A glamorous new restaurant in Jeddah’s Assila Hotel puts you at the center of the world with a special Ramadan theme that celebrates international cuisine and music from around the globe.
24 Restaurant Assila offers delicious homemade Italian patisseries, ice creams and desserts as well as a mix of international, Saudi and Middle Eastern buffet options for iftar and suhoor.
The large buffet has everything: High-quality meats, cheeses, desserts, an organic food bar, fresh fruits and veggies, yogurts, dips, fresh juices and homemade varieties of granola.
Chef de cuisine at the restaurant Daniel Vicente Atunes is a Portuguese national who has worked in leading restaurants and five-star hotels around the world. He is experienced in Arabic, Italian, French, Spanish and Thai cuisine.
For starters, enjoy the smell of cooked harirah and mushroom soup ladled out of a huge pot. The scent alone is sure to make you eager for iftar.
Harirah is a traditional soup from the Maghreb region, consumed in Morocco and western Algeria. It is popular as a starter, but is also eaten on its own as a light snack. There are many variations and it is mostly served during Ramadan.
Eating the hot dessert of Umm Ali with a ball of coffee ice cream while sipping delicious Turkish coffee after iftar is the perfect end to a sumptuous meal.
Umm Ali is an Egyptian dessert containing puff pastry, milk and nuts. Any kind of nuts can be added and you can eat it with a spoon. Legend has it that Umm Ali was the first wife of the Mamluk Sultan Ezz El-Din Aybek.
But to talk solely of starters and dessert would be misleading as what lies between is what makes this restaurant truly shine.
A fresh tasty lamb was served in a huge ornamented steel tray for everyone to enjoy at the buffet.
If meat to your liking, the pasta station has choices galore. Pesto pasta was the most delicious and colorful choice with a twist of dried cherry tomato. It is best enjoyed warm and is loaded with protein and fiber.
Pesto sauce originates in Genoa, in the northern region of Italy. It traditionally consists of crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, leaves, Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Refreshing drinks to wash it all down
This year, the holy month of Ramadan falls in the summer, making fasting a tough task for Muslims who abstain from food and drink until sunset. As the body loses liquids, Muslims need to drink more after iftar in order to avoid dehydration.
In addition to the everyday drinks of Ramadan, such as Laban and Vimto, this buffet provides traditional Ramadan drinks that can keep you hydrated.
Amar el din contains enough sugar to boost the digestive system without over-stimulating it. Made from either rolled dried apricot or dried apricot paste, amar el din contains digestive aids, metabolism regulators and vitamins.
Tamer Hindi is popular in Arabic countries. Tamer Hindi is a very sour drink that is considered the twin of hibiscus as it is made almost in the same way.
Karkade is refreshing hot or cold with a color that is as intense as the flavor. Karkade is a sweet infusion made from hibiscus flower. Karkade, which is a typical Ramadan drink, is also served during other occasions, such as weddings.
Erk sous, is another popular drink in Arab countries, especially Egypt and Syria. It is a black, mildly sweet and slightly bitter beverage made from licorice root.
Jallab is a popular drink around the Middle East, especially in Syria, Palestine and Lebanon. The drink is made of dates, grape molasses and rose water and served with lots of ice and topped with pine nuts and raisins.
While the prices at most buffets have gone up considerably in many Jeddah hotels, the quality of food you will find at this restaurant make SR310 a convincing enough spend.
The Assila Hotel is located at the heart of Tahliah Street, one of Jeddah’s most fashionable business and shopping districts.
• [email protected]
— Photos by Huda Bashatah
Assila Hotel’s 24 Restaurant: An ideal Ramadan meal to delight the senses
Assila Hotel’s 24 Restaurant: An ideal Ramadan meal to delight the senses
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Nakhat Alshraq’ authentic northern Indian cuisine
- Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank
Nakhat Alshraq is a haven for those craving authentic northern Indian cuisine, with branches in Riyadh, Dammam, and Alkhobar.
Known for its dedication to fresh ingredients and bold spices, this restaurant has become a favorite for families and food enthusiasts.
The menu boasts a variety of classics like butter chicken for SR59 ($16), chicken tikka masala, and chicken biryani, all expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.
The royal biryani stands out as a signature dish, with its rich blend of basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and perfectly balanced Indian spices.
The Singapore noodles is an Asian fusion option that delivers a unique twist to the dining experience. The dishes are meticulously presented, showcasing attention to detail that elevates the overall meal. The vibrant and cozy ambiance creates a welcoming environment for gatherings, whether casual or celebratory.
Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the restaurant caters to a diverse palate, offering both mild and spicy dishes, ensuring something for everyone.
However, the restaurant’s popularity is both a blessing and a curse. Nakhat Alshraq is frequently crowded, particularly during peak dining hours, which can make securing a table a challenge. For those who plan ahead, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the consistently excellent food and service.
For more information, check their Instagram @nakhatalshraq.
Where We Are Going Today: Crosto bakery in Dammam
- The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal
If you’re in Dammam and looking for a flavorful brunch or a light meal, the recently opened bakery Crosto offers a cozy atmosphere and a versatile menu catering to different tastes.
The maple shrimp for SR46 ($12) was the highlight of our visit — perfectly cooked shrimp complemented by a sweet maple glaze. The chicken sliders (SR33) were another favorite — juicy, tasty, and served on fresh buns. The Turkish shakshuka and Crosto avocado are worth trying too.
The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal.
Crosto’s Turkish Coffee is a must-have for coffee enthusiasts. Its authentic preparation and rich taste paired perfectly with the desserts, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The atmosphere at Crosto is welcoming and casual. However, the service during our visit was a little slow, which might be a concern if you’re in a rush.
With its mix of regional and international flavors, Crosto could be a good choice for your next outing in Dammam.
For more information, check their Instagram @crosto.sa.
Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition
- Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals
RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.
Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”
The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.
The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.
“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.
The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.
Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”
Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”
The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.
Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh
Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.
While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.
Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls.
Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts.
The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.
The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh
Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.
This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes.
The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.
Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks.
However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.
Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.
This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.
For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.
