Where We Are Going Today: Harrat restaurant in AlUla
Harrat offers visitors with a refreshing farm-to-table Caesar salad as a starter. It is a delightful mix of parmesan slices, juicy shrimp, crisp lettuce, and sweet pomegranate
Updated 01 September 2023
Nada Hameed
Harrat restaurant in AlUla is among the amazing places to savor the region's best flavors through a mix of Arabic and International fusion dishes.
From laid-back lunches to lively evenings, this eatery has a variety of options to suit all tastes. Seafood, Middle Eastern mezze, pasta, and fresh grills are all part of the menu.
The dishes are made by international chefs using fresh ingredients sourced directly from AlUla's sustainable farms, giving a rich taste of the region's essence.
As you step in, you'll be greeted by a rustic ambiance adorned with handmade rugs and local earthenware. It's a truly authentic experience that awaits.
Harrat offers visitors with a refreshing farm-to-table Caesar salad as a starter. It is a delightful mix of parmesan slices, juicy shrimp, crisp lettuce, and sweet pomegranate.
The main course options included intriguing Middle Eastern and African-inspired dishes. The "Basha w Asakro" from Syria and the olive and lemon Moroccan chicken tajine were flavorful highlights.
The dish "Basha w Asakro" originally consisted of Shish Barak and kibbeh. However, the chefs at Harrat restaurant put their twist on it by replacing the kibbeh with fried Shish Barak. This delightful variation is served with a rich tomato sauce, deviating from the original recipe's yogurt soup.
For the main, they also offer the festive Sayadieh, an Egyptian dish. It features a big Lethrinus nebulosus fish on a tray, accompanied by brown rice adorned with rosemary, rose petals, lemon slices, and roasted pine nuts.
Dessert is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The mahalabia, topped with delicate Syrian cotton candy, is adorned with rose petals, pistachios, and a drizzle of caramel.
They also offer vanilla ice cream crowned with a date-paste flower, infused with Arabian spices like cardamom and cinnamon. A sprinkle of pistachios and a whole walnut added the final touch.
Pricing is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the cakes
Updated 49 sec ago
Lama Alhamawi
Bundt Bakery has five locations in the Kingdom’s capital that offer customers a sweet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The texture and moistness of their bundt cakes are truly exceptional, making them the centerpiece of the menu. They come in a range of flavors, whether you prefer the simplicity of raspberry or are inclined to try something more adventurous like the sunshine lavender cake.
Alongside a diverse selection of cakes, including brownie cake and Saudi date cheesecake, the bakery also offers a variety of pastries and cookies that cater to different tastes.
Visitors can expect to smell the warm and sweet scent of freshly baked goods in every shop.
The ambiance of the bakery is cozy and inviting, though it may not stand out compared to other cafes in the city. While the surroundings are pleasant, a bit more decor could enhance the overall experience.
The staff is consistently friendly and helpful, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere during each visit.
The seating can be somewhat limited, depending on the location you visit in Riyadh. However, compared to other cafes, Bundt Bakery primarily serves as a pick-up spot rather than a place to linger. Expanding the seating options would encourage more patrons to enjoy their treats on-site.
Pricing is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the cakes. Whole bundt cakes range from SR99 ($26) to SR250, offering multiple size options for those looking to indulge.
For sharing, the madeleines are a must-try, available in boxes of two or 10, with flavors like orange poppy seed, coconut, date, and apple tart.
For special occasions, be mindful that the bakery charges an additional fee for personalized messages on cakes.
The drink menu includes iced Spanish lattes and hot chocolate. We sampled the iced passion fruit drink, which was refreshing but a touch too sweet for our taste.
Overall, Bundt Bakery is an ideal destination for cake lovers in Riyadh.
Recently, Bundt Bakery opened its fifth location in The Village, following successful establishments in Al-Nada, 60 Avenue, The Zone, and Roshn Front.
For updates and more information, check their Instagram @bundt.sa.
We take a look at Saudi cafes keeping it fresh with creative marketing campaigns
Updated 15 September 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In a market saturated with options, standing out is key, and some Saudi coffee shops have turned to quirky, attention-grabbing marketing strategies to attract customers.
From asking patrons to dance for their coffee to surprising communities with clever stunts, these marketing ideas are as creative as they are crazy. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing promotions that have stirred up a buzz in the Kingdom.
Dance for your coffee
At Daily Cup, a Riyadh coffee spot known for its lively atmosphere, customers are not just greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but with an unusual challenge: dance for your coffee. The concept is simple yet effective. Anyone willing to bust a move in the front of store can earn themselves a free cup of coffee.
Namq launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. (Instagram/namq_cafe)
This lighthearted promotion quickly became a hit with younger customers, who relished the chance to show off their moves in exchange for a free drink.
