Where We Are Going Today: Koojeh restaurant in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Koojeh restaurant in Riyadh
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Updated 27 July 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Koojeh restaurant in Riyadh

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  • The rice was well-cooked and aromatic, though portion sizes were small, and suitable for only one person

Koojeh restaurant in Riyadh offers a good Persian dining experience. My recent visit included enjoyable dishes, but also highlighted some areas for improvement.

The cozy, well-decorated interior reflects Persian culture and creates a welcoming atmosphere. However, the limited number of tables means reservations are necessary, especially during busy times. The lively environment, with good music, adds charm, but it is not a formal fine dining setting.

A limited range of main dishes is available — kassk badini, kabab barq, veal kebab, and chicken jooja — along with a few sides. While this makes choosing easier, it restricts the variety of Persian cuisine available. The dishes I tried were tasty, and the saffron ice cream was a highlight.

The rice was well-cooked and aromatic, though portion sizes were small, and suitable for only one person. The cold appetizer was enjoyable, but the salad would benefit from more lemon and salt to add zest.

Service was friendly and attentive, though at times a bit uncoordinated. Minor delays were offset by the staff’s willingness to help.

Given the limited choice of Iranian restaurants in Riyadh, Koojeh fills a needed niche. Prices are reasonable, with main dishes ranging from SR47 to SR74 ($13-$20).

I rate Koojeh 8/10 and recommend it for a pleasant meal. I look forward to seeing how it develops in future.


AI tool helps researchers treat child epilepsy

AI tool helps researchers treat child epilepsy
Updated 03 October 2025

AI tool helps researchers treat child epilepsy

AI tool helps researchers treat child epilepsy
  • Epilepsy has several different causes, and overall around three in 10 cases are down to structural abnormalities in the brain, experts say
  • These are often missed on MRI scans — especially the smallest lesions, sometimes hidden at the bottom of a brain fold

TOKYO: An artificial intelligence tool that can detect tiny, hard-to-spot brain malformations in children with epilepsy could help patients access life-changing surgery quicker, Australian researchers said on Wednesday.
It is the latest example of how AI, which can crunch vast amounts of data, is changing health care by assisting doctors with diagnoses.
Epilepsy has several different causes, and overall around three in 10 cases are down to structural abnormalities in the brain, experts say.
These are often missed on MRI scans — especially the smallest lesions, sometimes hidden at the bottom of a brain fold.
A team led by Emma Macdonald-Laurs, a paediatric neurologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, trained an AI tool on child brain images to find lesions the size of a blueberry or smaller.
“They’re frequently missed and many children are not considered as surgical candidates,” Macdonald-Laurs told a briefing ahead of the publication of her team’s study in the journal Epilepsia.
“The tool doesn’t replace radiologists or epilepsy doctors, but it’s like a detective that helps us put the puzzle pieces together quicker so we can offer potentially life-changing surgery,” she said.
Of the patients who took part, with conditions known as cortical dysplasia and focal epilepsy, 80 percent had previously had an MRI scan come back as normal.
When the researchers used the AI tool to analyze both MRI and another type of medical scan called a PET, its success rate was 94 percent for one test group and 91 percent for another.
Out of 17 children in the first group, 12 had surgery to remove their brain lesions, and 11 are now seizure-free, said Macdonald-Laurs’s team at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
“Our next plans are to test this detector in more real-life hospital settings on new undiagnosed patients,” she said.
Epilepsy, which causes recurrent seizures, affects about one in 200 children, and about a third of cases are drug-resistent.
“This work is really exciting” as a proof of concept and the results are “really impressive,” Konrad Wagstyl, a biomedical computing expert at King’s College London (KCL), told AFP.
Similar research published in February by a KCL team using AI on MRI data spotted 64 percent of epilepsy-linked brain lesions that were missed by radiologists.
The Australian researchers used MRI with PET, “but some caveats are that PET is expensive, it’s not as widely available as MRI, and there is a dose of radiation like a CT scan or an X-ray associated with it,” Wagstyl noted.


Where We Are Going Today: Jareesh Chocolate in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Jareesh Chocolate in Riyadh
Updated 03 October 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Jareesh Chocolate in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Jareesh Chocolate in Riyadh

RIYADH: If you are in Riyadh and want to try something completely different, visit Jareesh Chocolate.

This new creation is the result of a collaboration between food artist Omar Sartawi and Diplomat Sweets, and it will immediately catch your attention — Jareesh, one of ’s oldest and most traditional dishes, combined with chocolate? 

The first bite will honestly surprise you. The chocolate itself is smooth and sweet but then comes the twist: little bursts of texture from the jareesh that creates a playful, crackling sensation in your mouth. It is both strange and exciting, a mix of familiar flavors with a completely new texture. That “pop” is what makes the whole experience memorable, giving it a unique character.

The jareesh adds a nutty, earthy undertone that balances nicely with the richness of the white chocolate. It is not overwhelming or gimmicky; instead, it feels like a respectful blend of heritage and modern taste. This will appeal to people who enjoy trying something bold and different but still want it to be enjoyable rather than experimental for the sake of it.

Overall, Jareesh Chocolate is a successful attempt at reimagining tradition through something as simple as a chocolate bar. It is unusual, playful, and definitely worth trying at least once.

