DUBAI: Louloua didn’t start out wanting to be a chef. Although she grew up surrounded by food, watching her mother, aunts and grandmothers “cooking all the time,” her interest in food was sparked much later than her entrepreneurial ambitions — which she has had for as long as she can remember.
“It all began when I began to make recipes to feed my children. I started cooking out of need,” says the effervescent mother-of-three. “My real passion for food was born when I started to teach … that’s when I felt like learning more, exploring food more … Then, gradually, I started working with different brands on food-related projects and over the years, acquired the title of a chef.”
Today she is the proud founder of Loulou’s Kitchen, a state-of-the-art cooking school where she conducts a variety of classes for ladies of all ages – ranging from basic culinary skills to exotic cuisines such as Thai, Japanese, and Italian.
The journey to get here, from her humble beginnings doing cooking classes in her home kitchen nearly two decades ago, has been arduous to say the least.
“I struggled between the house with having little kids that need attention and care, and having to build my career,” she says.
“The biggest challenge for me, however, was changing perceptions of society about being a chef. When I first started 18 years ago, people thought my job was insignificant. When people would ask my son ‘What does your mom do?’ he would tell his friends she’s a cook. Even he considered me a cook, not a chef. When I met people socially, they would be surprised to learn that I am the owner of Loulou’s Kitchen, and ask if I hire a chef to teach my students!”
The pioneering chef persevered in spite of the pushback she received, motivated by a drive to change the culture and, over the years, found that the shackles loosened.
“I really wanted more girls to know about this field as a career option. I wanted to convince more women to get into this, and that pushed me to continue what I was doing,” she says.
Along the way, she garnered a number of accolades, including being invited to do recipe development for leading brands such as Maggi Arabia, Goody and Unilever. She has also participated in numerous cooking competitions and culinary events, and participated in TV shows such as “Rotanna Kaligia”; “Doctor Chef”; “Sayidaty” and “Maggi Diaries,” a program themed around empowering women through food and cooking.
Her biggest turning point, however, was participating in “Top Chef Middle East” in 2011. “I had much more exposure among everyone in society. People who had heard of my kitchen would actually watch me on TV,” she says.
Combined with the social media explosion of recent years, which also helped in building her brand – although she is quick to admit that she is still playing catch-up on that front, as none of it existed when she first started out – she acquired nationwide recognition, which contributed to making her dream come true in 2012, when she finally opened her professional cooking studio.
The cooking school, in turn, is helping her in the mission to change societal perceptions about cooking, and inspiring Saudi Arabian youth to explore the culinary industry as a viable and fun career option.
“Nowadays the mentality has changed dramatically, and women are so proud to become chefs. Some people I know have left their jobs in administrative work to fulfill their dream of becoming a professional chef. Now in restaurants and hotels, we often see female chefs working in the kitchen,” she says. “I had this vision that in the coming years, there will be many more Saudi chefs in the hospitality industry, and that is definitely happening now.”
As any female chef anywhere in the world will reveal, however, it isn’t easy. “Having to work in a commercial kitchen all day long made me realize that the physical and mental effort needed to do everything that is expected in the kitchen is really hard work,” she admits.
But, as long as they are prepared for the long hours and physical rigors of the job, she encourages anyone who is interested in pursuing this as a career, as it can be very rewarding.
“My message to all women who want to become professional chef is to go ahead,” she says. “With lots of perseverance and commitment you will reach your goal. It has a lot of potential as it is booming in the Saudi Arabia at the moment.”
The accidental chef who is cooking up a storm in Saudi Arabia
The accidental chef who is cooking up a storm in Saudi Arabia
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Durrat China’ – authentic Chinese cuisine in Riyadh
- Despite this, the quality of the food and available parking make Durrat China a must-visit for anyone in Riyadh who craves authentic Chinese flavors away from the noise and traffic
Durrat China has 14 branches around the Kingdom, offering a dining experience with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. From soups to seafood, each dish aims to capture the essence of Chinese cuisine.
One of their standouts is the tom yum soup for SR26 ($7), a comforting dish with fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs which strikes the perfect balance between tangy, spicy and savory flavors.
Another must-try is their hot and sour soup, a rich and flavorful option that packs a punch with the ideal blend of heat and acidity.
For seafood lovers, the shrimp with garlic sauce for SR86 is a great choice. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, coated in a fragrant and savory garlic sauce. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more spice, the shrimp with chili sauce delivers a satisfying kick without overpowering the balance of flavors.
