Sudan’s speciality ‘bittersweet’ Ramadan drink

In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it. (@USEmbassyKRT)
1 / 2
In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it. (@USEmbassyKRT)
In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it. (@USEmbassyKRT)
2 / 2
In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it. (@USEmbassyKRT)
Short Url
Updated 26 March 2023

Sudan’s speciality ‘bittersweet’ Ramadan drink

In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it.
  • In Sudan, the arduously made “helo-murr,” which means “bittersweet,” is a drink synonymous with Ramadan
  • It can be found on almost every table across the northeast African country at the end of the day’s fast

OM ESHR, Sudan: As generations of Sudanese have done before her, Wissal Abdel Ghany crouched next to a fire to prepare a traditional drink, a thirst-quenching favorite enjoyed during the fasting month of Ramadan.
In Sudan, the arduously made “helo-murr,” which means “bittersweet,” is a drink synonymous with the Islamic holy month.
It can be found on almost every table across the northeast African country at the end of the day’s fast.
“Without it, our table feels empty,” said Abdel Ghany, wearing a bright orange headscarf.
She sat in a small room in the village of Om Eshr, on the outskirts of the capital Khartoum, which teemed with a small force of women busily scraping and spreading a mixture before serving the beverage in clear glasses.
The drink has satisfied thirsty fasters for decades and recipes are “inherited from our mothers and grandmothers,” the 43-year-old said.
Corn is harvested and left to dry in the sun before being ground and mixed with spices such as fenugreek, cumin or even hibiscus — Sudan’s other essential Ramadan beverage.
This mixture is then soaked in sugar and water for several days.
Abdel Ghany spread a layer of the thick brown paste over a grill plate above the coals of a wood fire, cooking it into a thin, leather-colored film.
The resulting crepe-like layer is then peeled away and stored — ready to be soaked in the final step to create the beloved drink.
Served as cold as possible, the drink is one of many ways that fasting Sudanese cool off, a significant challenge in one of the world’s hottest countries.
The daytime fasting month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, after which they traditionally gather with family and friends to break their fast.
In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it, with diplomats wielding wooden spoons over embers and sipping the amber liquid.
Abdel Ghany said preparing the drink is a collective effort, bringing “together our sisters and friends.”
“We make it together to share among ourselves,” she said.
In Sudan’s cities, she added, some people don’t make it themselves.
“But they still have to offer it for dinner, so they buy it ready-made,” she said.
For Abdel Ghany, the preparation of helo-murr and the holy month cannot be separated.
“All it takes is a whiff of the scent coming out of a home to know that Ramadan is here,” she said.


Japanese celebrity chef captures hearts in Riyadh

Japanese celebrity chef captures hearts in Riyadh
Updated 30 May 2023

Japanese celebrity chef captures hearts in Riyadh

Japanese celebrity chef captures hearts in Riyadh
  • Teruzushi — with 50 years of history across three generations of sushi chefs — is located in the small-town ward of Tobata in Northern Kyushu’s countryside

RIYADH: Famous Japanese sushi restaurant Teruzushi, based in the Northern Kyushu prefecture, has opened its first overseas branch in Riyadh.

Located in the luxury VIA Riyadh precinct, the restaurant held a pre-launch event on May 11.

The restaurant was already the subject of attention after VIA Riyadh released a commercial starring famous Colombian-US model and “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara, who at one point during the clip had a huge knife pointed at her by famous Japanese chef Takayoshi Watanabe, who later serves the actress sushi.

Three Japanese chefs presenting authentic Japanese taste in the Via Riyadh Mercato area with the sushi and wagyu beef. (AN photo: Huda Bashatah)

Arab News Japan spoke to Junpei Moriya, a chef at Teruzushi. He began his career aged 18 close to Tokyo in Gunma prefecture, an area famous for its countryside hot spring resort (Kusatsu Onsen) and which boasts the largest flowing hot water volume in Japan.

Moriya, who will turn 30 this year, later moved to Tokyo to learn how to prepare kaiseki-ryori, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that requires fine technique and preparation.

He continued on that path for 10 years but one day sent an Instagram message to Watanabe to ask for an opportunity to work at Teruzushi. He worked for two years under the celebrity chef in Japan before being offered a position at the restaurant’s new outlet in the Kingdom.

“It all started when I helped my mother cook by making a little omelet. I was incredibly happy when I saw my mom’s happy face when I made her that omelet,” Moriya told Arab News Japan.

Teruzushi — with 50 years of history across three generations of sushi chefs — is located in the small-town ward of Tobata in Northern Kyushu’s countryside.

Watanabe chose Saudi Arabia as the ideal location for the restaurant’s first overseas venture because it offered a rare and once in a lifetime opportunity to do business in the Middle East.

The Riyadh outlet is located inside VIA Riyadh’s Via Mercato, a luxury food market concept that offers a variety of artisanal and specialty food products to enjoy at home or in the market itself.