“Honestly, it’s a lot of fun,” Deemah Mohammed, a local customer, told Arab News. “At first it was a bit embarrassing, but once you see others doing it, you realize it’s all about having a good time. Plus, who doesn’t love free coffee?”
When Nas in Dammam prepared to open a new branch in a quiet residential neighborhood, they decided to introduce themselves in an unexpected way. Residents found a polite note in their mailboxes that appeared to be from a new family moving into the area.
Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)
The message, written with warmth and sincerity, apologized for any noise or disruption caused by the “housewarming party” preparations and assured neighbors that they were doing their best to minimize any disturbance.
What made this marketing strategy even more effective was its effect on social media. A post featuring the message quickly went viral on X, gaining nearly 17,000 likes.
At first glance, the note seemed to be from a friendly new family. But as residents soon discovered, this was in fact a marketing tactic by Nas, cleverly designed to create a sense of community and goodwill before the coffee shop officially opened its doors.
Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)
This inventive approach not only generated buzz but also endeared Nas to the neighborhood, setting the stage for a welcome launch.
With this campaign, Nas demonstrated how a personal touch and a bit of creativity can go a long way in building customer loyalty, even before the first cup is served.
Free cuppa for ’90s kids
Namq, a modern coffee concept with a knack for connecting with the youth, launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. The targeted campaign sparked excitement, with millennials flocking to Namq outlets throughout the Kingdom for their free drink.
The promotion became a trending topic on social media, but it also left younger customers asking: “What about us?”
The wave of demand from Gen Z was so strong that another coffee shop in Riyadh, Bros, decided to follow suit with a similar offer, this time for customers born in the 2000s. The friendly competition between the two shops added a layer of excitement as coffee lovers compared which generation had the better deal.
Saadeddin, a well-known patisserie in the region, took an unconventional route with one of its promotions. Customers were asked to bring a lemon to the store in exchange for a free cake. While it may sound odd, the idea quickly caught on.
Half Million, another popular coffee chain in the Kingdom, introduced a clever promotion that encouraged repeat visits. Customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. This strategy not only incentivized customers to come back, but also subtly boosted the shop’s sales and customer loyalty.
“It’s a smart way to keep customers engaged,” said customer Nada Al-Harbi, who frequents Half Million. “You’re more likely to return if you know you can get another cup for free. Plus, it gives you an excuse to take a break in the middle of a busy day.”
Drive-thru surprises
When Cosmo opened a new branch in Dammam, they decided to treat their customers with unexpected gifts when they ring up the bill at their drive-through. Anyone who drove by could receive a free gift. The promotion created a sense of excitement and anticipation, with customers eagerly queuing up to see what surprise awaited them.
“A clever and attractive marketing idea because it feels more like a social experiment than a marketing campaign. Cosmo is known for its reputation and products, but this wasn’t about the product itself, it was a new experience with items you didn’t even know about,” said Wedad Bugrarah, the lucky recipient of a large box of desserts.
Whether through humor, surprise, or a sense of community, these campaigns do more than simply promote a product — they create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of humor — or a lemon — to leave a lasting impression.
Guests can enjoy the game while savoring expertly crafted drinks and appetizers, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
Updated 13 September 2024
Waad Hussain
Located in the eastern part of Riyadh, Views Lounge, originally from Slovakia, has quickly become renowned for its elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
During a recent visit, I sampled their signature margarita, which struck a perfect balance between salty and sweet. It was a refreshing take on a classic cocktail, showcasing the mixologists’ commitment to crafting uncommon beverages.
The experience was elevated by the lounge’s plush decor and soothing ambiance, making it a perfect spot for unwinding, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
The outdoor area, designed for sports enthusiasts, provides a serene backdrop for watching football games without the usual rowdiness found in typical sports bars.
Guests can enjoy the game while savoring expertly crafted drinks and appetizers, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
Service at Views Lounge is another standout feature. Staff members’ attentiveness adds to the overall experience, making guests feel valued and well cared for.
While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the offerings and the luxurious atmosphere make it a worthwhile indulgence for those looking to treat themselves.
For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram @views.lounge.
RIYADH: Tucked away in the Qurtubah district of Riyadh, Retro Burger offers more than just food, it’s a time capsule that takes you back to the heyday of classic American diners.
With its vibrant neon signs and vintage decor, this small yet cozy spot brings a unique blend of nostalgia and bold flavors to the Saudi capital.
Upon entering, you’re immediately transported to the past. The red leather booths, checkered floors, and retro jukebox create a charming, laid-back ambiance.
The checkered floor is a perfect vintage touch — a favorite with customers and adds to the throwback experience. However, the restaurant’s compact size may leave you wishing for more space, especially during busy hours.
Despite its limited seating, Retro Burger manages to attract a mixed crowd of families, friends, and burger enthusiasts.
