You better be hungry with an appetite at the least the size of Texas when you roll up to Buttermilk’s pretty premises just off of Northern Ring Road. The homegrown café is serving Southern USA comfort food in the Saudi capital, and doing it with hospitality from both regions and America-sized portions.
The casual, family-friendly spot is founded by three Saudi women and is meant to be a home away from home. Expats will likely enjoy the nostalgic flavours, but Buttermilk does not exclude and prides itself on a comforting, welcoming atmosphere that we experience during our visit.
The vibes are enhanced by the two-floor design that feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s Instagrammable home with booths, wooden tables and playful art. Young staff are clearly all friends and will likely make you feel like one by the end.
The upstairs terrace is the most picturesque with twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling that reflect on tables at night, but downstairs offers an open kitchen and inviting chairs – and a chance to scope out the bakery.
Buttermilk is a staple in Southern USA cooking, and the tangy ingredient features in some form in many dishes. Overall the menu is Southern USA comfortm from po boys to fried tomatoes to corn chowder. The crowd favourites are pure Americana: cheeseburger, a fantastic chicken and waffles and fried chicken. We’ll say it again: Come with an appetite as wide as the Mississippi River because you will not be leaving hungry. Not even close. If you can make it through the mains (kudos to you) desserts don’t disappoint and deliver on the “comfort to remember” motto with huge, generous slabs. Red velvet cake, beignets, pumpkin pie and a buttermilk pie (of course) are on offer as well as local flavours.
If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, don’t worry as you can get takeaway and delivery. You can also stop off at the aforementioned bakery downstairs, which is separate from the restaurant, and get cake slice and buttermilk scones to bring home. Your family will thank you.
Overall, there’s nothing sour about Buttermilk.
