Latest news with #ChottoMatte
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Eid Lunch Goes Nikkei at Chotto Matte Riyadh
Chotto Matte Riyadh marks Eid Al-Adha with a four-course Nikkei lunch, live entertainment, and themed décor, running daily from 12 to 4 PM. Chotto Matte is offering a limited-time four-course lunch to coincide with Eid Al-Adha, combining Japanese-Peruvian flavours with themed décor and live performances in Riyadh's KAFD. Available from the first day of Eid, the midday menu will be accompanied by DJ sets, laser shows, and percussion performances. The space will also feature seasonal décor, a dedicated photography area, and printed keepsakes provided by a professional photographer. Two private dining rooms are available for those marking personal milestones such as birthdays or graduations. The set menu incorporates ingredients associated with Eid, interpreted through Chotto Matte's Nikkei culinary style. The offering begins with a Chotto Summer Salad, followed by a selection of three starters: Short Rib Tostada, Wagyu Foie Gras Maki, and a Wagyu Beef Spring Roll. The centrepiece of the meal is a Miso Lamb Shank, slow-cooked and served with truffle sticky rice—a contemporary homage to Eid's culinary traditions. The meal concludes with a Sticky Date Pudding served warm with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce. The menu is served daily from 12 PM to 4 PM throughout Eid and is priced at 199 SAR per person.
CairoScene
26-04-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Chotto Matte Launches Nikkei-Inspired Lunch Menu in Riyadh
From crispy squid to truffled mushroom rice, this weekday lunch packs Japanese-Peruvian flavour into three curated courses. Chotto Matte, a Nikkei dining spot in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District, has just launched a new daily lunch menu that blends Japanese precision with the bold, citrusy flair of Peruvian cuisine. Served from 12 PM to 4 PM every day, the SAR 155 set menu offers three courses and a lineup of fusion-forward dishes designed for midday indulgence. The menu opens with a choice of starters, from simple, sea-salt-sprinkled Classic Edamame to a fiery twist with Dressed Edamame tossed in teriyaki and chilli, or a warm serving of traditional Miso Soup. Appetisers dive deeper into the Nikkei playbook: Sea Bass Ceviche cured in a punchy leche de tigre, Crispy Squid Tempura with anticucho emulsion, and Yasai Miso Crispy Sushi bring texture and heat, while a Wedge Salad gets an umami lift from its lemon queso dressing. Main courses don't hold back either. There's the Nasu Miso, a standout aubergine dish glazed in miso and topped with apricot, puffed quinoa and sesame; Asado De Tira, featuring slow-cooked beef short rib with purple potato purée; Black Angus Fillet in a spicy soy caramel glaze; and a vegetarian-friendly Truffled Mushroom Rice finished with Japanese mushrooms and egg yolk. The finale? Warm Cinnamon Churros served with Dulce de Leche and chocolate hazelnut sauce—an unmistakable nod to South America's dessert scene, with a luxe twist.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Restaurant chains flee broke Britain for America
British restaurants are targeting the US as Labour prepares to hammer them with higher taxes at home. The Ivy and upmarket Indian restaurant Dishoom are both preparing to expand in the US, while Pizza Express is also planning a second crack at the American market starting in Florida this year. The restaurants follow other chains including Hawksmoor, Pret A Manger and Wagamama, all of which have opened outposts in New York. It comes as the cost of running restaurants across the UK soars. Employers will be forced to make higher National Insurance (NI) contributions from next week while a 6.7pc rise in the minimum wage is adding to pressures. Smaller restaurants will also see business rates relief slashed. Hospitality chiefs have complained that the tax changes will disproportionately hit their industry. Greg Johnson, leisure industry analyst at Shore Capital, said the increased tax burden meant 'the balance has probably shifted' for some successful groups to encourage investment into the US rather than Britain. 'Throwing money into the UK is probably risky under this Government,' he said. Kurt Zdesar, the owner of Japanese Peruvian restaurant group Chotto Matte, said: 'No one has got disposable incomes any more, because of the cost of living going up the way it does and salaries don't keep up with the inflation. 'In America the service industry is thriving – my waiters can earn between $150,000 [£115,879] and $200,000 a year because of the service charge.' Chotto Matte has sites in Miami and San Franciso as well as London, Manchester and the Middle East. Pizza Express is attempting to crack the US after a first attempt in 2000 failed to get off the ground. Ben Lawrence, head of franchise growth at the chain, said: 'Assuming that Florida goes well, it's a very good test for us to demonstrate to the rest of the US how we do show up there. There's probably no actual state that I could think of that we wouldn't enter.' Other British restaurant groups currently launching or expanding in the US include Big Mamma Group, which owns a handful of upmarket Italian restaurants in London, and JKS, the parent company of Gymkhana, which has two Michelin stars. While cracking the US can be costly and complicated, it can be hugely lucrative. Mr Zdesar said: 'In America there's a lot of red tape, and there's lots of hoops to jump through, but when you get through all of that hardship it can be extremely profitable. 'Restaurants in America, the top ones in the right locations, can earn anywhere between $20m and $50m a year. You just don't see restaurants do that in the UK. You can make more money. The taxes are better.' Mr Zdesar added: 'My learning is stay away from the blue states and go only to the red, because those areas are designed to do business. You go to Texas and Dallas, these places don't only thrive. They make way better margins.' One senior restaurant industry source added: 'If you get it right, the amount of revenue you can generate is extraordinary.' The Treasury was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sign in to access your portfolio
