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: ‘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.
