MAKKAH: A Saudi-owned bakery in Paris is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s famed patisseries and giving the best French chefs a run for their money.
Blending French charm with Middle Eastern flair, Lam’s offerings include feta and za’atar buns, halva cookies and even the traditional Saudi kleicha.
Its founder, Abdullatef Al-Rashoudi, grew up in a family of seven children. His father, a brigadier general and commander in the Saudi army, relocated the family to the US for work.
His mother, of Syrian descent, was raised in Syria by the well-known Al-Rawaf family from Qassim. This created a unique cultural blend for Al-Rashoudi, shaping his modern outlook.
He told Arab News: “My life took a radical turn after my father passed away in 1997. I transitioned from childhood to facing significant responsibilities at the age of eight.
“I continued my studies at Dar-Assalam schools in Riyadh, graduating in 2007. I then joined the College of Medicine at King Saud University, where I obtained my medical degree in 2013.
“Afterward, I traveled to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious McGill University, and then to France in 2016 to start a fellowship program in orthopedic surgery.”
According to Al-Rashoudi, he faced some difficulties in the program, leading him to pause his studies and return to Riyadh, where he worked at King Saud University for a year.
“In 2019, I decided to completely change my career path after realizing that my true passion lies in culinary arts, not medicine,” he added.
“With the support of my family and a scholarship from the Misk Foundation, I pursued culinary studies at Le Cordon Bleu in France, a longtime dream of mine.
“There, I honed my skills in the arts, and after graduating, I worked in several famous bakeries in France, gaining experience in a field that is highly competitive with chefs of extensive expertise.”
After three years of intensive training, Al-Rashoudi realized his dream of opening his own business in Paris: A cafe that combines baked goods and coffee, distinguished by authentic Saudi touches.
The project brought on a unique challenge, especially in a city where baked goods are often considered an integral part of daily life.
Through his cafe, Al-Rashoudi introduced Saudi kleicha, an old folk Saudi pastry, as an exclusive treat for customers.
It is not part of the regular menu, but through this approach, he aimed to introduce the French public to Saudi culture. His goal was achieved, particularly with the satisfaction he has observed among customers.
With support from the Saudi community in France, who frequently visit Al-Rashoudi’s cafe, Lam has received excellent reviews, earning a five-star rating on Google.
Today, Al-Rashoudi aspires to expand his business to other cities in Europe, with the ultimate goal of blending Saudi culture with global culinary arts, showcasing Saudi cuisine as a leading and contributing force in the world of food.
