The story
Kimyona in Riyadh defines its modern Asian cuisine around the Japanese concept of "incomparable," reviving forgotten dishes from Burma, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The kitchen reimagines these regional techniques in a contemporary setting, ensuring each plate reflects a distinct yet cohesive flavor profile. Korean glazed corn ribs provide a sweet introduction, charred and tossed in a glossy gochujang-honey glaze before finishing with black sesame.
The menu balances shareable bites with substantial mains. Bite-sized marinated chicken arrives double-fried as Pop! Ch!cken, accompanied by yuzu aioli, while Tuna Tostadas feature seasoned sashimi over wasabi avocado cream on toasted gyoza wrappers. For heartier orders, the Wagyu Table Experience presents tenderloin prepared three ways, and Pad Thai Chaiya offers a Southern Thai interpretation built on house-made shrimp oil and tamarind sauce. Steamer's Shop Dumplings round out the selection with truffle chicken shumai and shrimp gyoza.
Designed around a darkroom motif, the space guides guests from a street-side gallery through a hidden door into a dimly lit dining room featuring anthracite walls and a prominent wooden table. A central counter showcases the barman crafting cocktails amidst the lively energy. Kimyona earned its visual standing by joining the Prix Versailles 2025 list of the world's most beautiful restaurants, becoming the first Saudi establishment to receive this honor. Gault&Millau rates the venue 11.5 points, noting the festive atmosphere and attentive service alongside a strong cocktail offering.
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