Latest news with #SaudiCuisine
Arab News
21-07-2025
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Sunsera restaurant in Jeddah
Located inside the Joudyan Hotel at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah, Sunsera restaurant offers a Saudi special menu that takes diners on a flavorful journey across the Kingdom, from the central plains to the western coast and southern highlands. We started with central region flavors. The crisp jareesh balls and qursan rolls were comforting, but the creamy, tangy jareesh garnished with ghee stole the show. The marqouq, a hearty meat-and-vegetable stew, was rich, though the flatbread could have been softer. From the western region, the sayadieh was a standout — perfectly seasoned fried fish over rice infused with fish broth and golden onions. The saleeg, rice cooked in chicken broth and milk, packed flavor, and the mantu dumplings were light with a tasty filling. Desserts included delicate, fragrant sagodana and vermicelli with milk, though the latter was a bit too sweet for some. The southern menu was bold and hearty. The haneeth featured tender smoked lamb with saffron rice, while thareed and mashghoothah offered homestyle comfort, if a bit heavy. The areekah dessert, drizzled with smoked ghee and honey, ended the meal richly. What tied the meal together were the drinks. The date smoothie was thick and rich, blended with cinnamon and vanilla for a comforting finish. The almond coffee, made with rice flour and milk, was just as hearty — almost a meal on its own.
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Registration opens for Bocuse d'Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October. The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027. The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally. The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom's cuisine. Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage. For Bocuse d'Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity. For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of 'Elevating Saudi Dessert.' There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom. Hopeful chefs can register at
Arab News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi culinary scene thoroughly deserves its place in Michelin Guide, says its international director
RIYADH: The first restaurants in Saudi Arabia chosen for inclusion in the Michelin Guide will be unveiled toward the end of this year, Gwendal Poullennec, the guide's international director, mentioned during his appearance on The Mayman Show this week. He said they are being selected in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, and inspectors are already busy in the field exploring the vibrant food scene in various parts of the Kingdom. 'When we consider a destination, because we have to establish a road map, we need to have a gradual plan, so as not to compromise with the value and the methodology,' Poullennec said. 'We need also to acquire the knowledge of all the different food cultures. So that takes time. But to set up a clear priority, we monitor, in the field, the evolution of the different food scenes.' The guide announced in June that it was adding Saudi Arabia as a destination in its 2026 edition. The Kingdom's diverse landscapes, from its vast deserts to the stunning Red Sea coastline, provide a backdrop for some unforgettable dining experiences, Poullennec noted, and the country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Diriyah. This deep historical and cultural heritage helps to set it apart. 'You feel the dynamic, the talent joining the industry, the diversity,' he said. 'And based on what is happening today — and even more on the potential it has to develop in the years to come — we decided to move to the next step, which is to publish a Michelin Guide selection … And this will happen at the end of the year, with three digital releases: Oct. 15, Nov. 15, Dec. 15.' The recommendations will initially focus on culinary hot spots in Riyadh and Jeddah, he explained. During the process of expanding into Saudi Arabia Poullennec found there were still a lot of misconceptions about the country's identity and authenticity in the eyes of foodies. 'I think there are a lot of places that need to be in (the guide); hidden gems that deserve their time to shine,' he said. 'And through the restaurants, we are also putting the spotlight on the culture.' He also shared some of the initial findings about the Saudi food scene based on the feedback from inspectors so far. 'What they found is the open-mindedness,' Poullennec said. 'Not only do you have local restaurants inspired by the culinary heritage but you have a lot of creativity. You have inspiration from all around the world. 'So, you feel the dynamics; you feel that, definitely. There is a momentum and that's the reason why we decided to move forward.' With a mind for strategy and a palate shaped by curiosity, Poullennec has been quietly helping to shape the future of fine dining through his work for the guide for the past two decades. From the launch of Michelin's Tokyo guide to steering its digital transformation, he has helped bring the renowned red book to 45 destinations around the world. Known for his motto, 'On the move,' he embodies the spirit of discovery, biking thousands of kilometers a year and sampling new dishes not out of hunger but wonder. He leads with discipline but eats with joy. 'When I joined Michelin, I wanted to contribute to expanding the Michelin Guide abroad because I felt it had an incredible potential to transform the world, to contribute to putting the spotlight on the cultures,' Poullennec said. 'And that's basically what happened, because I've been working 20 years now for the Michelin Guide and I have been able to make it happen, you know, to make the dreams come true and to contribute to the international expansion of the guide, starting with the US, outside of Europe, and then Asia, where we landed the guide in Japan.' The more authentic and unique a destination is, the more appealing an option it is for inclusion in the guide, Poullennec said, because it means it can recommend places that offer 'something that you will find nowhere else. It is a reason to travel for, based on the Michelin Guide criteria. And from that perspective, Saudi (Arabia) has a lot to offer and truly deserves its place in the world of culinary conversation.'
