Where We Are Going Today: ‘Al-Mirkaz’ restaurant in Jeddah 

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Located on King Abdulaziz Road, Al-Mirkaz is known for its luxurious atmosphere, stunning decor and five-star buffet. (Supplied)
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Located on King Abdulaziz Road, Al-Mirkaz is known for its luxurious atmosphere, stunning decor and five-star buffet. (Supplied)
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Located on King Abdulaziz Road, Al-Mirkaz is known for its luxurious atmosphere, stunning decor and five-star buffet. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 March 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Al-Mirkaz’ restaurant in Jeddah 

JEDDAH: Al-Mirkaz is a fine Ramadan dining experience, offering elegant iftar tents in Jeddah.

Located on King Abdulaziz Road, Al-Mirkaz is known for its luxurious atmosphere, stunning decor and five-star buffet. It is priced at SR560 ($150) per person for iftar or suhoor, which many food lovers will find quite expensive. 

The moment you step inside the huge tent, you are greeted warmly by the reception team, who check your reservation and lead you to your seat. The service is exceptional, with a team of European staff adding a polished and refined touch to the experience.

The setting is breathtaking, featuring a forest-like atmosphere with soft, warm lighting, stylish decor and a calming yet luxurious feel. At the center of the tent, golden metal arches and a beautifully designed Ramadan chandelier create a magical focal point. Lush greenery, wildflowers and rattan bamboo lights complete the enchanting look, making the space feel both grand and intimate.

Visitors will love the dessert stations, particularly the Middle Eastern sweets — especially the Kunafa station and the Hijazi sweets corner — where traditional flavours are served with a modern twist.

The Italian gelato counter is another standout, offering flavours inspired by the Kingdom, such as Saudi coffee and masoub. You might also like to try the masoub-flavored gelato, which is creamy and lightly sweet.

You will also love their lotus and nutella crepe cake, which is made with more than 25 layers of thin crepes filled with rich chocolate spread. 

Don’t miss the chocolate corner, featuring handcrafted chocolates, including Roshan-shaped molds of many sizes, and the trending Dubai chocolate molds in both dark and white chocolate. Other delicious options include babka, mille-feuille, macarons, cakes, puddings, and even a royal fruit station with exotic Asian fruits.

The buffet is spectacular, with a wide variety of international cuisines. From Italy, India, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, the Levant and Morocco, every dish is beautifully presented and expertly prepared. 


Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah

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Updated 24 January 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah

  • Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai

While Jeddah’s rich cultural diversity means that karak tea is widely available in the city, finding a place that prepares it the perfect way is not always easy. When a place does it right, it stands out.

So I was fortunate to come across Karak Haala at a dining square in Al-Rawdah that was bustling with families enjoying quick snacks and casual dinners. The lively square features outdoor seating, making it an appealing spot in winter.

Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai, widely loved across the Gulf.

The tea was rich, creamy, and well-spiced. I ordered a large cup, which was a generous enough helping to share. It paired well with four chapatis, one with fried eggs, one with cheese, and two interestingly filled with chicken masala and butter chicken, both of which were generously stuffed, juicy, and well-seasoned. Other fillings are also available. Each bite of chapati, followed by a sip of karak, made for a satisfying experience.

The outlet serves a complimentary traditional Indian cream bun with every cup of karak, which, while fresh and appetizing, felt, to me, more appropriate as a breakfast item rather than an evening treat.

With reasonable prices — ranging from SR9 to SR12 — Karak Haala is a solid choice for those seeking a light dinner or a quick snack. The menu also includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, sharing boxes, burgers, club sandwiches, and more.