Ice cream parlors are smoking HOT, disregarding their predisposition to coolness. Marble Slab Creamery stands out among the many for two main reasons. One is, they make their own ice cream fresh on-site each day anew. A second reason: Their ice cream scoopers know how to spectacularly juggle your order. Really – just pick your favorite combination of ice cream flavors and toppings and watch the employees mix and flip those on a frozen marble countertop (hence the name of the chain). Before you know it, the scoopers throw their balled-up creations high into the air, across the counter even, to have a colleague catch them in an ice cream tub. That’s a tasty dessert and entertainment all wrapped up in one.
Marble Slab can make a variety of up to 77 different flavors. Of course you’ll find old faithfuls like vanilla, strawberry and chocolate… But why not opt for peppermint, cheesecake, honey, butter-pecan or their well-liked birthday cake flavor? If you prefer sorbet, they can do watermelon, raspberry, lemon, green apple and more. Looking for a low-fat variety or one without added sugar? There are over half a dozen to choose from, including frozen yoghurts. People who are lactose intolerant should wait until December, when Marble Slab expects to serve dairy-free ice cream to suit these needs.
All ice creams are made fresh on-site, using in part imported Marble Slab products to ensure a consistent taste. Where possible, they use local produce, like fruits. Unfortunately, up till now, none of the ingredients are organic.
The next step is to choose a size. As Marble Slab is an American franchise chain, their portions are based on American expectations. So a Value size for SR14 already makes for a baseball size serving. The Big Dipper, their largest at SR20, will leave most people gasping for breath. Their Kids sized ice cream for SR 12 is a chubby Benjamin.
Over the last few years, Marble Slab Creamery has rapidly grown to match its oversized ice cream portions. The company was founded in Houston, United States, by two chefs in 1983. They were the first to use a frozen marble countertop, on which the flavors and additional toppings were twisted and folded to create a tasty ensemble.
The toppings and “mixins”, as Marble Slab calls them, consist of a wide choice. There is a variety of fresh fruits to choose from, ranging from blueberry, pineapple, banana to strawberry and raspberry. These are frozen, to keep your creation at the best temperature when you are ready to eat.
Alternatively, you could opt for gummy bears, chocolate chips, marshmallows, granola, cookies or pieces of different chocolate bars. You get one mixin free of charge; for additional ones you pay SR 3 per choice.
Finally, you pick your cone. Marble Slab hand-rolls and bakes their waffle cones and bowls in the store. It is that warm, inviting aroma that immediately greets you as you walk up to the counter. The cones and bowls can be plain, or have a rim hand-dipped in chocolate, cookies, nuts, fudge or sprinkles.
Arab News went to Marble Slab’s flagship store in Jeddah, at Hamad Center in Prince Sultan Street. This branch offers up to 35 seats between the singles’ and family sections. Here, they make the ice cream and bake cookies for all four Jeddah branches, which are at Mall of Arabia, Haifa Mall and Andalus Mall.
In Alkhobar, you will find Marble Slab at Amwaj Mall.
Next month, Marble Slab will start catering in Jeddah. They can bring a portable frozen marble countertop and a choice of ice creams and mixins to cater at parties and large gatherings. In two months’ time, a flagship store will open in Riyadh. The month after that, visitors at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport will get to enjoy ice cream at a new store there.
We chose a value-sized serving of peppermint and Swiss chocolate mixed together in a chocolate and butterfingers-rimmed waffle cone. The scooper mixed in frozen raspberries and chocolate chips, and the result was delicious.
To go, we took an ice cream pizza, their latest best-selling product. Rest assured, it only looks like a pizza, but it is made up entirely of ice cream and toppings on a chocolate sponge base, and it tastes nothing like a real pizza.
We also brought home a few Great American Cookies, the brand Marble Slab sells. These included a few very sweet brownies and cookies in various flavors, including chocolate chip, double fudge, snickerdoodle and peanut butter supreme. Next time we’re looking for a sweet fix – no doubt soon — we’ll know where to go!
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Marble Slab Creamery: ice-cold freshness
Marble Slab Creamery: ice-cold freshness
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Whoa Tea’ in Riyadh
- Whoa Tea is more than just a tea shop; it is a welcoming space where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a solitary moment
Whoa Tea, a tea shop that originated in China, has made its way to Riyadh, bringing with it a vibrant array of Asian beverages and desserts.
