Where We Are Going Today: Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah
Ashwag’s cozy atmosphere offers comfort and privacy, making it a perfect spot for families
Updated 1 min 9 sec ago
Nada Hameed
If you are craving comforting Turkish flavors in a cozy, family-friendly setting, Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah is the place to go.
Since 1975, Ashwag has been a favorite for families seeking authentic Turkish food in Jeddah and Makkah. For many of us who grew up in Jeddah, it holds a special place in our hearts.
The menu features traditional dishes including mixed grills, juicy shish tawook, shawarma platters, meat with eggplant, and more.
My top pick is the Iskender meat: tender shawarma-style cuts over soft Turkish bread soaked in ghee, topped with tomato sauce, and served with fresh, creamy yogurt. It is a dish that brings back weekend family memories.
Ashwag’s cozy atmosphere offers comfort and privacy, making it a perfect spot for families. The decor blends vintage charm with a classic feel, creating a warm and welcoming vibe.
For dessert, try their baklava, sutlac (rice pudding), kunafa, caramel pudding, and basbousa. All pair wonderfully with Turkish tea to finish your meal.
With Turkish pies, rich tajines, and plenty of vegetarian options, Ashwag offers a great balance of tradition and variety. There is something for everyone.
For more details, check Instagram @ashwag_restaurant.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ovun Bakehouse’ in Riyadh
Among the standout dishes was the homemade soujouk, which had just the right level of spice
Updated 27 April 2025
Waad Hussain
Ovun Bakehouse in Riyadh blends Lebanese flavors with modern techniques — all without losing touch with its roots.
The space itself is warm and intimate, and everything from the menu to the ambiance is carefully curated, down to the fresh bread that is baked in house.
We started with the Ovun salad and stuffed tomato for SR38 ($10), both were vibrant and well balanced. The mama ganouj was a surprising twist — instead of traditional eggplant, it’s made with grilled cauliflower, giving the dish a lighter, earthier flavor, while keeping the smoky essence that makes it a classic.
Among the standout dishes was the homemade soujouk, which had just the right level of spice. The pesto tawook for SR72 was tender, juicy, and paired with the softest flatbread.
We also tried the zaatar and cheese manakeesh, which was baked to perfection — crisp on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavor.
For drinks, the mango cooler was refreshing, not too sweet, and paired well with the richness of the food.
Saudi national guard minister
While some dishes are a little pricey, what makes Ovun worth visiting is not just the food, but how every dish feels like a personal invitation into Lebanese culinary tradition.
For more information, check their Instagram @myovun.sa.
The pasta salad featured a colorful mix of ingredients including kale, carrots, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and dried cranberries, all topped off with succulent grilled shrimp and a light ranch dressing
Updated 27 April 2025
Rahaf Jambi
Salad To Go in Riyadh has quickly become my go-to spot for a satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh me down.
On my most recent visit, I was particularly impressed with the crab salad and the pasta salad. Each was bursting with flavor and freshness, and I was able to indulge without my usual post-meal guilt.
The crab salad stood out because of the sour mango shreds which added layers of sweet and sour flavors.
The pasta salad featured a colorful mix of ingredients including kale, carrots, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and dried cranberries, all topped off with succulent grilled shrimp and a light ranch dressing.
However, I was underwhelmed by the fattah salad, which did not have the balance of flavors that I was hoping for.
Salad To Go’s prices are very reasonable considering the generous portion sizes on offer. If you're looking for an extra protein boost, add-ons are available.
The restaurant also offers a large salad box option for SR85 ($23), which is great for larger parties, or when you want to sample a little of everything.
You can, of course, also customize your own salad.
Salad to Go is a must-try for anyone seeking a light and satisfying meal. Home delivery is also available.
The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women
Yoga, Pilates studios provide safe, calm environment
‘I have met some pretty incredible women,’ Australian customer says
Updated 25 April 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: A number of female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh are aiming to provide empowering communities for women, driven by the desire for privacy and comfort.
Locations like gyms, pools and even some theme parks have created safe spaces exclusively for women on designated days.
This allows women to dress freely and engage in activities that foster a sense of community.
"Yoga by Sunset", a serene environment dedicated solely to women. (Supplied)
One such place is Sunsets Yoga, a serene studio environment dedicated solely to women.
It offers an array of classes and programs focused on health and wellness and also has an entertainment center where women can unwind and connect.