There are three Japanese chefs in the Riyadh branch — Watanabe, nicknamed “Sushi Bae,” Moriya, also known as JP, and Haruhisa Kitagawa, nicknamed BB, who hails from Tokyo prefecture.

Moriya said that the lack of sushi culture in Saudi Arabia offers an opportunity for the Japanese chefs to showcase their work, adding that he looks forward to the day when the raw fish dishes are accepted in the Kingdom.

“The most liked sushi is salmon, and tuna is extremely popular as well. As most Saudis like spicy food, yuzu pepper is popular, too,’’ he said.

“At Teruzushi, the food is divided into four seasons resembling the beautiful four seasons in Japan, and I feel that the seasons are one of the best things about Japan,” he added.

The restaurant changes its menu and ingredients with each passing season. (AN photo: Huda Bashatah)

The restaurant changes its menu and ingredients with each passing season, with the exception of Watanabe’s favorite dish, kuru (grouper fish), which is a mainstay of the celebrity chef’s videos on TikTok and Instagram.

“By having more Japanese food spreading, people understand how simple and delicious it tastes. That way Saudi people would want to come sightseeing in Japan,” Moriya said.

 


Where We Are Going Today: 5 Rivers Indian Restaurant

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 27 May 2023

Where We Are Going Today: 5 Rivers Indian Restaurant

Photo/Supplied
  • The restaurant has a special tandoor menu for guests who enjoy BBQ platters. The seekh kebab, murgh tikka trio (chicken tikka), and lehsuni jheenga (garlic jumbo prawn) are definitely not to be missed

Indian food is a delightful combination of myriad ingredients and flavors, and fine-dining destination 5 Rivers offers guests a taste of the country’s famous culinary traditions.
The restaurant, perfect for corporate luncheons and private gatherings with family and friends, serves truly authentic flavors of India to the table.
Our meal began with toasted papadums served with yogurt chutney made of coriander, mint, and chilies.
There are many options to choose from, but for starters, we had murgh yakhani and tamatar tulsi shorba — a tomato basil soup that is a must-try. The aloo akharot ki tikki, or potato-walnut patties served with yogurt, mint, and tamarind chutney, and the melt-in-your-mouth crunchy Chicken 65 are equally appetizing.
Guests can enjoy the view of a live open kitchen, where the flames and action at the tandoors — large, urn-shaped ovens — make for an entertaining experience.
The restaurant has a special tandoor menu for guests who enjoy BBQ platters. The seekh kebab, murgh tikka trio (chicken tikka), and lehsuni jheenga (garlic jumbo prawn) are definitely not to be missed.
For the main course, quintessential dishes like butter chicken, the Hyderabadi chicken korma, rara ghosht (lamb mince and cubes onion-tomato gravy), dal makhani, mixed vegetable jalfrezi and palak paneer (cottage cheese cooked with mildly spiced spinach sauce) are worth trying.
The freshly served naans, or Indian bread, also deserve a special mention for being irresistibly soft and fluffy.

End your meal with 5 Rivers’ mojitos, which come in different flavors ranging from strawberry to blueberry, or a warm cup of Indian karak tea.

The staff is welcoming and available to explain the unique aspects of the dishes on the menu.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Saudi Restaurant Marble

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 23 May 2023

Where We Are Going Today: Saudi Restaurant Marble

Photo/Supplied
  • The restaurant ambience is luxurious, with elegant green marbled tables and oak walls

Saudi restaurant chain Marble specializes in high-quality meat and smoked dishes, with branches in Riyadh and Dhahran upholding the tradition of family-owned smokers and open-flame grillers.

Among the restaurant’s offerings are a mouthwatering smoked brisket in an offset smoker with Samer wood. Ribs are also cooked in an offset smoker with Samer wood for a minimum of eight hours.

The 180 gram Marble burger is served in a brioche bun with caramelized onion, cheese and special sauce.

To add to the meaty goodness, the restaurant serves a wide selection of appetizers such as tenderloin foam, Korean tacos, rocca salad, French fries and mashed potato.

The dessert menu is not extensive, but includes cheesecake, panna cotta and creme brulee.

The restaurant ambience is luxurious, with elegant green marbled tables and oak walls.

Prices are reasonable considering the opulent setting and high-quality menu. The 200 gram flame-grilled tenderloin of Angus with truffle oil-infused asparagus, potato peel crisp and homemade garlic puree costs SR289 ($77).

To learn more about the family-owned restaurant, visit Instagram @marblecuisine.

 

 


Three new restaurants in Dubai receive Michelin star status at second edition  

Three new restaurants in Dubai receive Michelin star status at second edition  
Updated 23 May 2023

Three new restaurants in Dubai receive Michelin star status at second edition  

Three new restaurants in Dubai receive Michelin star status at second edition  

DUBAI: Four restaurants in Dubai on Tuesday received a Michelin star at the guide’s second edition in the UAE city during a ceremony that took place at Atlantis The Royal hotel.  