Nestled on Tahalia Street in Sulaimaniya district, the cozy cafe specializes in bubble tea and offers a range of delectable mochi, making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.
Upon entering Whoa Tea, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere characterized by charming decor and a relaxing vibe. The cafe is well equipped for social gatherings, featuring board games that encourage fun times with friends. Each table is conveniently outfitted with power outlets, making it an ideal spot for those looking to work or study while enjoying a refreshing drink.
The menu boasts a variety of milk teas, with flavors perfectly balanced for those who prefer a less sugary experience. The brown sugar boba is particularly noteworthy, striking a harmony between sweetness and flavor without overwhelming the palate. Another standout is the matcha jasmine boba, which offers a delightful floral note that complements the rich matcha base.
Desserts at Whoa Tea are equally impressive. The strawberry lava cake and mango lava cake are highlights, both providing a balanced sweetness that enhances their flavors. The matcha cheese drink is a unique offering, featuring high-quality matcha that delivers a smooth, slightly bitter finish, indicative of authentic ceremonial-grade powder.
The staff are friendly and attentive, often providing recommendations based on customer preferences. This personal touch, combined with the cafe’s careful selection of fresh ingredients, elevates the overall experience.
Whoa Tea is more than just a tea shop; it is a welcoming space where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a solitary moment. With its diverse range of boba flavors, exquisite desserts and cozy ambiance, this is a hidden gem in Riyadh that I cannot wait to revisit. Whether you are a boba aficionado or a casual visitor, this cafe promises a memorable experience.
For more details, check Instagram @whoa_tea.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh
- Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food
Ashbiz is a great spot for Uzbek cuisine, offering a rich and flavorful array of foods that combines influences from Central Asia and the Middle East.
The menu is small but full of dishes that burst with flavor, including a favorite of mine, chicken bukhari, which originated in the ancient city of Bukhara.
Bukhari, which can be made with beef, lamb or chicken, is served hot and packs a punch with its aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom and cinnamon.
Noodles are a key feature of Uzbek cuisine and the hand-pulled variety created at Ashbiz are key to its lag’mon: a delicious dish that combines beef or lamb with vegetables in a hearty broth.
Another favorite is the samsa, a tasty bun stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, which resemble the samosa, but instead of being fried is baked in the oven.
The menu also includes manto — a popular handmade steamed dumpling stuffed with a choice of pumpkin or meat and a unique blend of spices — and shish barak soup which has small dumplings.
Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food.
The restaurant has outlets in Riyadh’s Taawun district and the Mohammadiya district of Jeddah.
Black limes: a unique staple of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine
- Dried citrus adds zesty kick to dishes
- Originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climes
RIYADH: Anyone who has not yet dived into the world of black limes is in for a treat. Known in English as dried limes or black lemons, these intriguing ingredients are referred to as noomi basra in Iraq, limoo amani in Iran, and loomi in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
They are a must-have for elevating culinary creations and have graced dishes across the Middle East and North Africa for more than 1,000 years. It’s about time they were brought into every kitchen.
So, what exactly are black limes? Think of them as the sophisticated cousins of fresh limes. They undergo a transformation process: first, they are packed in salt, and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
The result is a hard, dried fruit that delivers a remarkable burst of flavor.
When it comes to taste, black limes pack a powerful punch. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sour and slightly sweet, rounded out by a touch of bitterness.
“It was a game-changer to realize that (adding black lime) isn’t just about adding tanginess to a dish — it’s a full-on spice with a smoky aroma and earthy notes that bring out so much flavor,” Shadia Al-Bayat — a home cook from Qatif — told Arab News.
“Beyond that, it’s packed with nostalgia, calling to mind traditional Gulf dishes like seafood, grilled meats, and hearty stews. It’s also the key to the signature hot ‘loomi’ tea, a staple at traditional gatherings and celebrations,” Al-Bayat added.
FASTFACTS
• Black limes are packed in salt and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
• They add a zesty kick to Saudi dishes; they originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climate.
This unique profile makes them perfect for enhancing stews, tagines and a variety of other dishes. A black lime added to a cooking pot will instantly elevate any meal.
Cooks can get creative with black limes. They can be used whole or crushed into powder, allowing for versatility.