The price is 55 Saudi riyals (about $14.50), which feels slightly pricey for its size, but considering the concept and craftsmanship, it is justified because of its specialty appeal.

You can find it at all Diplomat Sweets stores in Riyadh, but you can also order it online. For more information check their Instagram: @diplomat_sweets


 


Where We Are Going Today: Golden Kangaroo

Where We Are Going Today: Golden Kangaroo
Updated 30 September 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Golden Kangaroo

Where We Are Going Today: Golden Kangaroo
  • Desserts use honey and natural sweeteners rather than sugar, such as in their cinnamon treat, which was both tasty and wholesome

The Golden Kangaroo is a cozy coffee shop in northeast Riyadh, offering beverages and healthy treats in a warm, inviting setting.

It has an Australian influence and pop art aesthetic, and some areas are like stepping onto a movie set from “Alice in Wonderland.”

The relaxed atmosphere is reflected in the colorful decor, comfortable furniture, upbeat music, and friendly staff.

The cafe also provides Wi-Fi, making it a good spot for working or meetings.

What sets the Golden Kangaroo apart is its healthy menu. Instead of fried donuts, they serve oven-baked ones with chocolate cream and topped with zaatar, creating a sweet and savory twist.

Desserts use honey and natural sweeteners rather than sugar, such as in their cinnamon treat, which was both tasty and wholesome.

The only drawback is the pricing. A small cup of coffee costs around SR15 ($4), with most drinks between SR17 and SR23, making it a little expensive for daily visits.

Overall, the Golden Kangaroo is worth an occasional stop for its creative sweets, cheerful vibes, and welcoming ambiance.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Maison Assouline Cafe

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Updated 29 September 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Maison Assouline Cafe

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  • An open-air terrace inspired by Eastern aesthetics overlooks the historic fortress and palm-lined park, while the rooftop provides one of Riyadh’s most romantic backdrops — ideal for a proposal or simply a memorable evening under the stars

Nestled in the heart of Bujairi, Maison Assouline is a cultural experience that blends European sophistication with Arabian warmth. The venue, part book cafe and part fine-dining destination, offers visitors an atmosphere where elegance and heritage coexist seamlessly.

The space is divided into distinct zones, each with its own character. On the ground floor, a relaxed book cafe invites guests to linger over titles while enjoying specialty coffee.

Upstairs, a cabaret-style lounge sets the scene with crimson velvet seating and a grand piano, evoking the glamour of older European salons.

An open-air terrace inspired by Eastern aesthetics overlooks the historic fortress and palm-lined park, while the rooftop provides one of Riyadh’s most romantic backdrops — ideal for a proposal or simply a memorable evening under the stars.

Adding to the cafe’s unique identity is its vintage-style elevator, reminiscent of 20th-century grand hotels.

Unlike many fine-dining venues, reservations at Maison Assouline are both simple and free, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The culinary offering is just as impressive. Menu highlights include fresh salmon, endive salad, and perfectly crisp French fries — dishes that showcase both refinement and flavor.

Even on fully booked evenings, the staff remain attentive, professional, and genuinely warm. With its cozy yet elegant ambiance, the cafe is suitable for casual visits as well as special occasions.

With an average cost of SR100–120 ($30) per person, Maison Assouline offers a luxurious yet accessible dining experience.

A visit here leaves more than just a good impression; it captures the essence of Riyadh’s evolving dining scene— sophisticated, welcoming, and culturally rich.

For more details, check Instagram @maisonassoulineriyadh.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Green Mill Bakery

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Updated 28 September 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Green Mill Bakery

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  • Among the bread options, the sourdough multigrain baguette stood out. With its crisp crust and soft, flavorful interior it was the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome

Tucked in among the bustling streets of Riyadh, Green Mill Bakery is a cozy spot that champions artisanal breads and baked goods.

Its focus on natural sourdough and high-quality ingredients shines through, offering a wholesome yet indulgent experience.

My visit started with the carrot and walnut cake, and I was impressed. The texture was perfectly moist, and the walnuts added a satisfying crunch to the natural sweetness of the carrots. It felt like something lovingly baked at home, making it a comforting treat I would definitely recommend.

The braided chocolate croissant was another highlight. Its buttery, flaky layers encased a rich, semi-sweet chocolate filling that was not overly indulgent but just right. It is the kind of pastry that pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.

Among the bread options, the sourdough multigrain baguette stood out. With its crisp crust and soft, flavorful interior it was the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome.

The nutty notes from the grains made it versatile enough to elevate a simple sandwich or complement a warm bowl of soup.

The figs and walnut sourdough, which is only available on Thursdays, offers the natural sweetness of figs combined with the earthy crunch of walnuts, creating a sophisticated flavor combination. Toasting it with a drizzle of honey? Pure bliss.

For lighter bites, the zaatar croissant was surprisingly delightful. The classic Middle Eastern spice blend paired wonderfully with the buttery croissant, offering a unique twist on a familiar flavor.

That said, the manoosha dishes did not quite hit the spot for me. While the sourdough base is undoubtedly a healthier choice, I found myself missing the softer, pillowy texture of traditional dough. It is a personal preference, but it left me wishing for a more classic take.

Overall, Green Mill Bakery is a treasure trove for bread enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. Whether you are grabbing a quick treat or stocking up on fresh loaves, the care and craft in every item help make it a worthwhile visit.