Where We Are Going Today: ‘Blanca Pizzeria’ restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 30 August 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Blanca Pizzeria’ restaurant in Riyadh

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  • Blanca Pizzeria, which won the 2024 Caterer Saudi award, also offers a full menu of non-pizza items

Blanca Pizzeria is an award-winning restaurant with outlets in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar and Tabuk.

It offers about 20 varieties of pizzas, including garlic shrimp, pumpkin, meat, as well as regular options.

If you dine at the eatery, there is complimentary flatbread to start the meal.

Blanca Pizzeria, which won the 2024 Caterer Saudi award, also offers a full menu of non-pizza items.

Soups, several fresh salad options and other dishes are available. The pasta selection is extensive, and includes an oven pasta dish.

Arab News enjoyed the spaghetti eggplant for SR46 ($12).

For drinks, Blanca serves a classic mojito, a passion fruit version and a berry option, for SR35 each. We opted for the berry mojito, which was highly recommended by our waiter. Sparkling or still water bottles are also available, as well as sodas.

There are dishes designed for sharing, such as the bruschetta, truffle risotto and the popular “In Parmesan” option, or pasta alla ruota, which has chefs prepare a pasta or risotto dish in a hollowed-out cheese wheel.

Diners can also enjoy the popular creme brulee for SR33.

Visit Blanca Pizzeria on instagram @Blanca_Forno.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Haldi’ in Jeddah

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Updated 24 September 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Haldi’ in Jeddah

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  • Soup fans will not be disappointed as Haldi’s variety ranges from murgh sajneki shorba, a flavorful chicken broth with Indian spices, to the seafood bisque known as seafood shorba, cooked with traditional Indian herbs

Located in Jeddah’s Rawdah district, Haldi offers an enjoyable dining experience that transports you straight to the heart of India.

With luxurious interiors that set the stage for the meal, Haldi’s atmosphere is both welcoming and elegant. The warm service paired with the bold flavors of Indian cuisine create a memorable dining experience.

Haldi’s extensive menu includes both classic dishes and innovative fusion creations, giving diners a range of options to explore, including a rotating selection of signature, seafood, and royal meals, encouraging guests to try something different each time they visit.

For starters, the salads offer a refreshing take on Indian flavors, such as the palak patta salad with crispy baby spinach and tamarind mint dressing, and the lamb seekh kebab salad with bell peppers and lemon dressing.

Soup fans will not be disappointed as Haldi’s variety ranges from murgh sajneki shorba, a flavorful chicken broth with Indian spices, to the seafood bisque known as seafood shorba, cooked with traditional Indian herbs.

Haldi takes its authentic Indian cuisine seriously while catering to individual preferences. Each dish can be tailored to your desired level of heat, from mild to intense.

For those who enjoy grilled dishes, Haldi offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The palak sikham puri, a pan-seared patty made with organic spinach and almonds, and the veg seekh kebab are excellent vegetarian choices.

Meat lovers will enjoy the bhatti da murgh, a yogurt-marinated chicken with tandoori spices, or the mutton kadhai, a succulent mutton dish with a rich symphony of spices.

For the main course, Haldi’s variety of curries and biryanis are must-tries. The chicken Hyderabadi biryani and mutton Lucknowi biryani are two standout dishes, while the bhindi amchuri, a ladyfinger dish tossed with dry mango powder, and the sunehri kofta makhan palak, vegetable dumplings in a rich spinach gravy, provide exciting vegetarian options.

Traditional favorites like chicken 65 and butter chicken are delectable, while the restaurant’s mutton curries are a feast for the senses.

Desserts at Haldi are equally indulgent. The ghewar, a flour and ghee biscuit topped with cheese milk and pistachio flakes, and the three-o-halwa, a mix of lentil, carrot, and pumpkin sweets, offer the perfect sweet conclusion to your meal.

