Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kaia' at Shangri-La Jeddah

Arab News

24-03-2025

Kaia is an outdoor rooftop lounge at Shangri-La Jeddah, offering a stunning seaside view.
From here, you can see the Formula 1 circuit, and Aroya, the Saudi Cruise, beautifully lit with neon 'Ramadan Mubarak' signs, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
If you are looking for a peaceful escape from the crowded streets and the hustle and bustle of Ramadan and Eid, Kaia is the perfect spot.
This year, we were blessed with pleasant evening weather, making outdoor seating even more enjoyable — except for a few mosquito bites, which were slightly annoying.
I chose to sit by the swimming pool for a sahoor experience, as Kaia offers a Japanese-Hawaiian-Asian-inspired menu.
I started with the hazelnut chicken salad, which is made with Chinese cabbage, red chilli, coriander, cucumber, grilled chicken, carrots, peanut sauce and fish sauce. The flavors were well balanced, with a mix of crunch and creaminess.
Next, I tried the prawn tempura tacos, featuring crispy panko-fried prawns, avocado, creamy sesame cabbage and Japanese mayo with a hint of chilli. The tacos were light, crispy and packed with flavor.
I was in the mood for meat, so I opted for the Korean smoked lamb chops, served with gochujang sauce, sweet potato puree, broccolini and garlic thyme olive oil. The lamb was tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of smokiness and spice.
I also ordered the ribeye steak, a succulent cut of beef served with buttered vegetables and mashed potatoes. It was cooked to perfection and incredibly satisfying.
For drinks, I tried the signature passion fruit mojito, featuring homemade passion fruit puree, lime juice, fresh mint and soda water. This one had a tropical sweetness with just the right amount of citrus.
For dessert, I chose stone baked, a decadent dark chocolate fondant with preserved cherries and hazelnut caramel. It was rich, gooey and an absolute delight.
During Ramadan, Kaia offers a sahoor tray featuring Middle Eastern classics such as cheese, foul, pickles, kibbeh, hummus, grape leaves, muhammara and chicken breast with freekeh.
On regular nights, Kaia entertains guests with live music, drumming performances, and singers from around the world performing in both Arabic and English. It is a great place to unwind on weekends and experience Jeddah's vibrant nightlife.
The minimum charge is SR150 ($40) per person. The menu is pricier, but the quality, flavors and ambience make it worth it. Kaia also offers shisha and coffee for those looking to relax.
For more details, visit Kaia's Instagram page @kaia.jeddah.