Where We Are Going Today: ‘Layali Al Iraq’ in Jeddah
Layali Al Iraq has an enclosed grilling room where the signature grilled carp (shabout) is cooked upright over a fire
Updated 14 June 2025
Nada Hameed
Layali Al Iraq restaurant in Jeddah offers authentic Iraqi cuisine in a traditional setting.
The restaurant’s spacious interiors feature classic Iraqi elements including mashrabiya woodwork, stone walls, murals, and a central fountain. Soft Iraqi music adds to the calm atmosphere.
While browsing the menu, guests are offered complimentary lentil soup, lemon slices, and saj bread — a nice touch.
I tried the tabbouleh, Mosuli-style kibbeh, and a cold mezze platter. The tabbouleh was large — enough for several people — and all the ingredients were fresh and flavorsome.
Layali Al Iraq has an enclosed grilling room where the signature grilled carp (shabout) is cooked upright over a fire. I ordered a 1 kg carp, which arrived nicely crisped and served with fresh vegetables.
The lamb shoulder came with both plain and tomato-based rice, plus pistachio-stuffed kebabs — hearty and well-seasoned.
To finish, traditional Iraqi tea istikanah is served in authentic cups by staff in traditional dress.
Service was quick, and prices are reasonable given the portion sizes. Visit @layali_al.iraq_restaurant on Instagram for more information.
What We Are Buying Today: ‘Lovera’ Saudi chocolate brand
Updated 16 July 2025
Nada Hameed
Lovera is a Saudi chocolate brand with branches across the Kingdom and the GCC.
One day, while visiting a friend on short notice, I wanted to bring a gift that was both delicious and visually appealing. This is when I stumbled across Lovera on ToYou.
I chose the salted caramel bites, coated in fine Belgian chocolate and topped with crispy almonds.
The box contained three layers, about 35 pieces in total, and came in vibrant neon-orange packaging tied with a beautiful ribbon.
The chocolates were a hit; rich, smooth and perfectly balanced in flavor.
They offer a wide range of collections, including crunchy bites, truffles and seasonal assortments, but they may not suit all budgets as prices are on the higher end.
They also provide catering services for large events such as weddings, Eid gatherings and corporate parties. This includes options beyond chocolates, including tarts, eclairs, brownies and elegant finger canapes.
Lovera also has a cafe that serves a selection of cakes, hot and cold drinks, desserts, ice cream, mojitos and breakfast items. Their service can sometimes be slow and the items on the menu may not always be available.
Where We Are Going Today: Fika & Go – Swedish Restaurant in Al-Khobar
The classic fika staple, the kanelbulle — or cinnamon bun — was the first thing I dug into (SR9, $2) alongside an iced latte (SR14) to help with the scorching summer heat
Updated 16 July 2025
Jasmine Bager
Take a Swedish break without the flight to Sweden — right in the Eastern Province.
We made the drive to Saihat to sample from the original branch of Fika & Go, which opened three years ago. The hole-in-the-wall joint is reminiscent of the coffee shops I came across on my recent trip to Stockholm, where I quickly adopted “fika” into my diet and daily itinerary.
The name of the cafe itself is a nod to the Swedish tradition of “fika.” Coined in the 19th century by scrambling the syllables of the word “kaffi,” the old Swedish spelling of coffee, “fika” began as playful slang for the drink itself.
Over the 20th century, it took on a new meaning: a moment of connection with others while savoring a light, sweet treat.
The classic fika staple, the kanelbulle — or cinnamon bun — was the first thing I dug into (SR9, $2) alongside an iced latte (SR14) to help with the scorching summer heat. It hit the spot just fine, though it was slightly different from the ones I tasted in Sweden.
We followed that with an assortment of croissants, each more satisfying than the last. We liked the new akkawi cheese croissant (SR16) and the zataar chocolate one (SR12).
The cheesecake eclair ball was definitely an easy bite, filled with gooey goodness. We also liked the mini mille-feuille, which oozed pastry cream in the right proportion.
The Saihat location offered clean and fast service, but there was zero seating and no restroom. Many delivery drivers were coming in and out for HungerStation orders. True to its name, that branch really is “fika and go” — strictly takeaway.
A year ago, the brand expanded to Alkhobar. Unlike the original, this one has indoor seating, making it more of a sit-down cafe experience.
In a region packed with cafes, Fika & Go has carved out its own identity by fusing Scandinavian rituals with Middle Eastern flavors — offering a little taste of Stockholm, with a Saudi twist.
For more details, check their Instagram @fika_and_go.
Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval
Updated 15 July 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Lebanese Australian duo, model Jessica Kahawaty and mother Rita, have launched their own cookbook — with no less a person than Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox providing a cover quote.
Kahawaty and her mother are the minds behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita and the book, “Mama Rita: Family recipes from the Mediterranean,” is now available for pre-order ahead of its release in September.
It is endorsed by Cox, who says it is “a must-have for anyone who is passionate about cooking and loves food as much as I do.”
Writing on Instagram on Monday, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist, and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm, and generous.
“Years of love, passion, late nights and so many memories. It’s all finally coming to life just as Mama Rita turns five this September,” she added.
