When you think sushi, you think raw fish topped with Asian fusion ingredients. Sushi chefs have been experimenting with different ingredients for years to upgrade the sushi variety and make it more attractive to diners around the world.
In Saudi Arabia, raw is not an attraction to local diners. They are constantly on the hunt for crispy and spicy rolls. Ocean Basket, the seafood restaurant in Jeddah offers a number of creative recipes for those adventurous diners who are looking for an innovative taste.
The South African restaurant invited Chef Pepe all the way from Greece to upgrade their menu with a Mediterranean twist. This franchised restaurant has over 201 restaurants in 16 countries around the globe, all of them share the same menu and will be sharing the same MediterrAsian sushi dishes.
We met with Chef Pepe for a quick tasting of the new menu and were pleasantly surprised with the explosion of flavors it offers. The fusion of two familiar tastes — classic Mediterranean and classic Asian — to make their own MediterrAsian dishes was a unique experience.
Chef Pepe has over 15 years of experience and has bagged the title of Sushi World Cup Champion, World’s Most Creative Chef 2014. He is a member of World Sushi Skill and All Japan Sushi Association, and is a certified westerner to get Kuro Obi, he also assisted Kazato San with sushi for the Japanese embassy in Copenhagen.
“I was looking to come up with something different yet attractive. The trick was to create a sushi menu that matches different tastes all around the world,” he said.
The sushi dishes below are now available at all Ocean Basket outlets around the world:
• Tamara Gunkan: A boat-shaped sushi with rice, wrapped in zucchini, topped with tarama and fried calamari.
• Kypro Prawn Roll: A futomaki with rice, fresh prawn, lettuce and soy oregano sauce.
• Lemon Salmon Roll: A California roll-style sushi with rice, fresh salmon and zesty lemon mayo.
• Crunchy Athena Roll: A California roll-style sushi with rice, prawn and pickled red onion.
• Salmon Tomato Roll: A California roll-style sushi with rice, fresh salmon, basil leaves, onion and tomato.
• Wasabi Prawn: A boat-shaped sushi with rice, fresh prawn and wasabi mayo.
• Calamari Gunkan: A boat-shaped sushi with rice wrapped in zucchini, topped with tzatziki and fried calamari.
“I have initially created 25 recipes, but after close observation and constant tasting and reviewing, only the above mentioned were chosen as the top and best combined tastes of the Mediterranean and Asian cuisines,” said Chef Pepe.
Below are some of the recipes that Chef Pepe created for Ocean Basket:
Calamari Gunkan (Three pieces)
5 g calamari deep fried
5 g sliced zucchini/ baby marrow
2 g tzatziki
2 g spring onion
15 g rice
Method:
Shape a rice ball.
Wrap zucchini silver around it.
Spoon tzatziki on rice.
Top with fried calamari head.
Garnish with chopped spring onion.
Hot tip:
• The calamari should be deep fried per order.
• Calamari should be crispy.
• Control the amount of tzatziki you add. The tzatziki shouldn’t take over the flavor.
• If the zucchini slices become too dry to work with, to help soften them, you can place them in the carrot vinegar mix for a short time (no more than 1 hour).
Crunchy Athena Roll (8 pieces)
35 g prawn mix
10 g red onion pickles
15 g avocado
120 g rice
1 nori sheet
Top with tempura flakes
Prawn mix
100 g steamed prawn
10 g mayonnaise
Lemon zest from 1 lemon
Juice from ½ lemon
Red onion pickles (Sushi Zu)
1 liter rice vinegar
1 kg sugar
Method:
Make California roll with prawn mix, avocado and pickled red onion. Top with tempura flakes.
Hot tip:
• Prepare the crunchy tempura flakes.
• Be careful not to zest the bitter lemon part of the skin (the white part). Only zest the yellow part.
• Thinly slice the red onion before pickling.
At newly opened Jeddah restaurant, sushi gets a Mediterranean twist
At newly opened Jeddah restaurant, sushi gets a Mediterranean twist
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Sign’ burgers in Riyadh
- One of the highlights was the Sign box, which includes four burgers and four fries, ideal for gatherings
If you’re in Riyadh and looking for a burger spot that delivers on both taste and value, Sign should be on your list.
With eye-catching pink branding and loyal customers, it is clear they have tapped into a winning formula: simple, good food done right.
I tried their classic burger meal, which includes fries and a drink, and was genuinely surprised to get all that flavor for just SR24 ($6.40). The patty was juicy, the bun soft, and the sauce had the perfect tang without overpowering the rest of the ingredients. It felt well-balanced and satisfying, not greasy or heavy.
One of the highlights was the Sign box, which includes four burgers and four fries, ideal for gatherings. Sign uses locally sourced ingredients from Saudi farms, which is also a major plus — you can taste the difference in the quality of the meat and vegetables.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite through their drive-thru or sitting down with friends, it’s a spot that gets it right without overcomplicating things.
If there is one downside, it is the wait. The place is almost always packed — a sign (no pun intended) of how popular it has become. But if you are happy to queue, it is absolutely worth checking out.
