Where We Are Going Today: Riyadh’s Pierre Herme Paris
Updated 23 February 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
Visitors to the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh can get a taste for luxury from more than just the decor and surroundings.
At Pierre Herme Paris they can sample pastries and sweets conceived by French pastry chef Herme, known as the “Picasso of pastry.”
Among the most popular desserts are French macarons, and vanille cakes infused with exotic vanilla cream from Tahiti, Mexico, and Madagascar.
Dacquoise biscuits are adorned with crunchy hazelnuts, hazelnut flakes, thin layers of milk chocolate, milk chocolate ganache, Chantilly cream, and several ice cream flavors, while the pink rose macarons from Isfahan, Iran are filled with rose petal cream and raspberries.
All the pastries are lovingly prepared in the hotel’s kitchens and showcased in museum- style class cabinets.
One of the things that impressed me about Pierre Hermé Paris is that it is headed by the Executive Pastry Chef Steve Thiery from France, who joined the global pastry-making operations in 2019 after honing his talents for a decade and
a half in pastry kitchens from French Polynesia to France and Morocco.
Jeddah celebrates global culinary extravaganza at Food Culture Festival
Festival heads west after successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh
Workshops, musical performances, and global cuisine on offer
Updated 14 February 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: After successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh, the much-anticipated Food Culture Festival is taking place at Jeddah’s Wonder District from Feb. 12 to 16.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program, the event showcases a rich blend of local and international culinary experiences.
The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.
Leo Wen, CEO and co-founder of Whoa Tea, which offers authentic Chinese drinks and sweets like Tang Hu Lu (candied fruit snack) and coconut cubes, said: “It’s exciting to introduce these unique flavors through this festival, and the response has been overwhelming.
“Our goal is not only to provide a delicious experience but also to share the rich heritage behind these drinks and desserts, showcasing the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions.”
FASTFACTS
• The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.
• In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.
• The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands.
Noura Abdullah, founder of Soma, a Saudi brand known for its signature grape leaves, as well as dishes like grape leaves fatteh, musakhan, kibbeh, and fresh juices made from carefully selected ingredients, said: “Everything we serve is homemade, with our signature dish, the grape leaves, being particularly popular.
“I started in Alkhobar, then expanded to Riyadh, and now, by participating in this festival in Jeddah, I’m exploring the possibility of franchising Soma.
“The positive feedback from visitors has been incredible, especially (for) the grape leaves. Their response has been very encouraging and motivates me to bring Soma to even more people.”
Ahmed Imran, owner of My Makan, the only Malaysian restaurant in Jeddah, told Arab News: “Festivals like this bring together diverse cultures, and food is the perfect medium to unite people from all walks of life.
“It’s truly amazing to see such a celebration of global cuisines, and I’m excited to introduce authentic Malaysian dishes to the visitors. It’s also heartwarming to witness the positive response from the community towards Malaysian cuisine.”
The festival also welcomes food truck owners, offering them an opportunity to showcase their food and attract new customers.
Al-Baraa Yahy, who owns Protein Dose, a food truck based in Al-Safa district, said the festival has given her the opportunity to introduce her products to a wider audience.
“I’m grateful for the chance to showcase my offerings through such a fantastic platform,” she said.
For those eager to enhance their culinary skills, the workshops area offers hands-on experiences with activities such as sushi making, food decoration, pasta crafting, and even food photography, with a special focus on the flavors of Singapore.
Live cooking demonstrations will also allow guests to witness the magic of food preparation firsthand.
Sadellah Zakaria, an Italian chef, and Mokhtar Mahdy, an Egyptian chef, teach festivalgoers how to make pasta like fettuccine and ravioli from scratch with their workshop.
“These workshops are a great way for attendees to not only learn valuable culinary skills but also connect with the craft of making fresh pasta. Even children can join and enjoy this immersive experience,” Zakaria said.
The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands and Indian Bharatanatyam dancers.
Additionally, roaming performances like living statues, an interactive parade, and a Chinese dragon dance add to the event’s festive atmosphere.
