Where We Are Going Today: Yauatcha – Chinese restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 09 September 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Yauatcha – Chinese restaurant in Riyadh

  • The highlight for many is the outdoor terrace, a serene space adorned with cherry blossom trees, offering sweeping views of the city skyline

There is dim sum, and then there is dim sum at Yauatcha in Riyadh.

The Chinese restaurant and tea house on the upper floor of the glamorous Al-Faisaliah Mall has quickly established itself as one of the capital’s most luxurious dining experiences.

With its soft lighting, elegant seating, and sophisticated ambiance, Yauatcha is a place that makes diners feel like VIP guests from the moment they walk in. 

The highlight for many is the outdoor terrace, a serene space adorned with cherry blossom trees, offering sweeping views of the city skyline. Even on hot summer evenings, the terrace is a perfect spot to unwind over jasmine tea and an assortment of carefully crafted dim sum — delicate small bites that are as beautiful as they are flavorful.

Signature dishes include the crispy duck salad, a favorite for its rich flavors and textural balance, and the hot and sour chicken soup, which offers just the right amount of spice.

The wok-tossed tiger prawns with garlic rice are another standout, perfectly seasoned and generously portioned. They also offer vegetarian options, ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary preference, finds something to enjoy.

For meat lovers, the wagyu smoked beef has earned rave reviews, with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and buttery flavor. Paired with spicy prawns or seafood dumplings, it is an unforgettable experience.

Yauatcha also shines in the dessert and mocktail department. And while prices lean toward the higher side, the quality of the food, service, and setting make it worthwhile.

Parking in the area can be a bit of a challenge, but guests will find that the short wait is a small price to pay for the experience. 

Whether for a romantic date night, a celebratory dinner, or simply to indulge in high-end Chinese cuisine, Yauatcha provides a culinary journey that blends taste, elegance, and atmosphere.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Roof’ at the Jeddah Edition Hotel

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Updated 08 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Roof’ at the Jeddah Edition Hotel

  • I made my way to the mocktail bar, where the menu featured several options

With the first hint of winter settling over Jeddah, rooftop spaces across the city are gradually coming back to life after the long, humid summer.

Among them is The Roof at the Jeddah Edition Hotel, where I was recently invited to experience the atmosphere, food offerings, and evening setting.

The moment I stepped onto the rooftop, the scene carried a familiar coastal warmth, comfortable and understated yet framed by the luxury the hotel is known for. On one side, the Formula One circuit curves in view, while the city skyline and the Jeddah Yacht Club stretch outward, catching a beautiful sunset that softened the horizon and reminded me of why the city’s rooftops feel most alive at this time of year.

I made my way to the mocktail bar, where the menu featured several options. I chose the passionfruit blend — cold, tangy, and lightly sweet. The presentation was good, with a dried orange garnish and a small paper straw. 

The soundtrack of the evening was shaped by the hotel’s resident DJ, who alternated between Arabic and Western melodies with live percussion, pairing well with the cool breeze drifting across the terrace.

I sampled mini burgers, tacos, and a mushroom-and-onion pasta from the live station. Later, after meeting a friend, we shared dessert, churros paired with a latte, while sitting near the pool. The water was inviting, though the evening wasn’t quite cool enough for a swim.

The Roof has SR150 ($40) minimum spend per person starting from 6:00 p.m.