For more, check their Instagram @signsa_
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Avindar Lounge’ in Riyadh
- The lights are dimmed every Tuesday night for a candlelit experience with a pianist playing live music, creating an atmospheric experience for guests
With four locations across the Kingdom’s capital, Avindar Lounge offers a space where you can enjoy lush greenery and good food.
The lounge I visited is located on the northeast side of Riyadh and includes a separate section for smokers.
The menu is diverse and appeals to different tastes, so you can sample anything from Middle Eastern kebabs to pasta and burgers.
The lights are dimmed every Tuesday night for a candlelit experience with a pianist playing live music, creating an atmospheric experience for guests.
I tried the mixed appetizer, which was flavorful and memorable. It included hummus, tabouli, dolma, and baba ghanoush.
And while I am generally not a fan of sweet beverages, I genuinely enjoyed their hot chocolate, which was not overwhelmingly sweet or creamy.
However, considering the portion sizes, which are enough for one person, customers might find the prices a bit high.
But the music and bird sounds, paired with the lounge’s colorful and cozy interior, make Avindar a refreshing spot for dining or coffee with friends.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dakkat Haretna’ restaurant in Riyadh
Located in the bustling Al-Munsiyah neighborhood of Riyadh, Dakkat Haretna is a charming eatery that captures the essence of Saudi Arabia cuisine.
The interior is adorned with Qatt Asiri art, traditional Saudi motifs that resonate with the spirit of the region. The windows, designed in the Hijazi roshan style, add to the charming appeal of the space which is cozy and family friendly.
Behind the menu is chef Douha Al-Otaishan, whose vision brings to life dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia.
I sampled the beetroot salad, which had refreshing ingredients, complemented by feta cheese balls and crisp lettuce, that set the stage for the main course.
The marqooq beef and “happiness kabsa,” Al-Otaishan’s signature dish, were both memorable. I polished off the flavorful marqooq in no time.
The kabsa, with its tender chicken, was delightful despite the rice being a tad drier than what I usually enjoy. The accompanying tangy red sauce elevated the dish by adding a burst of flavor.
Other notable options for those wishing to explore Saudi cuisine are jareesh, qursan, and kubaiba Hail.
Their breakfast menu is equally enticing, providing classics including tamees, foul, and shakshooka, available from 7 a.m.
If you enjoy cooking and want to recreate Saudi dishes at home, the restaurant also offers the chef’s blends of spices.
With attentive service, fair prices, and a calm ambiance free of noisy music, Dakkat Haretna is a comfortable place to enjoy traditional dishes or try something new.
Whether you are familiar with Saudi cuisine or just curious, it is a spot worth visiting.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Olala Roastery’ – coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia
- The packaging is part of the Olala experience — lively illustrations, custom stickers and even branded takeaway cups. Every element reflects fun and youthful energy, making it perfect for gifting or for coffee lovers with an eye for design
Olala Roastery is one of the most recognizable names among local coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia.
I tried two of their signature boxes: Nsahsah (Wake Me Up) and Mw Eadi (Not Your Usual), each with labeled blends and a colorful unboxing experience.
The Not Your Usual box featured two exceptional beans — vista and roza. Vista quickly became a favorite, thanks to its smooth body, light acidity, and a finish that felt both clean and vibrant. It was the kind of coffee that stood out from the first cup. I finished it so quickly — it was the best I have ever tried.
Roza, with its subtle fruity tones, offered a more delicate profile that worked beautifully for slower mornings.
The packaging is part of the Olala experience — lively illustrations, custom stickers and even branded takeaway cups. Every element reflects fun and youthful energy, making it perfect for gifting or for coffee lovers with an eye for design.
One drawback, however, was the inconsistency between the flavor notes written on some of the packaging and the actual taste of the coffee. The flavor profiles were not as clear or defined as described, which may leave some drinkers guessing — especially those who choose beans based on specific expectations.
Still, Olala Roastery delivers fresh, well-roasted coffee wrapped in a full sensory experience, making it a creative and proudly Saudi addition to the specialty coffee scene.
For more information, check @olala.roastery on Instagram.
Where We Are Going Today: Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah
- Ashwag’s cozy atmosphere offers comfort and privacy, making it a perfect spot for families
If you are craving comforting Turkish flavors in a cozy, family-friendly setting, Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah is the place to go.
Since 1975, Ashwag has been a favorite for families seeking authentic Turkish food in Jeddah and Makkah. For many of us who grew up in Jeddah, it holds a special place in our hearts.
The menu features traditional dishes including mixed grills, juicy shish tawook, shawarma platters, meat with eggplant, and more.
My top pick is the Iskender meat: tender shawarma-style cuts over soft Turkish bread soaked in ghee, topped with tomato sauce, and served with fresh, creamy yogurt. It is a dish that brings back weekend family memories.
Ashwag’s cozy atmosphere offers comfort and privacy, making it a perfect spot for families. The decor blends vintage charm with a classic feel, creating a warm and welcoming vibe.
For dessert, try their baklava, sutlac (rice pudding), kunafa, caramel pudding, and basbousa. All pair wonderfully with Turkish tea to finish your meal.
With Turkish pies, rich tajines, and plenty of vegetarian options, Ashwag offers a great balance of tradition and variety. There is something for everyone.
For more details, check Instagram @ashwag_restaurant.