Another fantastic appetizer is the mixed dumplings, a juicy and flavorful combination of chicken, mutton and shrimp — a delicious way to start your meal.
However, while the food at Durrat China is exceptional, the ambiance could be improved. The interior design feels outdated, and better ventilation would create a more inviting atmosphere. A modern refresh would elevate the overall experience and make it even more enjoyable.
Despite this, the quality of the food and available parking make Durrat China a must-visit for anyone in Riyadh who craves authentic Chinese flavors away from the noise and traffic.
The combination of fresh ingredients, well-balanced flavors and generous portions makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
For more information, check their Instagram @durratchina.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Bab Al-Bahr’ at Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah
The Bab Al-Bahr tent at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah offers a curated iftar experience boasting a selection of traditional Arabian and international dishes.
Guests are welcomed with dates to follow the traditional breaking of fast. The meal begins with a warm bowl of oats soup, followed by a cold mezze spread featuring hummus, mutabal, fattoush, and moussaka.
Freshly prepared cheese and zaatar fatayer and flavorful chicken shawarma were standout options among the hot mezze.
The traditional foul with tameez had great flavor, although the bread could have been served warmer.
For the main course, a mixed grill selection included meat kebabs, shish taouk, and steaks, alongside lamb mandi, chicken kabsa, and fried hamour fish.
The pasta station offered white and red sauce options, while the butter chicken provided an additional international touch.
The steamed bao buns with a meat filling were a highlight, offering a soft, well-balanced texture.
Desserts included fresh fruit, Arabic sweets like baklava and luqaimat, and indulgent options such as umm ali, sticky toffee pudding, and kunafa served with nuts.
A chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruit added a playful touch.
Live Ramadan programming, Arabic coffee service, and henna artists enhanced the cultural atmosphere.
A dedicated kids’ corner and an ice cream station featuring flavors like vanilla, chocolate, karak, and Vimto provided something for younger guests.
Available from sunset to 8 p.m. until the end of Ramadan, the iftar cost before VAT is SR345 ($92) per person and SR200 for children under the age of 12.
Jeddah fitness buffs break sweat before and after iftar
- Fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes during holy month
JEDDAH: Ramadan provides a tough test for many, with iftar spreads of sugary, calorie-packed, and fried food being quite a temptation — but fitness enthusiasts in Jeddah are not letting that slow them down.
Many fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes, hitting the gyms and cycling, jogging, paddling, running, boxing, and tackling other high-energy activities to keep their health on track during the holy month.
Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits.
Tariq Abdulmajeed, 42, who walks daily before iftar on the Tahlia pathway, told Arab News: “One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
“It really can improve physical and muscular capacity and enhance overall body fitness.”
Fitness expert Nasser Al-Saadi told Arab News that Ramadan was not the time to push your limits or set personal records, and added: “You should treat it as a time to maintain (your health). People should take it easy and not have hard workouts because that could affect their health.”
One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.
Tariq Abdulmajeed, Jeddah resident
He explained that exercising before iftar can help burn fat, as the body relies on stored energy. But it may also lead to dehydration.
Al-Saadi recommends light exercises such as walking, stretching, or low-intensity activities, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breaking the fast. He added: “Exercising after iftar is the ideal time because the body is replenished with nutrients and fluids.”
With more people training in the hours just before and after iftar, gyms across Jeddah are seeing more members attending during the holy month.
Mahmoud Abdul Raziq, a coach at Ultimate Power Gym, told Arab News: “Many people intend to maintain their health during Ramadan but they should be committed all year long, not only for one month.”
He has been impressed by the discipline he has seen in his fasting clients, and added: “I think they are at full power and most of them seem very determined to make a change. They want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually and that’s the reason we have seen more members signing up.
“Group classes are scheduled two hours before and two hours after iftar, which has been advised as the best timeline for results geared towards losing fat and gaining muscle.”
Arab News caught up with a few people in the gym, and all of them had goals: losing excess body fat, maintaining muscle mass, and toning the body.
Most of them have their workout just before their fast ends. They get home just in time for iftar or end their fast in the gym with a single date and water.
Rayan Abu Hamza, 34, said his fitness goal was to maintain muscle mass and tone his body, and added: “Since the beginning of Ramadan I have been coming to the gym before iftar because it is much better than coming at night when the gym gets crowded and most of the exercising machines are busy.”
When asked if it was better to exercise before or after iftar, Saad Al-Zahrani said: “For me it is before iftar. I don’t feel lazy and it gives me more strength.”