The kids’ area offers a chance for children to get involved in cooking workshops and farm activities, participate in friendly competitions, and unleash their creativity in a safe and educational environment.
Mohammed Hussein, who came along with his family said: “It’s great that the workshops let kids get involved and try things out for themselves. Plus, the festival has this cool passport challenge where you get a stamp every time you visit a different zone.”
Ghadeer Abdullah, a visitor from Makkah, said: “The best part of the festival is definitely the weather. It’s so pleasant that we’re enjoying all the zones. The kids’ zone is especially engaging. My children spent almost an hour completing the workshop, and they loved every minute of it.”
For those seeking a traditional Saudi breakfast, Abuzaid delivers classic flavors at reasonable prices all around the Kingdom. With a menu rich in foul, masoub, mutabbaq and arika, the restaurant has built a reputation for homemade-style comfort food that resonates with locals.
One of the standout dishes is the royal masoub for SR21 ($5.60), a creamy banana-and-bread dish that balances sweetness and richness. For a more indulgent twist, the masoub cocktail with cheddar cheese adds a savory depth. Another fan favorite is the mutabbaq with vegetables and cheddar cheese, known for its crispy, flavorful filling. Those who prefer spicier options should request green chili in the mutabbaq for an extra kick.
Abuzaid’s foul dishes, a staple of Saudi breakfasts, come with different toppings, such as olive oil. The foul with cheese offers a mildly creamy and tangy variation. Other popular breakfast choices include the shakshouka and eggs with melted cheese, perfect for those craving a warm, filling meal.
Though the portion sizes and flavors are widely praised, it feels that certain items, such as the foul and areek, are slightly overpriced for a casual breakfast spot. However, the quick service and ample parking space make up for it, giving diners a smooth and hassle-free experience.
For more information, check Instagram @abuzaidrest.
Chef Michael Mina opens his first restaurant in Saudi Arabia
The acclaimed chef on the launch of Taleed and getting back to his Middle Eastern roots
Updated 13 February 2025
Hams Saleh
RIYADH: Egyptian-born American celebrity chef Michael Mina has brought his culinary expertise to Saudi Arabia with the opening of Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah.
Located in Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant, which opened this month, marks a long-desired expansion for the celebrated chef, who has been eager to build on his presence in the region.
“I really have wanted to be more present in the Middle East because this is very much tied to my roots and what I grew up with and what I grew up eating,” Mina told Arab News. “When this opportunity came, it just felt new and fresh, especially given where I’m at in my career.”
Located in Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant, which opened this month, marks a long-desired expansion for the celebrated chef, who has been eager to build on his presence in the region. (Supplied)
Mina, who was born in Cairo and raised in the US, recalled growing up in a household filled with the aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine. “My mother had eight aunts and uncles,” he said. “Every weekend there’d be 30 people at a home, and the table would be filled with food.”
This early exposure led him to discover his passion for cooking.
“My first job was in a restaurant. I started as a dishwasher and then started cooking and I fell in love with it,” he said. “I really enjoyed everything from the creative part to the hospitality part. And as I started to understand it a little bit more, by the time I was 16, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Charcoal grilled Australian tamohawk. (Supplied)
“But it took two years to explain that to my parents,” he added with a laugh. “It was doctor, lawyer, engineer... A cook wasn’t one of the choices. So it took two years and then I finally convinced them.”
It hasn’t worked out badly so far. Mina’s eponymous flagship San Francisco restaurant has earned a Michelin star, he’s cooked for three US presidents, and he is a multiple James Beard award winner.
Chef Alex Griffiths, vice president of culinary for Mina Group, played a key role in shaping the concept for the Riyadh restaurant, ensuring it reflects both the Mina Group’s expertise and traditional Saudi flavors.
Passion fruit labneh cheesecake. (Supplied)
“We came to Saudi more than 55 times in the past four or five years to really understand the food heritage,” Griffiths told Arab News. "One of the things we wanted to focus on was how to represent both Mina Group and Chef Mina, while incorporating influences from the Hijazi side of the Kingdom.”
The menu at Taleed features dishes that reflect this fusion, including shrimp kabsa, spice-marinated yellowtail, and a unique tuna falafel inspired by Mina’s mother’s recipe.
