Where We Are Going Today: Hot Taste

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AN photo by Waad Hussain
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AN photo by Waad Hussain
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Updated 08 November 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Hot Taste

  • The menu is simple: smash burgers, sides, and drinks — nothing gimmicky or overdone

Hot Taste is the kind of burger spot you might overlook — not because of the food, but because the brand rarely advertises itself. No bold campaigns, no hype, no loud billboards. Yet once the food arrives, it’s clear this place knows what it is doing.

The menu is simple: smash burgers, sides, and drinks — nothing gimmicky or overdone.

I tried three of their bestsellers: the Classic, the Smoke, and the Big Show. All stood out for one thing: the patty. Well-seasoned, juicy, and carrying real beef flavor rather than being drowned in sauce. The Big Show, topped with a fried egg and melted cheese, adds just the right twist.

The sides showed similar care. The dynamite shrimp were crispy (although slightly heavy on sauce). The mango salad and the Island juice offered a refreshing balance between bites.

If Hot Taste has a weak spot, it is visibility. The branding is low-key, and the locations — tucked away in Dammam and Al-Ahsa — don’t stand out. Most people find it by chance or word of mouth rather than through marketing. With stronger promotion, it could easily rank among the region’s most popular burger places.

Still, the experience speaks for itself: fair prices, good portions, and quality that exceeds expectations. Check their Instagram — @hot_taste_ksa — for more details.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Circle 3 at Fenna Alawwal

Updated 03 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Circle 3 at Fenna Alawwal

RIYADH: Fenna Alawwal is located in Riyadh’s Al-Safarat neighbourhood, known as the Diplomatic Quarter, and serves as a cultural and creative hub that embraces a diverse community of thinkers and creators.

Connected to the center, Circle 3 by Acoustic is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves a variety of food options and beverages. I tried the lunch menu and coffee during my visit.

The center is spacious, and the interiors have a minimalist touch; the ambient music was soft and soothing. Overall, the vibes at Fenna Alawwal were very relaxing and pleasant. 

Connected to the center, Circle 3 by Acoustic, which is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves a variety of food options and beverages, where I tried the lunch menu and coffee. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

For SR130 ($35), I ordered the eggplant fattah, the baked lasagna, and coffee after my meal. The cost was understandable, considering the restaurant’s location, and the food was good overall.

One of the services provided by the center was the “short stories” station for visitors interested in reading, along with a mini art gallery in the center’s outdoor area, and a library and bookshop. 

Fenna Alawwal is located in the Al Safarat neighbourhood, known as the diplomatic quarter. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

Yet, I would have liked Wi-Fi, as the center is an excellent option for people looking for a private, quiet spot in Riyadh to enjoy a cup of coffee and work.

Fenna Alawwal also has its own parking lot, which is an advantage considering the low chances of finding an empty parking space near the center.