I tried the Checkers Beef Burger, and it did not disappoint. The patty was juicy and well-seasoned, paired with fresh toppings and a perfectly toasted bun.
But what truly stole the show were their flavored fries, crispy, golden and packed with just the right amount of seasoning. For me, it’s no wonder they’re touted as one of the best burger places in Riyadh.
Despite the top-notch taste experience, Retro Burger keeps its prices reasonable, making it an ideal spot for those looking for great value without compromising on flavor.
Retro Burger might be small in size, but it’s big on taste and character.
Whether you’re there for the retro vibes or their standout burgers and fries, Retro Burger delivers a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank.
From Dubai to LA, ube is the purple gateway to Filipino cuisine
Ube is a main component of many celebratory dishes, delicacies in the Philippines
As Filipino cooks abroad feature the tuber in their menus, they become popular internationally
Updated 09 September 2024
Samantha Beltran
MANILA: For the uninitiated, the experience of ube begins with its vividly purple hue. That is often how the tuber native to the Philippines catches the attention of foodies around the globe, as Filipino cooks turn them into the stars of a variety of snacks and desserts, from traditional rice cakes to ice creams and pastries.
From Dubai to LA, ube has featured as a novelty in Filipino-owned restaurants and shops. In the UAE’s commercial capital, visitors can find ube at Kooya Filipino Eatery, which has it in the form of a latte and milkshake, as well as a topping on halo-halo, the Philippines’ beloved shaved ice dessert.
Even in LA, Filipino-American Chef Andre Guerrero has ube milkshake on his menu at The Oinkster, which many credited as one of the first establishments to bring the purple yam into mainstream culinary consciousness in the US.
“We’re so … proud of it, and we should be; when we invite our new communities to try these brightly colored foods from our strange homeland, we’re attaching it to a good memory,” Manila-based food writer Michiko Manalang told Arab News.
For centuries, ube has been part of the Filipino table as a main component of celebratory dishes and special-occasion treats.
Often confused with the taro root, it is an indigenous staple of the Philippines that has a mellow, sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a striking hue. The root vegetable often used in desserts also conveys certain parts of Philippine culture.
Ube halaya, a rich purple jam made from boiled and mashed ube and thickened with coconut milk or condensed milk and butter, is an example. Typically served cold, the festive delicacy is believed to be more modern than widely perceived, as it would require some refrigeration.
“If someone can serve genuine ube halaya, it’s a subtle sign that they’re well-to-do,” Manalang said.
“Ube lends itself well to a lot of themes of Filipino cooking and culture. We’re a colorful bunch and we like our sweets, our rich textures,” she added. “Ube is good and fun on its own, but if I’m being honest, it’s our pride in it and our willingness to share that might be giving it and other Filipino foods that edge."
In the Philippines, local businesses have recently gotten more creative with ube on their menus, as seen in homegrown favorite Lola Nena’s ramp-up of its traditional doughnut offerings with an ube and cheese variant in May, to one of Manila’s new restaurants, TMBrew + Bistro, introducing Ube & Stracciatella Mozzarella in their menu.
Throughout the years, well-loved Filipino pastries have used ube in them, including the sweet, brioche-like pastry known as ensaymada and the dense, mooncake-like pastry of Chinese origin called hopia, said food and lifestyle writer Diane Go.
“When you think of something purple, automatically ube comes to mind, since it is a rare color in food and hard to attain the same vividness that it provides,” she said.
Ube’s eye-catching qualities have made ube a preferred gift item for travelers and migrant workers and offered an introduction to Filipino cooking, Go added.
“People, after all, eat with their eyes, which is why visual appeal is just as important. That’s why ube is usually the pasalubong (souvenir) of choice for foreigners and OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), and the first entryway into local cuisine.”
Ube is “considered to be a unique and important dessert item in the Philippines,” said Raymond Macapagal, an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines’ Center for International Studies.
“It can be appreciated on its own or used to give an attractive purple color to other desserts … Ube is almost exclusively used as a dessert in Philippine cuisine. However, there are more recent recipes that have tried to incorporate it into savory (dishes).”
Though ube has been gaining more ground internationally, Macapagal is optimistic that purple yam will retain its Filipino roots.
“Despite other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand having ube or purple yam products, it seems as if ube has been very well-associated with Filipino cuisine,” he said. “So as long as ube is featured in Filipino-themed meals here and abroad, ube will retain its distinct Filipino-ness.”
Decoder
Ube
For centuries, ube has been part of the Filipino table as a main component of celebratory dishes and special-occasion treats. Often confused with the taro root, it is an indigenous staple of the Philippines that has a mellow, sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a striking hue. The root vegetable often used in desserts also conveys certain parts of Philippine culture.