Arab News
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How the Michelin Guide will boost the culinary scene in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Michelin Guide — the restaurant industry's most-respected guidebook — has finally come to Saudi Arabia. In a significant milestone for the Kingdom's culinary scene, the guide — organized in partnership with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission — will be released in three stages: on the 15th of each month from October to December this year, it was announced at the launch event last month. The guide 'will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more,' Michelin said in a statement, adding that its inspectors — who visit venues anonymously — are 'already in the field.' As it does throughout the world, Michelin will award one star to restaurants providing 'high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,' two stars for 'excellent cooking that is worth a detour,' and three stars for 'exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.' Alongside the much-coveted star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price. The well-known Jeddah-based chef and restauranteur Nihal Felemban says the arrival of the Michelin Guide will raise the bar for chefs and restaurants in Saudi Arabia. 'It's a dream for most chefs to obtain that star. That will create a very healthy sense of competition,' she tells Arab News. And Felemban believes the Kingdom's local and homegrown concepts are more than capable of holding their own against the big-name brands that have been imported in recent years. 'These concepts deserve to be known. They deserve to be recognized outside the Saudi market,' she says. 'This will give a chance to these homegrown concepts to be on the international culinary map, similarly to what happened in Dubai,' she adds, referring to the 2022 launch of the guide in the UAE. 'There were a lot of restaurants we didn't know about (then). The Michelin Guide gave them a voice, gave them a name abroad; it's a beautiful thing.' UAE-based Samantha Wood, founder of the impartial restaurant review website says the Michelin Guide has had a hugely positive impact on Dubai's culinary scene. 'Since the launch, the number of independent homegrown concepts has grown every year, with the most recent 2025 guide featuring 29 independent homegrown concepts taking the lion's share in the top cut of Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand.' For the Saudi guide, Wood says, 'I hope Michelin will prioritise dishing out stars and bibs for the homegrown concepts — like it has done in Dubai. This gives restaurateurs the incentive to develop their own (ideas), rather than rely on importing concepts and franchise agreements.' Felemban is the founder of one of those homegrown concepts that will be hoping for recognition later this year. Her Jeddah restaurant, The Lucky Lllama, offers Nikkei cuisine, blending Peruvian and Japanese culinary traditions. 'I would love to see The Lucky Llama (in the guide), because I believe it can compete on international levels,' she says. Felemban predicts that the French Riviera-inspired Le Petite Maison — more commonly known as LPM — and top burger spot Marble will earn some recognition, as well as Jeddah's Korean BBQ joint HWA-RO. The guide isn't just a boon to the restaurant industry either. Michelin-starred restaurants can offer a significant boost to tourism. 'Foodie travellers use these guides to plan holidays, often booking high ranking restaurants first before planning holidays around these reservations,' says Wood. Lifestyle and food blogger Sarah Taha, who showcases the luxury food industry in Saudi on her page Swirl The Fork, also believes the guide could be a game-changer for tourism in the Saudi capital. 'The arrival of the Michelin Guide has the potential to spotlight both ends of Riyadh's culinary spectrum — from its most luxurious dining rooms to its beloved casual gems — making it one of the most exciting food cities in the region,' she tells Arab News. 'Michelin's presence won't just put a global spotlight on our chefs and restaurants; it will also raise the bar for quality, creativity, and service across the board. It's a powerful statement that Saudi is ready to be recognized as a serious player in the world of fine dining,' she continues. Riyadh is home to several standout restaurants that Taha believes are strong contenders for Michelin stars. Her predictions include Japanese restaurants Zuma, Myazu, and Nozomi (the latter 'remains a benchmark for upscale dining,' she says), and Italian restaurant Mamo Michelangelo. When it comes to the Bib Gourmand category, which celebrates more affordable yet high-quality dining, Taha highlights Saudi staples like Mama Noura — concepts that 'fuse authenticity with consistency and have built loyal followings. They may not be fine dining, but they're rooted in culinary excellence and local relevance,' she says. Like Felemban, Taha is confident the arrival of the Michelin Guide can only be a good thing for the Saudi food scene. 'From what I've seen running Swirl the Fork, there's so much passion and creativity here. This kind of spotlight will not only validate that, but also inspire a new generation to invest — and believe — in local culinary ventures. It's about putting Saudi flavors and stories on the world stage.'
