The Black Vantine's Day in Saudi Arabia

Seemed like we all read the memo not to wear red on Valentines day as my friends and I all wore black on our dinner date besides it 's cheesy if we all have worn the color red that day. We were being cautious to avoid catching the attention of Religious Police.

The country has always been restrictive of observing non-Muslim holidays. While the Valentine's Day is never celebrated in the entire kingdom, the city of Khobar seems to be slowly changing and tolerable on this particular date and it may be the same case in Jeddah but definitely not Riyadh. I would understand why as this is good for business. The Valentine spirit may not be as lively as the open Gulf Cities in the region but you would see people really taking a break to enjoy it here. There were bouquet of red roses ( with the absence of Valentine greeting cards) at one major Supermarket and gifts commemorating the occasion at gift shops. We were also surprised to bump into of a group Filipinas who were holding a bouquet of roses on the streets and most restaurants were packed with customers.

Beso!

The Best Restaurants in Khobar on Valentine's Day

Needless to say, The Valentine’s day like any other non-Muslim holiday is not celebrated in the kingdom (boring ha?).  This day is deemed immoral or “Haram” in their language, thus Mouttawas (Religious Police) and agents of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice are out in full force to make sure that the colour red or any gifts that commemorate this occasion are not seen in any public places.

While this may be the best time of the year for expat married couples to re-ignite their romance, my friends and I are equally excited to celebrate our single-blessedness by having a nice dinner and fun chat over a cup of coffee after in Khobar's downtown like what we used to do from previous Valentine's Days. For those living in the Eastern Region who couldn't decide where to go on February 14, 2013 you may consider one of my favourite restaurants where there is more than food to enjoy. Good place, excellent customer service and affordable and reasonable price.

1.) Carlton Al Moibed Hotel houses diverse restaurants but Mediterraneo definitely caught my radar with their grilled fresh seafoods every Sunday. It may be few days late from Valentine's Day but its definitely a dinner to remember.

Location: Carlton Al Moiabed, Al Khobar

Fresh seafoods grilled simply to perfection. Plain without any frills. Tastes like heaven!

2.) The slogan of the restaurant "You'll be stunned that something so simple can be so good" speak for the food they serve and my experience eating at this place totally proves it. Their French Fries was just beautifully fried seasoned with only salt and the burger I ordered is just yummy. Makes me wanna go back and eat tonight.

Location: Dharan Mall, Dharan

3.) If you're taste buds are seeking for real gastronomical adventure Bamboo Kitchen is the place to go. All of your favourite Asian Cuisines like Chinese, Mongolian, Thai and Vietnamese are served under one roof. They also have a selection of dishes for vegetarian. Amazing right?

Location: Dharan Mall, Dharan

4.) If grilled seafoods from Meditarraneo at Carlton Hotel is not enough for you, swim your way to The Dhow Restaurant which serves seafoods all the way.

The Dhow is a total seafood dining experience. You'll know exactly what to expect from their menu upon entering the place, but don't get me wrong guys the place doesn't smell like a fish market hehe! There is a big aquarium by the staircase, there are fish displayed under a boat image from a projector  and there are surf-board looking columns. I especially love the runway isle.I just wish to see the waiters in sexier outfits, something closer to the motif. A lifeguard outfit perhaps or a mermaid. It would have been so perfect. Hehe! 

5.) The V-day is two weeks passed from pay day which means stretching the budget for those who have already remitted money to their loves ones from their home country. But with little budget you can still enjoy a good Asian cuisine at Phu Pink. 

For those who doesn't fancy eating in well know restaurants around Corniche area, this place is definitely the top choice. They have the best tasting Thai dishes which I'm a big fan of yet super affordable price.

Location: Al Khobar

Happy valentines day everyone!!!

Beso!