Where We Are Going Today: Moon Hot Pot in Alkhobar’

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Updated 16 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Moon Hot Pot in Alkhobar’

  • The shrimp and fish slices tasted clean and well-prepared, while the vegetables were crisp and the mushrooms absorbed the broth beautifully

I have passed Prince Turkey Street in Alkurnaish many times, but stepping into Moon Hot Pot feels like discovering something different from Alkhobar’s usual dining spots.

Easy to overlook from the outside, the restaurant opens into a warm, inviting space defined by soft lighting, Chinese decor, and cozy seating that immediately sets the tone.

Moon Hot Pot is not designed for rushed meals, and that is part of the appeal. The hot pot format encourages diners to slow down, share, and linger.

I opted for a spicy broth alongside a milder one, a combination that worked well. The spicy base offered depth and aroma without the overwhelming heat.

The ingredient selection stands out. Thinly sliced beef and lamb were fresh and tender, cooking quickly while retaining their texture.

The shrimp and fish slices tasted clean and well-prepared, while the vegetables were crisp and the mushrooms absorbed the broth beautifully.

The sauce station added another layer of enjoyment, allowing diners to mix sesame paste, garlic, chili oil, and soy to taste.

There are a few drawbacks. Prices are on the higher side, particularly if ordering generously, which is easy to do. While the quality largely justifies the cost, it may not suit everyday dining.

Service was friendly and attentive, though it can feel slightly stretched during peak hours, with minor delays for refills or additional items.

Despite this, Moon Hot Pot is worth seeking out, especially for those who enjoy interactive dining or want to explore Chinese cuisine beyond standard stir fries.

It is well suited to groups and long, unhurried meals, and its location on Prince Turkey Street makes it easy to follow dinner with a walk along the corniche.

Overall, Moon Hot Pot delivers a flavorful, engaging experience that feels more like an occasion than a routine night out in Alkhobar.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Lahori Village

Updated 17 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Lahori Village

  • While it is not a hard-and-fast rule, I often happily find that the simpler a restaurant presents itself to customers, the better the food

RIYADH: Sometimes it seems like the gaudiness of a restaurant’s interior is inversely proportional to the quality of the food.

That is why when I am dragged along to an eatery where the staff are dressed in ill-fitting waistcoats, where oversized chandeliers dangle precariously above diners, where faded tablecloths clash with faux vintage wallpaper, my expectations of enjoying a quality meal plummet.

While it is not a hard-and-fast rule, I often happily find that the simpler a restaurant presents itself to customers, the better the food.

These are my favorite kinds of restaurants, the ones that let the food speak for itself.

Lahori Village in Riyadh’s King Fahd district fits comfortably into this second category.

Though clean and comfortable, it is an unfussy establishment with few frills that does one thing very well: serve hearty, authentic and delicious Pakistani cuisine.

The mutton karahi is swimming in flavor — soft delectable chunks of meat in a rich sauce with a ginger tang.

The freshly baked garlic naan has a perfect hint of crunch giving way to soft dough perfect for soaking up a sauce.

The special fish barbecue is another highlight, with expertly balanced spice and sweetness.

Not every dish is available every day, so if you are after something in particular make sure to check the menu ahead of time.

But that limitation does not seem to put off customers, the place has been bustling with activity every time I have visited.

The cool kheer was a fantastic way to close off the meal — a light, sweet offering that leaves little to be desired.

And in a city rife with eye-watering prices, Lahori Village is a welcome respite, with the bill unlikely to upset most diners.

It is an all-round honest offering to the punters of Riyadh and well worth a visit.