Three places won one star each, while one restaurant received two stars. The awarded eateries represented a range of cuisines, including Indian, British and Japanese.   

One star went to Avatãra restaurant in Voco Hotel, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Atlantis The Royal and Moonrise, an Omakase restaurant located on the rooftop of Eden House.

Trèsind Studio received two stars, after being awarded one star in last year’s ceremony.  

The restaurants that maintained their one-star rating from last year’s list are 11 Woodfire, Al-Muntaha, Armani Ristorante, Hakkasan, Höseki, Ossiano, Tasca by Jose Avillez and Torno Subito.  

“We started our first restaurant in 2013 and we never new we would come this far,” head of the eatery, Himanshu Saini, said after winning the award.  

Both two-star restaurants — Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, with its Italian fare, and French cuisine-based Stay by Yannick Alleno — retained their ratings from last year. 

No restaurants received the extremely rare three-star award. 

The Michelin Green Star award, which spotlights restaurants that practice and promote sustainable gastronomy, was given to the contemporary eatery LOWE in Al-Barari – which also won the award last year — Spanish-influenced restaurant Boca and Teible and a minimalistic bakery-cum-restaurant at the Jameel Arts Centre. 

The best service award went to Tomislav Lokvicic, the general manager at La Mar by Gastóon Acurio. (Supplied_

The best service award went to Tomislav Lokvicic, the general manager at La Mar by Gastóon Acurio, while Arturo Scamardella from Dinner by Heston Blumenthal won the Sommelier Award.  

“I am beyond excited and surprised,” said Lokvicic after receiving the award.  

Chef Omkar Walve at Avatãra won the Young Chef Award. “I am feeling blessed to receive this award,” said Walve. 

Arturo Scamardella from Dinner by Heston Blumenthal won the Sommelier Award. (Supplied)

For the second edition, the guide introduced a new award called Opening of the Year Award that went to Iranian American chef Ariana Bundy from Ariana’s Persian Kitchen in Atlantis, The Royal. “I like to thank my family for interring good food at an early age,” she said.  

The new Bib Gourmand restaurants are 21 Grams, 3Fils and Aamara. This award puts the spotlight on the restaurants offering authentic and memorable culinary experiences at a moderate price. Launched in 1997, this distinction highlights restaurants offering quality and value cooking.  

The 21 selected restaurants added to the list were 99 Sushi Bar, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, At.Mosphere, Boca, Chic Nonna, City Social, Fouquet’s, French Riviera, Jaleo, Josette, Jun’s L’Olivo at Al-Mahara, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Maya Bay, Milos, Mina Brasserie, Mott 32, Pierchic, RSVP, Rüya and TakaHisa.  

Issam Kazim is the chief executive officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin, Michelin experiences director of communication. (Supplied)

“This is a very proud moment for us. Last year it was the announcement of the first guide in the region, the Dubai guide that had 69 restaurants listed,” Issam Kazim, chief executive officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said at the start of the event. “The gastronomy scene in Dubai is something we’ve always highlighted as a key pillar for the composition of the destination.  

“It was a proud moment for us as a city to be able to work with a world-renowned brand like the Michelin guide to be able to come, celebrate and showcase all these efforts,” he added. 

Gaganjot Singh, Michelin’s president in Africa, India and the Middle East, said: “Our journey with Michelin Guide started a year ago, but we have been present in Dubai for more than seven decades now with our products and our services.”

“Since 1900, the Michelin Guide teams have been dedicated to proposing to international travelers and food lovers the best of what hotels and restaurants could offer. In doing so, we highlight the outstanding professionals who are committed to excellence,” he added. 


Where We Are Going Today: Nakhati Gelato in Riyadh

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 20 May 2023

Where We Are Going Today: Nakhati Gelato in Riyadh

Photo/Supplied
  • Its gelato flavors have been created to reflect local culture, for example, Madinah mint after the holy city’s famous fresh herb, and its popular sweet klaija

A flavor of Italy is available for Saudis at Nakhati in Riyadh’s upmarket Al-Nakheel district.

The gelato outlet aims to offer a high-quality dining experience for its customers with a range of tastes designed to suit all palates.

Nakhati’s gelato preparation techniques were perfected in Italy, and its products are made with natural ingredients, less sugar, and healthy fats.

Its gelato flavors have been created to reflect local culture, for example, Madinah mint after the holy city’s famous fresh herb, and its popular sweet klaija.

Drinks are also served and include iced hibiscus tea, hazelnut cappuccino, Arabic iced coffee, and vegan iced mocha.

In addition, customers can hire its Creative Space set up as part of the company’s mission to promote, mentor, facilitate knowledge sharing, and celebrate success among female entrepreneurs.

For more information visit https://www.instagram.com/nakhati.ksa/.