For vegetarians and Indian food enthusiasts alike, Haldi stands out as a must-visit destination, with its variety of dishes and impeccable service setting it apart from other restaurants in Jeddah.

For the latest updates, follow on Instagram @haldi.sa.

 


Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East

Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East
Updated 24 September 2024
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Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East

Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East

DUBAI: It began as a niche offering, but Japanese cuisine has become a captivating choice for food enthusiasts in the Gulf.

Carole Moawad, Dubai-based founder of restaurant Uchi in the UAE and dessert ice cream spot M’oishi in Saudi Arabia, has been at the forefront of its growth.

Carole Moawad is a Dubai-based founder of restaurant Uchi in the UAE and dessert ice cream spot M’oishi in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)

With a passion for both Japanese cuisine and hospitality, Moawad has helped introduce the country’s delicate flavors to a new audience.

Reflecting on the evolution of the region’s appetite for Japanese food, Moawad told Arab News: “Initially, it was a niche market primarily appealing to expatriates and adventurous locals. However, as curiosity about diverse culinary experiences grew, Japanese food gained widespread popularity.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by UCHI DIFC (@uchi.uae)

She believes Japanese cuisine resonates with people in the region due to its emphasis on freshness, quality and presentation. “The growing health consciousness among consumers also plays a significant role, as many Japanese dishes are lighter and focus on natural flavors,” she said.

M’oishi, her Saudi Arabian venture, has been met with enthusiastic demand: “We’ve opened three M’oishi shops in Riyadh, and the mango and coconut mochi ice cream flavors have become our bestsellers,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by UCHI DIFC (@uchi.uae)

The brand has also tapped into a craving for on-trend drinks, with bubble tea becoming a customer favorite.

Importing fresh ingredients from Japan is particularly important.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by M'OISHÎ UAE (@moishi.uae)

“For Uchi, for example, we make sure to import fresh ingredients from Japan weekly, especially the seafood,” she told Arab News. “For M’oishi, we import the mochi rice powder, matcha powder, yuzu, etc. on a quarterly basis which make it easier to manage.”

The restauranteur emphasized the importance of adaptability and strong team building, which have been key during her journey.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by M'OISHÎ UAE (@moishi.uae)

“The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, and being open to change has allowed us to innovate and grow,” she said.

“The response to mochi ice cream has been overwhelmingly positive, and we see potential for growth through partnerships and different locations within the Kingdom.”


World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year

World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year
Updated 23 September 2024
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World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year

World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year

LONDON: The world’s largest halal food festival returns to London for its ninth year, with organizers anticipating more than 20,000 visitors.

The World Halal Food Festival will take place from Sept. 28-29 at the London Stadium, displaying a wide range of cuisines from around the globe.

The event features a carefully selected lineup of vendors, chefs and food stalls representing countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco and Indonesia, among others.

Event director Waleed Jahangir spoke to Arab News, noting the growing demand for halal-certified products as the global Muslim population continues to expand.

“The growing interest in ethical, sustainable and high-quality food sources has attracted not just Muslim consumers, but people from all backgrounds to halal food,” Jahangir said.

A new addition this year is the Celebrity Chef Cookery Theatre, hosted by Shelina Permalloo, known for her appearances on ITV’s “Cooking with the Stars.” She will be joined by other top chefs in leading interactive cooking demonstrations. Celebrities such as Nadiya Hussain and Big Zuu, as well as actors from Netflix, are expected to attend the event.

The festival has expanded its family-friendly offerings with an enlarged childrens’ zone and bazaar. It has also partnered with Our Future Health to provide a mobile health clinic on-site, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in health research and have checkups.

“We also encourage discussions and conversations at the festival through interactive panels, giving people from all walks of life a space to connect over shared values of food, culture and community,” Jahangir added.

Organizers emphasized their commitment to supporting a diverse range of businesses, offering smaller, local vendors prime spaces at the festival to ensure they have high visibility.

