Where We Are Going Today: Past Nine cafe

1 / 6
Photo/Supplied
2 / 6
Photo/Supplied
3 / 6
Photo/Supplied
4 / 6
Photo/Supplied
5 / 6
Photo/Supplied
6 / 6
Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 06 June 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: Past Nine cafe

  • Past Nine cafe is highly recommended for its cozy vibe, delicious coffee and engaging events

Nestled in the Al-Nahdha district of Jeddah, Past Nine cafe has quickly become a local favorite, combining great food, excellent coffee and a vibrant but easygoing atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Past Nine is its diverse menu. The hibiscus juice is refreshingly tangy and perfect for a hot day, while the waffles are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I had a V60 coffee and a Matilda cake, which was a delightful combination.

While the laid-back vibe — including lots of comfy couches — is ideal for those working remotely, the cafe also hosts regular performances by local bands, enhancing its appeal as a social hub.

There are also board game nights featuring established favorites like Jenga and Monopoly, while those who like their fun a little more high-tech can take advantage of the PS5 consoles.

Upstairs is a dedicated area for smokers.

Past Nine cafe is highly recommended for its cozy vibe, delicious coffee and engaging events. It also offers discounts for occasions like Founding Day and National Day.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, work or enjoy some live music, this place is definitely worth a visit.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Tofareya Restaurant in Jeddah and AlUla

Miro Kebab. (Supplied)
Updated 07 March 2026
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: Tofareya Restaurant in Jeddah and AlUla

  • The red groats delivered pure comfort; It is a Saudi staple for a reason, with chicken, tomato sauce, a special mix and ghee coming together in a rich, filling bowl

Tofareya is the kind of Saudi comfort-food spot that can satisfy a craving even as takeaway.

I ordered to-go from the Riyadh branch, and while not every dish traveled perfectly, the order had real highlights. The restaurant also has locations in Jeddah and AlUla, which makes it easy to return for the standouts.

The best bite was the Tawferee chicken samosa. The sambousek triangles arrived crisp, with a noticeably crunchy dough that held up well.

Inside, the chicken slices were boosted by a bright lime mixture that gave the filling a fresh, tangy finish.

The kubayba was another favorite. Shaped into neat squares like grape leaves, it was filled with rice and lifted by date syrup, adding a gentle sweetness that felt uniquely Saudi.

A couple of items were less memorable. The hummus and kibbeh were fine, but they tasted basic compared with the stronger dishes.

The mains carried the meal. Beef kabli was deeply satisfying, with spiced rice, meat, potatoes and the orange note that defines kabli, finished with crispy fried onions.

The red groats delivered pure comfort; It is a Saudi staple for a reason, with chicken, tomato sauce, a special mix and ghee coming together in a rich, filling bowl.

The miro kebab is worth ordering, and the limitation here is takeaway, not the kitchen. This Makkah-style kebab comes with tahini, hamar, bread and a steamed egg salad, and it is built around contrast.

Fresh, it should feel layered and dynamic, with warm meat, creamy tahini and bread that still maintains its structural integrity.

In a to-go box, the components soften and merge, so you lose some of the intended texture and definition. Try to eat it immediately after pickup if you can, but ideally, save it for dine-in.

The mulukhiah fattah also needed more intensity. The Hijazi-inspired layering of bread, molokhiya, tomato sauce and chicken worked in concept, but the overall seasoning could have been bolder to bring the dish into focus.