

For the main course, a mixed grill selection included meat kebabs, shish taouk, and steaks, alongside lamb mandi, chicken kabsa, and fried hamour fish.

The pasta station offered white and red sauce options, while the butter chicken provided an additional international touch.

The steamed bao buns with a meat filling were a highlight, offering a soft, well-balanced texture.

Desserts included fresh fruit, Arabic sweets like baklava and luqaimat, and indulgent options such as umm ali, sticky toffee pudding, and kunafa served with nuts.

A chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruit added a playful touch.

Live Ramadan programming, Arabic coffee service, and henna artists enhanced the cultural atmosphere.

A dedicated kids’ corner and an ice cream station featuring flavors like vanilla, chocolate, karak, and Vimto provided something for younger guests.

Available from sunset to 8 p.m. until the end of Ramadan, the iftar cost before VAT is SR345 ($92) per person and SR200 for children under the age of 12.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Offbrief cafe in Diriyah

Updated 14 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Offbrief cafe in Diriyah

  • Offbrief’s design is colorful and playful. However, some of the seating is not particularly comfortable, and the open windows allowed mosquitos inside, which shortened my stay

Offbrief opened in Diriyah’s creative district, JAX, less than two months ago. The café offers a range of hot and cold drinks alongside a small selection of sweets in a relaxed and welcoming space that’s ideal for both casual meet-ups and quiet solo moments.

The outdoor area is lively — well-suited for social gatherings with friends or family. Inside, the atmosphere is calmer, making it a good option for catching up on a book, working, or for informal meetings.

I was there to work, and ordered an iced matcha latte with banana bread, which cost a total of SR36 — a reasonable price. The banana bread was a highlight, while the matcha latte’s earthy flavor is probably better suited to dedicated matcha fans than to casual drinkers.

Offbrief’s design is colorful and playful. However, some of the seating is not particularly comfortable, and the open windows allowed mosquitos inside, which shortened my stay.

Overall, Offbrief left a positive impression, particularly in terms of ambience, friendly staff, and thoughtful design. While my experience had a few drawbacks, it’s a space I would return to, especially during the daytime and with company, to enjoy the setting in a more relaxed way.