Imagine a flavorful tagine or a warming soup that gets a delightful kick from a black lime. If preferred, the lime can be removed before serving, but leaving it in adds an appealing touch.
For something refreshing, blend black limes into limonana, a delightful drink that combines lemon and mint, perfect for quenching thirst.
And for something soothing, consider brewing some dried lime tea — a comforting drink that can settle the stomach and provide a sense of warmth.
They also make excellent additions to marinades for meats and fish, giving dishes a fantastic zest.
In Saudi cuisine, loomi is a prized ingredient that adds a distinctive tangy flavor to traditional dishes.
In kabsa, a popular rice dish, black lime is added whole or ground to add acidity and elevate the dish’s depth.
Black limes have a history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where they were a valued ingredient in ancient cooking.
Historically, they were prized not just for their flavor, but also for their ability to preserve food in the warm climate. Over time, dried limes became a staple in various cuisines, with each culture adding its own flair to their use.
Today, they are recognized for their versatility and are celebrated in dishes in many cultures.
Beyond their culinary charm, black limes come with health benefits, too. Packed with vitamin C, calcium and potassium, they are a nutritious addition to any diet.
Black limes are a cultural staple. While they share ties with fresh limes, black limes have a distinct personality, bringing an intriguing bitterness and complexity to dishes.
They can even be spotted in spice blends like baharat, because a little extra flavor never hurt anyone.
Black limes are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can bring depth to cooking and are worth adding to any culinary repertoire to impress the taste buds.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Yum-A-Sama’ – a sushi spot in Riyadh
- Pricing is reasonable, making it an attractive option for regular orders
Yum-A-Sama has quickly established itself as one of the top sushi spots in Riyadh, operating as a cloud kitchen that consistently delivers fresh treats.
The raw salmon is incredibly delicious, and the tuna is equally impressive. A must-try item on the menu is the torch salmon nigiri. Each dish showcases the freshness of the ingredients, making it a delight for sushi lovers.
In addition to sushi, Yum-A-Sama offers a variety of salad bowls that are generously portioned. Options include crab salad, chicken salad, and a veggie salad bowl for those seeking vegetarian choices. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for sushi or a refreshing salad.
Pricing is reasonable, making it an attractive option for regular orders. I find myself ordering from them twice a week because the quality remains consistent, and the food is always fresh. This reliability is a significant factor in why many customers keep returning.
Yum-A-Sama also features some unique signature dishes that are worth exploring.
Items like the spicy mango sushi, sunset salmon, special crab, samurai fry, and pink tara are just a few of the creative offerings that set this restaurant apart from others in the area.
For convenience, Yum-A-Sama can be easily ordered through popular delivery apps, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes without hassle.
Overall, the combination of quality, variety, and reasonable pricing makes this outlet a go-to choice for those craving delicious sushi in Riyadh.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Enabah’ restaurant
There is a certain art to mastering hospitality and creating memories, which requires attention to detail and providing your guests with the perfect array of food to swoon over.
Enabah restaurant in Riyadh specializes in appetizer boxes of authentic Mediterranean food, making it an ideal choice for any type of gathering.
The boxes are offered in small, medium and large options with a variety of starters including grape leaves, stuffed cabbage, onions and kibbeh.
There are also classic and spicy grape leaves, the perfect savory dish. Often, grape leaves are a little too sour or acidic, prone to causing discomfort, but Enabah has perfected the balance of salty and tangy.
A particular attraction on the menu is cheddar jalapeno kibbeh and meat kibbeh, the national dish of Syria and Lebanon. Kibbeh is usually prepared as a combination of bulgur cracked wheat, onions, and minced meat which could be beef, goat, lamb or camel.
At Enabah they have their own twist with a vegetarian option. This is a cheddar jalapeno, which is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Their stuffed cabbage is a mixture of beef, rice and spices — a perfect lighter option for those who do not prefer fried foods.
To get more bang for your buck, bigger boxes are recommended, as the smaller ones perhaps have too little food. For SR165 ($43), you can get the Large Mixed Box, with the option of four to eight appetizers.
You can cleanse your palette with one of Enabah’s fresh juices and creamy smoothies. The menu has lemon mint, pomegranate and orange juices, cocktail smoothies, and Awar Qalb, a mix of milk, strawberry, banana and mango.
Enabah is available to order through delivery applications including The Chefz and HungerStation.