The “Local Flavours” will focus on artisanal food producers, giving them a platform to show their products to thousands of festival visitors eager to explore new tastes.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘ROKA’ Japanese restaurant

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Updated 22 September 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘ROKA’ Japanese restaurant

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  • The highlight of the evening will be the “Make Your Own” sushi platter experience, allowing guests to create their sushi plate from a premium selection of rolls

Roka in Riyadh and Jeddah is offering a culinary experience that merges tradition with innovation for Saudi National Day.

Guests can indulge in a special aojiru mocktail and a delightful green tea mochi for just SR25 ($6.66) and SR45, respectively. The vibrant atmosphere will be complemented by a live DJ performance from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., making it a great venue for a celebration.

The highlight of the evening will be the “Make Your Own” sushi platter experience, allowing guests to create their sushi plate from a premium selection of rolls. This interactive dining option pays homage to the culinary artistry of sushi-making.

In addition to the National Day festivities, Roka Riyadh has announced an exclusive two-night collaboration with Saudi Chef Nawal Al-Khawali on Sept. 26 and 27.

This limited-time menu will artfully blend the bold flavors of Saudi cuisine with the refined tastes of Japan, providing diners with a fusion culinary experience.

The exclusive set menu, priced at SR380 for dinner, features a variety of dishes. Starters include yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing and rock shrimp tempura seasoned with wasabi peas and chili mayonnaise, in addition to the zaatar roasted cauliflower served with spicy tahini sauce and cauliflower leaf chips.

The pickled date and spinach salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, combining the sweetness of dates with crunchy sumac-coated almonds and creamy fried goat cheese.

For the main course, diners can savor an exquisite selection that includes the Red Sea najel fish baked in sayadia spices, tender beef fillet infused with chili and ginger, a unique Japanese barley jareesh hot pot, and a baked potato topped with Saudi truffle.

Desserts are equally impressive, featuring sticky date pudding served with cardamom camel milk gelato, Saudi coffee caramel and miso creme brulee paired with pistachio ice cream.

For updates, check @rokarestaurant.sa on Instagram.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Uskudar Steak House in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Uskudar Steak House in Riyadh
Updated 19 September 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Uskudar Steak House in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Uskudar Steak House in Riyadh

Uskudar Steak House promises a luxurious dining experience and, with a focus on high-quality meats, it’s a go-to destination for steak enthusiasts in Riyadh.

The outdoor dining area is instantly inviting, with cozy lighting from small table lamps, lush greenery and palm trees creating a tranquil atmosphere. Rustic wooden decking and decorative wall lighting enhance the intimate, elegant vibe. 

You will love their delightful goat cheese salad, a standout starter featuring a refreshing combination of fresh greens and creamy, tangy cheese with perfectly balanced flavors.

For the mains, Uskudar boasts a solid selection of wagyu-based dishes. The wagyu burger is highly recommended — juicy, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection. Its simplicity allows the quality of the meat to shine through, making it a must-try for burger lovers.

The wagyu spaghetti (marbling 6/7) offers a unique take on pasta, with the richness of the beef adding depth to each bite. The wagyu ribeye (marbling 6/7) doesn’t disappoint either, with its buttery texture and intense flavor, though it might cater more to those with a heartier appetite. 

The restaurant’s commitment to quality is reflected in the in-house meat display. A beautifully arranged selection of premium cuts sits elegantly in a glass case, garnished with sprigs of rosemary. In addition, there is a dedicated aging chamber lined with salt blocks, adding a gourmet touch to their wagyu offerings. 

Delicious baklawa provides a sweet, satisfying end to the evening. However, while the food hits all the right taste buds, the one let-down is the drink — the sweetness of the beverage is overpowering and slightly overshadows the overall experience. 

Uskudar Steak House is a haven for meat lovers and, although it could use some minor tweaks, it is well worth a visit for its top-notch wagyu offerings.

The location is also a plus, with a convenient spot in An Nakheel and plenty of parking available.