Where We Are Going Today: The Good Butcher

1 / 4
Photo/Supplied
2 / 4
Photo/Supplied
3 / 4
Photo/Supplied
4 / 4
Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 05 January 2026
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: The Good Butcher

  • The vitello tonnato, delicate slices of slow-cooked veal with a creamy tuna sauce, pickled celery, and a subtle hint of espresso, is a hit

The Good Butcher, perched beside the Red Sea near Movenpick Jeddah Al-Nawras, stands out as a destination where quality sourcing, craftsmanship, and the overall dining experience intersect.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere sets the tone with warm lighting, polished wood, and an open, confident energy that feels refined without being intimidating.

The menu leans heavily into premium meats. Starters are well executed, with clean flavors and thoughtful plating. 

The vitello tonnato, delicate slices of slow-cooked veal with a creamy tuna sauce, pickled celery, and a subtle hint of espresso, is a hit. The beef carpaccio, made with thinly sliced black angus, is rich yet clean, lifted by roasted garlic mayonnaise, fried capers, and grilled artichokes.

The salads, particularly the grilled Caesar, strike a good balance between indulgence and freshness, while vegetable sides like the broccolini with romesco sauce prove that greens here are treated with the same respect as the meat. 

The standout, however, is the salmon steak, and its reputation is well deserved. Perfectly grilled, moist, and flavorful, it offers a lighter yet deeply satisfying alternative to the beef-heavy selections. 

Meat lovers will gravitate toward the wagyu tenderloin with Cafe de Paris sauce or the veal Milanese, both rich and confidently prepared. 

Portions are generous, sometimes edging on excessive, especially when paired with indulgent sides like the mac and cheese. 

For something more comforting, the gnocchi with tomato and burrata stands out among the pasta options, delivering soft, pillowy bites. 

That said, the experience isn’t without flaws. Prices are undeniably on the higher side, which raises expectations that aren’t always met across every dish. 

The restaurant’s signature items are worth a try, particularly for those who want something a little different this year. More details on @thegoodbutcher.sa.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah

Photo/Supplied
Updated 24 January 2026
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah

  • Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai

While Jeddah’s rich cultural diversity means that karak tea is widely available in the city, finding a place that prepares it the perfect way is not always easy. When a place does it right, it stands out.

So I was fortunate to come across Karak Haala at a dining square in Al-Rawdah that was bustling with families enjoying quick snacks and casual dinners. The lively square features outdoor seating, making it an appealing spot in winter.

Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai, widely loved across the Gulf.

The tea was rich, creamy, and well-spiced. I ordered a large cup, which was a generous enough helping to share. It paired well with four chapatis, one with fried eggs, one with cheese, and two interestingly filled with chicken masala and butter chicken, both of which were generously stuffed, juicy, and well-seasoned. Other fillings are also available. Each bite of chapati, followed by a sip of karak, made for a satisfying experience.

The outlet serves a complimentary traditional Indian cream bun with every cup of karak, which, while fresh and appetizing, felt, to me, more appropriate as a breakfast item rather than an evening treat.

With reasonable prices — ranging from SR9 to SR12 — Karak Haala is a solid choice for those seeking a light dinner or a quick snack. The menu also includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, sharing boxes, burgers, club sandwiches, and more.