“Sunsets Yoga was born out of my passion for yoga and my deep desire to help people,” owner Wateen Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News.
Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.
Emma Shirley
“I opened this space because I believe in the transformative power of yoga — not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.
“My goal for Sunsets Yoga is to create a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life, reconnect with themselves and grow both physically and mentally.”
“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers. (Supplied)
Al-Tuwaijri said it was “especially important” to have places in Riyadh that cater exclusively to women.
“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers.
“It’s about supporting their journey of self-discovery and personal growth in a place where they can feel free, strong and inspired.”
The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions. (Supplied)
Al-Tuwaijri said she wanted to build “a community that supports, encourages and nurtures” people.
Another prominent female-only space is the reformer Pilates studio Bdn in Al-Rayyan District.
“I’ve been practicing reformer Pilates for over 15 years now and swear by it,” owner Najd Al-Hatlani said.
Another prominent female-only space is "Bdn", a Pilates studio designed specifically for women. (Supplied)
“It has given me impeccable self-awareness regarding my body and how the smallest muscles move to support the larger ones … it has completely changed my perspective regarding all workouts.
She said she opened the studio to serve an untapped market in the east of Riyadh.
“Female-oriented spaces have always been part of our cultural heritage and experience. I think it’s important to continue to offer these safe haven spaces for women in order to maximize their well-being.
“As kind as many people want to be, we as women have shared far too many similar experiences through life which makes it comforting to be in the same room as that unspoken supportive energy.”
The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions, Al-Hatlani said.
Emma Shirley, an Australia living in Riyadh, is a regular at Bdn.
“Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. My go-to Pilates studio in Riyadh is Bdn. I have been going there for a few months.
“Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.”
Where We Are Going Today: Ramen Restaurant – authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine in Riyadh
The kimchi jjigae (SR90) brought comfort in a bowl — hearty, warm, and loaded with kimchi, tofu, and beef
Updated 25 April 2025
Waad Hussain
This cozy spot in Riyadh Park is officially my new favorite ramen destination.
Ramen Restaurant blends authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine with warm interiors and traditional seating that make you feel like you have stepped out of the mall and into a corner of Tokyo or Seoul.
We kicked things off with a complimentary banchan, then moved on to the beef dumplings at SR44 ($11.73), which were tender and juicy with a crisp bite.
The dakgalbi (SR82), a bubbling dish of cheesy rice cakes and chicken ribs, came packed with rich flavors and that perfect spicy kick.
The kimchi jjigae (SR90) brought comfort in a bowl — hearty, warm, and loaded with kimchi, tofu, and beef.
But the real standout? The special jjampong ramen (SR85) — a bold, seafood-rich broth with chewy noodles and just the right amount of heat. Every bite was layered, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality and authenticity of the food easily justify the cost. From flavor to presentation, every dish felt thoughtfully made.
One downside, though, is that the establishment does not serve sushi — which might disappoint some diners expecting a full Japanese menu.
Also, it can get a bit busy during peak hours, so service may slow down slightly. It is best to visit early or make a reservation if you are going with a group.
Still, if you are looking for a genuine Korean-Japanese dining experience in Riyadh, this one is a must on your food bucket list.
For more details, check the restaurant’s Instagram @ramen.ksa
Where We Are Going Today: Beit Al-Khawajah, Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh
Updated 23 April 2025
Haifa Alshammari
Beit Al-Khawajah, a Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh, offers an inviting, cozy and family-friendly atmosphere.
During my visit, I tried the laham bel ajeen for SR33 ($8), and while I am normally not a big fan of the dish, I really liked their version. It was not too spicy and the meat was baked well. It is worth trying.
I am a big fan of eggs for breakfast, so I ordered the omelette with cheese, but my experience was disappointing. The dish looked appealing and the eggs were cooked well, but I could not finish it because it was too salty. I also thought the price was a bit high.
Other items that I liked were the kebabs and selection of Lebanese pita bread. If you want a vegetarian option, try the qallayat al-khawajah, a sauteed fresh tomato in olive oil with salt, pepper, Middle Eastern herbs and spices.
While my visit was not perfect, the overall experience at Beit Al-Khawajah was good. It is a nice spot to visit with friends or family, especially because of the Middle Eastern cultural vibes.
The space has wide windows allowing sunlight to enter the entire dining area. The bright and colorful arrangement adds positivity and warmth to the experience.