FACT
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Chotto Matte Riyadh Review: The Nikkei concept adds a dose of cool to the capital
Located in KAFD, the Japanese meets Peruvian restaurant is a haven for Gen Z. I've found the coolest bathrooms in Riyadh. Never in my life did I think I would write these words, but here we are. Saudi Vision 2030 has given way to million-riyal megaprojects, Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, dining no longer segregated by gender – and now, bathrooms that light up like you're in Michael Jackson's Billie Jean music video. I'm at the new Japanese Peruvian restaurant Chotte Matte Riyadh in KAFD, and it has captured the hip, happening energy of the changing country. In Japanese, Chotto Matte translates to wait a moment. Founder Kurt Zdesar is behind the concept, and boasts an impressive track record with high-end restaurants ranging from Hakkasan to Nobu. In 2013, Chotto Matte launched in London's Soho before expanding to Doha, Miami, Toronto and, of course, Riyadh. He explained: 'We keep pushing the boundaries to be innovative'. Chotto Matte Riyadh exudes an edgy and entertaining vibe. When we arrived on a weeknight, a queue was already snaking outside the door. If you've been wondering where to find an example of 70 per cent of Saudi Arabia's population that are under 30 years old, then head here. After we whizzed up the lift, we entered a dimly lit corridor with graffiti, and neon lights instructing you like Kurt Cobain to 'come as you are'. Take your pick from indoor or outdoor seats, which are surrounded by gorgeous greenery. We sat near the open kitchen, and watched the chefs at work. The theatrics offer foodie fun, and range from sushi rolling to fire flames, which is accompanied by a DJ playing laidback tunes. Chotto Matte Riyadh prides itself on offering authentic Nikkei cuisine. The menu showcases premium ingredients, which are fresh, healthy and great for groups. The options include an à la carte, deluxe sharing, signature sharing and vegetarian menu. We opted for the signature tasting menu, which includes dishes that can be found in Chotto Matte restaurants around the world. Starters range from Edamame to Shrimp Truffles. The Yellowtail Nikki Sashimi had a subtle spicy kick. It soaked up the sauces, and came with cherry tomatoes, jalapeño and yuzu truffle soy. The Wagyu Beef Spring Rolls came in four fabulous crispy and rich pieces. The Chuleta De Cordero Ahumada is one of the most popular signature dishes. Marinated with coriander and chilli miso, it was the perfect balance of smoky and spicy, and sink-into-soft. The sushi selection was served in Insta-worthy style with torching at the table, naturally. The Otoro Nigiri hit our sushi spot with its filling fatty tuna and wasabi salsa. Chotto Matte's drinks have been given just as much attention. Classic cocktails are given a Japanese meets Peruvian meets mocktail twist. Drinks range from a Pina Picante with pineapple to a Yuzu Martini with citrus. Mocktails served with inflated bubbles or ice cubes stamped with logos. No visit to Chotto Matte Riyadh is complete without checking out those toilets. These are not your typical bathroom – they're unlike anything you've seen in Riyadh. Adorned with mirrors and changing lighting, it feels more like a nightclub in London or New York. Gen Z has embraced Chotto Matte Riyadh, which is a tasty trailblazer. It's rare to find an eatery in Riyadh that boldly pushes the boundaries with a daring dining experience – and chances are, more restaurants (and toilets) will follow. GO: Visit for more information.
FACT
05-03-2025
- Business
- FACT
FACT award-winning A.O.K Kitchen expands to Diriyah
All eyes are (rightfully) on Saudi Arabia's burgeoning hospitality scene – Riyadh alone has seen Chotto Matte, SUSHISAMBA and Zuma debut in recent months. However, one restaurant that has firmly held its ground is A.O.K Kitchen, and now, this FACT award-winner is expanding to Diriyah. Located in Zallal Diriyah, a mixed-use commercial office and retail project, this new A.O.K Kitchen outpost will be the brand's second location in Saudi Arabia. This time, it promises to bring its delicious flavours to the UNESCO Heritage Site in the Kingdom. A.O.K Kitchen in Zallal Diriyah will blend the brand's signature contemporary style with Najdi architectural elements, paying homage to Diriyah's historic charm while ensuring that the space feels stylish. With 78 seats up for grabs, you can choose to dine indoors or alfresco. There's also a counter if you'd like to grab and go. A.O.K Kitchen has always been about refined yet nourishing dining, and its newest location continues that mission. Led by Chef Nikolas Mataragkas, it will offer signature favourites alongside exciting new creations. Must-try dishes include the Cobb Salad, Roasted Honey Salmon, and the ever-popular A.O.K Pancakes. Expect the same sugar-free, gluten-free and plant-based options that you're used to. For the uninitiated, the chic London-based dining concept was founded by second-generation restaurateur Kelly Landesberg in 2019 and rapidly gained recognition for its refined menu, much of it gluten- and dairy-free and all of it free from refined sugar. Incidentally, A.O.K stands for 'All is Okay', translating to a brand's philosophy of curating a feel-good dining experience that accommodates everyone. Since launching in KAFD in 2022, A.O.K Kitchen has won over foodies with its wellness-focused menu, stylish setting and locally sourced ingredient philosophy. And with this new opening, it's clear that the brand's popularity is only growing. GO: Visit for more information.
