Where We Are Going today: Fro-Yo in Jeddah

At SR24 for two scoops it felt a bit pricey, but worth it for the quality and freshness. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)
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Updated 01 August 2025
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Where We Are Going today: Fro-Yo in Jeddah

While visiting The Village Mall in Jeddah — one of the city’s newest and most sophisticated spots for shopping, dining, and groceries — I noticed a pop-up stand for a new frozen Greek yoghurt brand that instantly caught my attention.

Curious and in need of something refreshing on a hot summer’s day, I walked over and saw a crowd gathered around the stand. I figured, why not give it a try?

Although I was in a bit of a rush, I was overwhelmed by the variety of flavors and toppings. I asked the friendly staff member for recommendations and ended up choosing two scoops: strawberry mango and a mix of blackberry and plain yoghurt. She also suggested adding homemade organic blackberry sauce, and I topped it off with some fresh strawberry slices.

I gave it a try in the car and, wow, the mix was delicious: creamy, light, and bursting with flavor. Despite being made with only organic frozen Greek yoghurt, it had a rich, satisfying texture.

The homemade berry sauce was a standout: tangy, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The experience was joyful, and I devoured it quickly. At SR24 for two scoops it felt a bit pricey, but worth it for the quality and freshness.




At SR24 for two scoops it felt a bit pricey, but worth it for the quality and freshness. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)

Next time I will go for the strawberry mango flavor again, paired with just the blackberry sauce. It was the perfect combo.

For reference, a smaller portion (one scoop) costs SR20, and other options go up to SR28.

Fro-Yo also offers customizable sundaes, part of its “Make Your Own Fro-Yo” concept, where you can choose the size, base, and toppings.

I would give it eight out of 10. It is a bit pricey, but refreshing and genuinely delicious.
 


Where We Are Going Today: Ziba Restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 10 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Ziba Restaurant in Riyadh

  • A meal for one person can range roughly between SR100 ($27) and SR150 depending on the dishes ordered. While this places the restaurant in the mid-range category for Riyadh dining, ordering several dishes to share can quickly raise the overall bill

Riyadh’s dining scene continues to expand, and one of the newest additions bringing a touch of Persian sophistication to the capital is Ziba.

With roots in Alkhobar, the restaurant has built a reputation for blending traditional flavors with an elegant dining experience.

When I arrived, the first thing that stood out was the atmosphere. The interior felt thoughtfully curated, with Persian-inspired design elements that create a warm yet refined setting.

Rich carpets, subtle lighting and artistic details add the impression of stepping into a space that celebrates centuries of craftsmanship from the region rather than conforming to modern trends.

The menu features a variety of grilled meats, rice dishes and classic appetizers that highlight the depth of the culinary tradition.

I began with the mezze platter, which offered a colorful introduction to the meal.

One standout was kashk-o-bademjan, a creamy eggplant dish topped with herbs that delivered rich, comforting flavors. It was the kind of starter that invites you to slow down and enjoy each bite.

The main course, however, is where Ziba truly shines. The joojeh kebab — marinated chicken grilled to perfection — arrived tender and lightly charred, paired with fragrant saffron rice.

The rice was fluffy and aromatic, while the chicken carried just enough seasoning to enhance its natural taste.

Another highlight was the mixed grill platter, which allows diners to sample different kebabs in one sitting. Each cut of meat had its own texture and flavor profile, making the dish both generous and satisfying.

Prices are relatively reasonable considering the restaurant’s upscale atmosphere.

A meal for one person can range roughly between SR100 ($27) and SR150 depending on the dishes ordered. While this places the restaurant in the mid-range category for Riyadh dining, ordering several dishes to share can quickly raise the overall bill.

Service throughout the evening was welcoming and attentive. The restaurant was quite busy, which meant the wait for the main course was slightly longer than expected.

To end the meal, I ordered Persian tea, which arrived steaming and fragrant — a simple but perfect conclusion.

Riyadh has no shortage of restaurants, but Ziba manages to stand out by staying true to its roots.

Find more details on @ziba.saudi.