JEDDAH: There are no two ways about it: Saudi Arabia loves Japanese food. From deep-fried, inauthentic sushi rolls to the most delicate cuts of ootoro and salmon sashimi, you can find them all in the Kingdom.
Despite the popularity of Japanese cuisine, the availability of original ingredients in Saudi markets is sorely lacking, forcing enthusiasts of Japanese food to turn to restaurants for their fix.
While some ingredients — such as sushi rice, tofu and kombu — are available on and off, other ingredients such as wakame seaweed, bonito flakes and kewpie mayonnaise are much harder — if not impossible — to find.
Noura Alajmi, a home cook who often makes sushi, tempura and other delicacies, said she thinks the ingredients are not readily available because of Japanese food’s reputation for being hard to make.
“I wouldn’t call it difficult, I’d call it finicky maybe. It requires dedication and patience to make good Japanese food. But it’s not impossible, it’s doable,” she said.
Alajmi hopes to see miso paste, kombu, bonito flakes and other ingredients on Saudi supermarket shelves soon.
“I think there’s a market for it. People here love Japanese food, and home cooking is so in right now,” she said.
“But more than anything, I want Japanese ingredients in Saudi supermarkets so I can stop ordering them online and paying ridiculous shipping prices.”
The Kingdom’s history with Japanese food goes way back. In October 1985, Tokyo became the first Japanese restaurant in Saudi Arabia.
A favorite of many a Japanese ambassador, and widely known to serve the most authentic Japanese food in the Kingdom, Tokyo was the go-to place for Japanese food in Saudi Arabia.
But Japanese and Japanese-fusion restaurants have popped up all over the Kingdom, from quick and easy options such as Sushi Yoshi, Mee So Hungry and Samurai, to more sophisticated (and expensive) options such as Shogun, Okku and Nozomi.
Japanese food is just as popular elsewhere in the Gulf. Chef Masaharu Morimoto owns two restaurants in the Middle East: Morimoto Dubai and Morimoto Doha.
Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, otherwise known as Nobu, also has two restaurants in Dubai and Doha. Rocky Aoki’s famous Benihana has an outlet in Kuwait and in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia even boasts a local sushi expert. Chef Khulood Olaqi, who is famous for her home-based business turned gourmet sushi restaurant, is renowned for being the first Saudi woman to open her own restaurant and run the kitchen herself.
Passionate home cooks aside, even restaurants sometimes have a hard time finding authentic Japanese ingredients in the region, often having to resort to local alternatives.
Akio Hayakawa, director of Fujiya restaurant in Dubai, said they work hard to ensure that most of what they use in the kitchen is sourced directly from Japan.
He does resort to using some locally sourced items, but insists the food’s authenticity stays the same.
“We wanted to bring more authentic Japanese food to Dubai, but we have to adjust sometimes, like the soy sauce we use in Japan, for example. So we have to search for suitable alternatives,” he said.
Hayakawa lucked out, finding a local supplier for wagyu beef. But Olaqi — who often has to resort to frozen hamachi fish and tuna, and is still hunting for bonito flakes at her local supermarkets — has not found her golden ticket yet.
“There are so many ingredients that we don’t have: Bonito, wakame seaweed, yuzukosho, just to name a few. We can mostly make do with what’s available, but we need more options,” she said.
“I’d love to serve fresh ootoro. If I could find a supplier who could guarantee me fresh tuna, decently priced, I’d be so happy.”
Tempura or teriyaki, Saudis crave Japanese food
https://arab.news/652mb
Tempura or teriyaki, Saudis crave Japanese food
- Popularity ofJapanese cuisine is growing with many fusion-food restaurants popping up across the Kingdom
- Not many original Japanese ingredients can be found, forcing enthusiasts to turn to restaurants
Saudi ministries unite for safe Hajj
- Nusuk cards, anti-fraud operations, tourism regulations aim to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun distributing Nusuk cards for the Hajj season, with more than 150,000 cards issued and a daily production capacity of 70,000, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Printed domestically in state-of-the-art facilities under strict quality and security standards, Nusuk cards feature anti-duplication security measures to help personnel verify pilgrims’ identities and legal status.
Each card includes comprehensive pilgrim information, such as accommodation details in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, along with contact information for their service provider.
The cards aim to streamline pilgrim guidance and reduce cases of lost pilgrims, while also granting access to enrichment services, the SPA reported.
Printing will continue until all Hajj permits and visas are issued. International pilgrims will receive their cards on arrival through their service companies.
Domestic pilgrims can collect their Nusuk cards from service companies at designated gathering points before the Hajj season, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Public Security, apprehended individuals engaged in fraudulent activities by posting fake and misleading Hajj campaign ads on social media.
The ads falsely offered pilgrim housing and transportation within the holy sites, Hajj on behalf of others, sacrificial animal services, and Hajj bracelet sales.
The ministry said that the perpetrators were arrested, legal proceedings initiated, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.
It clarified that domestic pilgrims must obtain Hajj permits through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Nusuk platform, while international pilgrims must use authorized entities via the Tasreeh unified digital platform.
Regarding sacrificial animal (hady, adahi, fidyah, sadaqah) bonds, the ministry confirmed that the Saudi Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (adahi.org, unified number 920020193) is the sole authorized provider.
The Ministry of Interior urged citizens and residents to comply with all regulations and report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29 until the end of the Hajj season, all travel agencies, tourist facilities and accommodation providers in Makkah must not complete bookings or check-ins for incoming or resident visa holders, except those with a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency during the season.
