Where We Are Going Today: ‘SoMatcha’ cafe in Riyadh 

Launched in 2021, SoMatcha has grown into an online website and has three locations in the capital: In King Salman Neighborhood, Rabwah and An Nada district. (Instagram/@somatcha.me)
Short Url
Updated 27 March 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: ‘SoMatcha’ cafe in Riyadh 

Often debated about for tasting like grass or being too earthy, Riyadh’s matcha connoisseurs seem to enjoy the acquired flavors of SoMatcha’s high-quality caffeinated beverages with a creative twist.

Known for its distinct umami flavor and its abundance of powerful antioxidants, matcha, which originates in China and Japan, is a finely grounded green tea powder that can be prepared hot or cold.

There are two types of matcha — ceremonial and culinary grade. Ceremonial grade matcha is naturally sweet and is a rich green shade, whereas culinary is light yellow-green and can be bitter.

SoMatcha uses ceremonial grade matcha, giving their beverages the beautiful forest green color.

On entering the cafe, you are greeted with the delicious smell of matcha and the many flavors: Original, rose, lavender, and a sweet secret recipe.

My favorite drink is their iced matcha latte with vanilla cream foam. The velvety smooth foam is like a sweet cloud, followed by the refreshing matcha latte.

For a lighter drink that will provide ample energy, try the matcha fuel; pure matcha with a shot of water and ice is earthy and delicious. 

Launched in 2021 by Saudi businesswoman Yara Al-Namlah, SoMatcha has grown into an online website and has three locations in the capital: In King Salman Neighborhood, Rabwah and An Nada district.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah

Updated 22 December 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah

  • From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning

With cooler breezes and clear skies, a seaside brunch feels especially fitting in Jeddah.

Over the weekend, I visited Maritime at The Jeddah Edition, which offers an international open-buffet brunch on Saturdays, accompanied by views of the Red Sea from the yacht club side.

The salad bar was thoughtfully curated. Standout items included quinoa tabbouleh, smoked salmon with sour cream and capers, and a pesto chicken salad that had a refreshing balance of flavors. It made for a light and enjoyable side.

The main buffet featured a varied selection. The beef tagine with plums impressed with its balance of sweetness and depth, while the Indian tandoori chicken served with spiced rice delivered bold, comforting flavors. A mushroom pasta was appealing in both aroma and presentation.

From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning.

Dessert was a highlight. The spread included an international mix of cakes, mini mille-feuille, tarts and Middle Eastern sweets.

The chocolate ganache tart was rich and indulgent, alongside an Italian-style cream brulee with a coffee twist that stood out for its depth of flavor. The red berries mille-feuille offered a pleasing contrast of crisp pastry and creamy filling, pairing well with a cortado.

The ambience at Maritime is relaxed and inviting.

Outdoor seating offers sunset sea views with live guitar and saxophone performances, while indoor seating provides a quieter but equally comfortable setting. Earthy tones, wooden finishes, greenery and rounded furnishings create a warm atmosphere.

The brunch is priced at SR250 ($67) per person. For more information, visit Instagram @maritimejeddah.