Kahawaty is on an entrepreneurial roll, having launched jewelry brand Kahawaty Jewels alongside her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, in May. Based in Dubai, it continues the family’s long-standing tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.
“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”
For Jessica, building the brand with her father has been a meaningful journey.
“He’s the only man I trust when it comes to diamonds and jewelry. He has an impeccable eye for detail and quality. He has the most incredible craftsmanship. I learned so much from him and launching this with my father feels like a true partnership,” she said.
From Nigeria to Makkah, sereh finds a home on Saudi tables
The introduction of sereh to Saudi Arabia is believed to be linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, when people from across the world brought with them their cultural traditions, including food
Updated 14 July 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Sereh, a beloved African dish rooted in Nigerian tradition, has carved out a place for itself in the culinary landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Once popular as a street food in Makkah’s older neighborhoods such as Al-Mansour, Al-Hafayer, and Al-Barno, sereh has grown beyond its origins to reflect a story of migration, cultural exchange, and shared taste.
Traditionally, sereh consists of skewered beef seasoned with a bold blend of African spices. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Traditionally, sereh — also known as tsire or suya — consists of skewered beef seasoned with a bold blend of African spices, then roasted over an open flame. This method creates not only a flavorful dish but an aromatic experience that draws people in.
“Tamiz, or Afghani bread, was also a street food, so they were often enjoyed together,” said Rodwan Fallatah, owner of the African restaurant AfriQ in Riyadh.
FASTFACT
Sereh’s journey from West African street stalls to Saudi dinner tables captures the essence of Makkah’s openness.
“You roast the sereh until it’s hot, and with tamiz nearby, you simply grab some hot bread to enjoy with it.”
The dish originates from the Hausa tribe, an ethnic group with a strong presence in northern Nigeria, southern Niger, and beyond.
Traditionally, sereh consists of skewered beef seasoned with a bold blend of African spices. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
“As a proud member of the Hausa tribe, I take great pride in seeing our traditional dish being enjoyed far beyond Hausa land, reaching communities across Africa and even here in Saudi Arabia,” said Zainab Hawsawi, a Saudi writer and businesswoman.
She noted that the typical Hausa kitchen is a treasure trove of rich and diverse flavors, featuring meat dishes like dambu nama, delicately shredded and seasoned dried beef; kilishi, thinly sliced, spiced, and sun-dried meat; and balangu, famous for its juicy, freshly grilled pieces.
“But nothing compares to the explosion of flavors you experience when eating suya, especially as you dip each piece into yaji, the signature blend of spicy suya dipping spices,” she added.
The introduction of sereh to Saudi Arabia is believed to be linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, when people from across the world brought with them their cultural traditions, including food.
Sereh gradually integrated into the local food scene, creating a fusion of flavors that captivated the taste buds of residents.
“I think the logical answer would be migration,” said Fallatah, emphasizing how pilgrims helped introduce the dish into Makkah’s multicultural food scene.
Makkah, long regarded as a cultural crossroads, provided fertile ground for this culinary exchange. As locals encountered new dishes, they began to experiment and adapt.
Originally from Madinah, Fallatah moved to Riyadh in 1997 and opened AfriQ, where he serves sereh among other dishes.
His passion for African cuisine has made his restaurant a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
“The spices are unique, and the preparation of sereh is different. Locals observe and learn, and soon they want to try it themselves,” he explained, noting that demand is especially strong in hotels catering to pilgrims and tourists.
Sereh’s journey from West African street stalls to Saudi dinner tables captures the essence of Makkah’s openness and the Kingdom’s growing embrace of cultural diversity through food.
As it continues to evolve, sereh stands as a flavorful reminder of how Saudi kitchens are becoming more globally inspired — one skewer at a time.
Where We Are Going Today: Kermal – Lebanese lounge in Jeddah
The cherry kebab offers a sweet-savory twist and is worth trying, while the sea bass sayadieh was served with fragrant fish rice topped with fried onions and nuts
Updated 14 July 2025
Afshan Aziz
Located on Al-Kayyal Street in Jeddah, Kermal welcomes you with soft yellow lighting, a cozy interior and vibrant artwork. This Lebanese lounge blends classic flavors with comfort, creating a modern take on a traditional Beirut home.
The menu features lots of familiar favorites and a few standouts. We started with the creamy chicken mushroom soup, which was rich and satisfying, served with toast and a squeeze of lemon.
The rocaa salad with beetroot was fresh and tangy and made for a simple and pleasant starter. Other appetizers include the shrimp fatteh, which had a crispy, creamy tang thanks to the house salsa and the grape leaves and fried potato cubes with yogurt, which were also very tasty.
For mains, the Kermal mixed grill, including juicy lamb chops, tender kebabs and well-seasoned shish tawook served with grilled vegetables, tahini and garlic sauce, was a highlight. Priced at SR135 ($36) it is a generous platter for sharing.
The cherry kebab offers a sweet-savory twist and is worth trying, while the sea bass sayadieh was served with fragrant fish rice topped with fried onions and nuts.
For dessert, the kashta booza made a refreshing finish — creamy and fragrant with a pistachio crunch. Drinks like the pink mojito and raspberry cooler were sweet and enjoyable.
Kermal also has a breakfast menu and lunch deals for options throughout the day. Visit Instagram @kermal.sa for more details.