This measure aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s arrangements requiring all other visa holders to leave Makkah starting April 29 to ensure pilgrim safety.
All tourist facilities and online booking platforms must fully comply with this mandate to support a safe and organized Hajj, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Tourism also stressed that hospitality providers and online platforms must cooperate with authorities, warning that non-compliance would result in legal penalties for establishments and individuals.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced its readiness for the Hajj season, launching initiatives and services to enhance the pilgrim experience in line with leadership directives.
Key efforts include streamlining temporary work permits through the Ajeer portal and issuing Hajj work visas to support businesses hiring seasonal workers.
The ministry will also increase inspection visits to ensure compliance with the Labor Law and its regulations, the SPA reported.
Social services at the holy sites will offer family counseling, social support and well-supervised children’s hospitality centers staffed by qualified personnel.
Additionally, the ministry is promoting volunteer work such as welcoming pilgrims at border crossings, assisting at the holy sites and the Grand Mosque, helping the elderly and disabled, and distributing meals and water.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a new digital Hajj guide available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Malayalam and Turkish.
It will be distributed through electronic libraries at miqats and mosques, as well as on Saudia flights, to educate and guide pilgrims on Hajj rituals and regulations.
Jazan municipality plants seedlings for green goals
RIYADH: Jazan municipality in Samtah governorate planted 100 diverse seedlings in Hittin Garden during Environment Week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held annually from April 20-26, the week promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.
Nasser bin Ahmed Atif, mayor of Samtah governorate, said the event aimed to raise community awareness about protecting the environment and enhancing environmental education.
The regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the Technical College, and volunteer teams participated.
Atif added that over the past two months, the municipality planted 1,270 seedlings of Moroccan jasmine, Indian jasmine, Bougainvillea, Vinca rosea, and Jacaranda across several locations in the governorate.
The initiative is part of the Green Saudi Initiative, which seeks to preserve the environment, improve quality of life, promote environmental awareness, strengthen partnerships, and involve all segments of society in building a sustainable future.
MWL chief receives Pakistani National Assembly speaker
- Sadiq praised the Islamic and international efforts of the league
MAKKAH: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, received Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
During the recent meeting at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, the two sides discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.
Sadiq praised the Islamic and international efforts of the league, including its endeavors to promote Islamic unity, serve Muslim minorities, combat Islamophobia, address the issue of girls’ education in Muslim communities and represent the Islamic world commendably in international forums.
During his tour of the Kingdom, the Pakistani speaker held meetings with Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh and Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh.
Hollywood pioneer to inspire filmmakers in Jeddah
- Red Sea Labs Directors’ Program to mark ‘bold step’ with Spike Lee at its helm
JEDDAH: A new Directors’ Program by Red Sea Labs led by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee will begin in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Held until May 3, the program will bring together 15 emerging filmmakers from the Kingdom, the Arab world, Asia and Africa.
Lee is known for his bold vision and storytelling that tackles critical social issues with artistic depth. Under his mentorship, the filmmakers will dive deep into the art of directing through masterclasses, workshops and personalized sessions.
The program will also connect them directly with world-renowned figures in the industry and equip them with the skills to elevate their careers.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, managing director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Welcoming Spike Lee back to Jeddah to lead the first edition of our Directors’ Program is a groundbreaking moment.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for emerging filmmakers and writers to be inspired, challenged and guided by one of the greatest cinematic minds of our time.”
Ryan Ashore, head of Red Sea Labs, added: “The Directors’ Program marks a bold step in our mission to nurture regional talent and link them to the global filmmaking community.
“Having Spike Lee lead this program sets a powerful precedent — offering participants direct access to the craft, passion and conviction that define great cinema.”
Red Sea Labs also runs three other programs such as the Lodge, an intensive training initiative in partnership with Torino Film Lab and sponsored by Film AlUla, guiding Saudi, Arab, Asian and African filmmakers from ideas to finished projects.
The Music and Sound Program offers hands-on training in film scoring and sound design with guidance from world-renowned experts.
SeriesLab, in partnership with Film Independent, supports 14 emerging creators in developing and pitching TV series pilots, including a two-week residency in Los Angeles. The program concludes at the Red Sea Souk, offering creators a chance to pitch to top international buyers, studios and producers.
Previous initiatives have included programs like the Short Film Klinik, the Middle East Media Initiative and the Music for Film workshop, all part of Red Sea Labs’ mission “to shape the next generation of global storytellers in Saudi Arabia and the world.”
Sydney to host Saudi orchestra concert
- The concert marks the seventh stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission will host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert on May 12 at the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia.
It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The concert marks the seventh stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It will showcase works highlighting the rich musical heritage and artistic diversity of Saudi Arabia.
Australia’s Metropolitan Orchestra will join the performance with Australian compositions, while a special collaborative piece will blend elements from both nations’ musical traditions.
The Theater and Performing Arts Commission will also contribute several performance pieces to the program.
Previous performances have taken place at prestigious venues in Paris, Mexico City, New York, London, Tokyo, and Riyadh. These concerts have received critical acclaim worldwide, demonstrating Saudi music’s growing influence on the international stage.
The “Saudi Orchestra Masterpieces” series aims to deliver extraordinary musical experiences that celebrate Saudi cultural heritage while exploring new creative territories.
Each performance takes audiences on a journey through traditional Saudi musical expressions, presenting the Kingdom’s diverse artistic landscape through harmonious musical narratives.
This Sydney performance continues the commission’s broader initiative to elevate Saudi musical compositions in global cultural conversations and celebrate the authentic melodies that define the Kingdom's musical identity.