“We’re using sushi-grade tuna and almost treating it like nigiri, where the falafel is at the bottom and the tuna is dressed on top with Egyptian salad,” explained Griffiths.
Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah. (Supplied)
Looking ahead, Mina sees Taleed as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing culinary movement. “I think the Saudi food scene is going to explode,” he said. “You start to see more and more innovation, but that innovation stays rooted here as well as (in the) different cuisines coming in.”
For now, his focus is on establishing Taleed as a must-visit dining destination. “It’s always important to get yourself established before looking at doing more,” Mina said.
When asked what he hopes guests will feel when they visit Taleed, he said: “I think when you do a restaurant right, the thing that I love the most is when you sit at a table and everyone looks around the table and says, ‘I’ve got to come back and have that dish.’ That is the best form of flattery that you can ever get.”
Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Heritage Village’ restaurant in Dammam
Updated 12 February 2025
Waad Hussain
More than just a restaurant, The Heritage Village in Dammam offers a cultural and culinary journey through Saudi Arabia’s past.
The destination combines a museum filled with historical artifacts and a traditional restaurant serving Saudi cuisine, making it an ideal place to experience both heritage and flavor.
The restaurant features a diverse menu of traditional dishes. A standout is the asida broth with baladi meat for SR54 ($14.40), a comforting dish made of white and brown flour dough served with slow-cooked meat and rich broth.
Another popular choice is the chicken madhbi for SR24, where grilled chicken is served over fragrant rice, offering a simple yet satisfying taste. Those craving charcoal-grilled meat can opt for the kebab or the mixed grill, both offering a smoky aroma and bold seasoning.
Beyond the dining experience, visitors can explore the on-site museum, which showcases Saudi artifacts, historical items and displays reflecting the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
It is a place where the past meets the present, offering guests the chance to learn about Saudi traditions while enjoying a meal.
While the food is authentic and well prepared, the restaurant and museum could benefit from some updates. A refresh to the interior design and facilities would enhance the visitor experience, making it more engaging while preserving its cultural charm.
For more information, check Instagram @heritage.vlg.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Flower Cup’ cafe in Jeddah
Beyond its romantic flower-themed service, The Flower Cup offers celebration packages ideal for gatherings, birthdays, work meetings, and special occasions
Updated 11 February 2025
Nada Hameed
Coffee has always been the go-to choice for a quick pick-me-up, but if you want to add an extra touch of joy to a loved one’s day, flowers make the perfect pairing.
At The Flower Cup, a cafe in Jeddah’s Al-Hamra district, you can send a cup of coffee accompanied by flowers to someone special.
The cafe serves a wide selection of drinks, including classic and specialty coffees, Saudi coffee, iced coffee, mojitos, hot chocolate, matcha, and tea.
Their dessert menu is equally tempting, featuring delights like the marshmallow flower, rose cake, ice cream cookies, and a variety of cheesecakes including basbousa, mango, pistachio and strawberry, and San Sebastian.
I tried the marshmallow flower. It was soft, warm, and irresistibly fluffy, and it melts beautifully as rich Belgian chocolate is poured over it, adding layers of sweetness.
I also tried their V60 brew, which was expertly prepared, offering a well-balanced cup with bright acidity and deep, nuanced flavor notes.
Beyond its romantic flower-themed service, The Flower Cup offers celebration packages ideal for gatherings, birthdays, work meetings, and special occasions.
One standout option is the VIP celebration package for SR 300 ($80), perfect for a romantic date or a birthday surprise.
It includes a dessert from the menu, a candle, table decorations, two roses, a champagne-style drink, and two helium balloons.
For a more private experience, the private celebration room priced at SR 500 provides an exclusive setting with room decorations, a 6-inch cake, starry night lights, a flower bouquet, helium balloons, private speakers, soundproofing, and a personal screen. The room accommodates up to 12 guests.
The cafe also offers a variety of customizable flower bouquets, allowing you to personalize your gift for any occasion. For more information, visit @theflowercup_sa on Instagram.