Arab News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
The art of diplomacy through Saudi cuisine
RIYADH: According to Saudi chef and food blogger Eman Gazzaz, diplomacy can be achieved through food and other cultural practices. The daughter of a diplomat, Gazzaz is more than a home cook — she is an artist and a mother of three who is turning simple dishes into soulful stories. She also wants to form cultural bridges through her work, as she explained when she appeared as a guest on the Mayman Show. Growing up as the daughter of a Saudi ambassador, she dreamed of following the same path. In many ways, she did — but her 'embassy' was her kitchen and she chose food, rather than politics, as her language. After a childhood spent in various continents, Gazzaz now has a YouTube kitchen that feels like home and has taken it upon herself to show the world what real Saudi food and real Saudi women are all about. During her interview, she recalled her time living in different parts of the world and her parents' creative expression. 'My parents are very diverse. And they're not just diplomats; they are creative in many ways. My dad is a gardener; he collects old antique cars, he collects old pocket watches,' she said. She has fond memories of living in Pakistan during her father's tenure in the late 1980s: 'It's a beautiful country; the people are so beautiful. Living in six countries and just being exposed to the world and the different cultures they have, it's just like … it creates something in you as an individual. It makes you more connected somehow.' Her exposure to different cultures and the connections she made helped her become the person who is now presenting the joy of Saudi cooking to the world. She carries her experiences with her — the countries, the cultures and the people — and some of what she has seen means she is especially appreciative of the stability and security she enjoys in Saudi Arabia. 'That's what made me as Eman, what changed me as somebody who lived abroad,' she said. 'I appreciate coming to Saudi Arabia and the safety and the security that we experienced. When I was studying in the American school in Karachi, one of my classmates got kidnapped. And he was kidnapped for six months.' Gazzaz explained that previously she traveled around with a bodyguard and in a bullet-proof car to ensure her safety and security. 'Every time I come to Saudi Arabia I'm just like, 'We don't have to lock the door, we don't have a bodyguard, nobody is carrying a gun.' That made me feel like… coming back home made me feel so safe,' she said. Eman also recalls a childhood memory of making a popular Saudi dish with her father. 'Every time we go outdoors, he always cooks the same dish and it's actually one of my favorite dishes, which is saleeg (a white rice dish, cooked with broth and milk),' she said. 'I used to help him do the chicken, strain the stock and take the food out. And I grew up tasting these flavors and just eating the saleeg outdoors and being part of that experience, just me being so close to saleeg. My daughter loves saleeg as well.' Cooking was always a family affair. Gazzaz's mother was known for her delicious salads, while everyone had a role to play in preparing meals. 'From both sides of my parents, they were very good cooks. My dad is very good at barbecuing,' she said. 'He loves to go to the beach every weekend. When we were living abroad, he always rented a place, and he used to make the barbecue and marinate (the food) and barbecue it.' Her own YouTube fame, Gazzaz credits to both her husband and her friend, Alia. Back in 2010, Alia visited for a month and revealed she had her own channel, Cooking with Alia. 'When she came, she's like, 'Eman, I have a YouTube channel.' Back in 2010, YouTube was like five, six years old, It was still very new,' recalled Gazzaz. Alia wanted her to present Saudi dishes on YouTube — something that made Gazzaz pause. At that time, it was not common for Saudi women to show their faces on social media, so she replied that she would have to ask her husband. His response, said Gazzaz, was: 'Do what you want.' 'He is a Miami boy, so he's very chilled,' she explained. She took it as an opportunity to show off her national dress, as well as the food. '(I thought) I'll wear my abaya, I'll put on my tarha (scarf), introduce my clothes and my outfits and things like that, and that's what we did,' she said. From there, grew the first Saudi channel that introduced the world to the Kingdom's culture through food. Gazzaz has also written a book, 'A Saudi Mandela,' which is a meditation and coloring book for adults.