Another member, Tawfiq Hamawi, a Syrian expat, said he preferred later in the day, adding: “Due to my working hours, it is impossible to come before iftar. This would be ideally two hours after eating because it allows the body to replenish nutrients and fluids before physical exertion.”
Whether it is walking outdoors, joining group classes, or hitting the gym alone, residents in Jeddah are finding ways to balance health and tradition.
Ramadan is no excuse for these committed locals to pause their fitness journey, but a period to adapt and push forward.
Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: As we center our days around fasting in Ramadan, it can be fun to spice things up. Here are a few unusual and memorable ways you can experience iftar this month.
A desert experience
Take a journey back to how our elders used to break their fast with this unique experience in the desert.
The journey starts at a camel farm where a guide will share more about the treasured animals and their significance in Saudi culture.
Sit down and relax afterwards at a traditional Kashta, an outdoor picnic, to break your fast with dates and laban before heading to the tent for the main meal.
The cost per person is SR700 ($187) through the WeBook app.
24-hour escape to Hofuf
Known as one of the largest date-producing areas in the world, Al-Hofuf is the perfect place for a day of serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty.
Departing from Riyadh, this experience takes you to the city in the Eastern Province where you will enjoy the sunset at Al-Asfar Lake to break your fast.
You will then depart to the Old Souk for a traditional iftar at a local restaurant, to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the region.
It also includes a trip to the historic Ibrahim Palace. The next morning, you will discover the unique rock formations of Al-Qara mountain and its caves before returning to the capital.
The price per person is SR2,500 through WeBook.com.
Iftar at a family farm in Muzahmiya
This year, the Ftoon family are opening up their home to guests.
This memorable Ramadan experience is a chance to break your fast with the family before enjoying a peaceful horse ride on the premises.
You will then head back for the main meal, a home cooked dish prepared by Umm Ftoon.
The experience is SR500 per person via WeBook.com.
Break your fast on a traditional mud house rooftop
Gaze at the stars atop a traditional mud house in Diriyah before the summer heat sets in.
A culinary expert will guide you through a traditional Saudi Arabia dining experience, explaining the significance of each dish, as you mingle with new faces in an intimate setting.
The price per person is SR300 through WeBook.com.
Unique Ramadan experience on Red Sea with AROYA Cruise
If you are looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy iftar or sahoor this Ramadan, AROYA Cruise, the first-ever Saudi Arabia cruise line, offers a truly special experience.
Throughout the holy month, AROYA will be anchored in front of the prestigious Jeddah Yacht Club, welcoming guests to break their fast or enjoy a late-night meal while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Red Sea.
From 4 p.m. until noon the next day, visitors can explore the ship’s luxurious facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and one of the largest kids’ clubs at sea.
Special Ramadan-themed activities include guest speakers and wellness programs, adding to the immersive experience.
For those who want to extend their evening, “Ramadan Along the Horizon” offers the option of an overnight stay.
Tickets start at SR499 for adults and SR299 for children under 17 through Aroya.com.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Okawa’ in Riyadh
- The menu offers flavors that go beyond the usual, including tiramisu, kunafa, banana pudding, and even a mix chocolate with hazelnut or biscuit
For those craving a taste of Japan with a local twist, Okawa brings a fusion of matcha-based drinks and Japanese pancakes to Riyadh.
With two branches that are always bustling, the cafe has become a trendy hotspot among dessert lovers and coffee enthusiasts.
The real star of the menu is their classic matcha latte. It delivers a perfectly balanced, creamy texture with a rich matcha flavor that is not overpowering — smooth, slightly bitter, and naturally sweet. It pairs well with their other offerings.
One thing that stands out is the variety of unique Japanese pancake flavors. Unlike the traditional souffle pancakes, these have a denser, more cake-like texture, making them more filling.
The menu offers flavors that go beyond the usual, including tiramisu, kunafa, banana pudding, and even a mix chocolate with hazelnut or biscuit.
The creativity in flavors adds an enjoyable element to the experience, even if the texture itself is not necessarily the best.
Despite this, Okawa excels at providing an immersive experience. From the minimalist Japanese-inspired aesthetic to the beautifully crafted drinks, the attention to detail is evident.
While the pancakes might not be a must-try for everyone, the mix of flavors and the quality of their matcha drinks make it worth a visit — especially for those looking to explore something different in Riyadh’s dessert scene.
Okawa offers a fun experience with an ever-changing menu that keeps customers coming back to see what is next.
For more information, check their Instagram @okawa_sa.
