Where We Are Going Today: Nomad Restaurant in Jeddah
The roast beef cannon with pale ale pie, charred cabbage and celeriac mash is a hearty choice, while the Sichuan seabass with crispy shrimp, charred squid and long beans offers a fusion of Asian flavors
Updated 13 February 2024
Afshan Aziz
Nomad, located at Sheraton Jeddah Hotel, offers a dining experience that takes guests on a culinary journey around the world. The menu, curated by chef James Kyle, a seasoned culinary nomad, showcases cuisines from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and East Asia.
Using hand-picked locally sourced ingredients, the set menu is limited and changes slightly on a monthly basis.
Starters include the beetroot-cured salmon mosaic, accompanied by heritage beetroot and fennel. For diners seeking a fusion of flavors, the Korean barbecue beef pot stickers with kimchi are sure to please. The yeasted cauliflower with raisins, capers and mint provides a unique twist, while the aloo tikki naan, bhindi fry, tomato chutney and pine nut podi offer a delicious combination of Indian flavors.
When it comes to the main course, Nomad offers options like the 12-hour braised lamb kabsa.
The roast beef cannon with pale ale pie, charred cabbage and celeriac mash is a hearty choice, while the Sichuan seabass with crispy shrimp, charred squid and long beans offers a fusion of Asian flavors.
Desserts combine local and international influences. The minted bitter chocolate basbousa with beetroot sorbet is a refreshing treat, while the banoffee waffle pie with caramelized banana, toffee cream and vanilla cream sorbet offers a combination of textures and flavors.
The strawberry consomme with vanilla noodles and macerated strawberry is a light and fruity option, and the blood orange and honey brulee with sesame brittle and Saudi coffee cream is a true indulgence.
The drink menu at Nomad is thoughtfully curated, featuring a wide range of mocktails.
Nomad’s menu captures the essence of its name, taking diners on a journey of world cuisines.
Staff go above and beyond to meet the needs of diners, including any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Nomad is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. For updates and more information, visit @sheratonjeddah on Instagram.
Recipes for Success: Chef Dabiz Muñoz offers advice and an advanced recipe for octopus tacos
Updated 31 October 2024
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: Madrid-born chef Dabiz Muñoz, founder of StreetXO Dubai at the One&Only One Za’abeel, is a globally celebrated culinary figure, known for his innovative approach to cooking.
Muñoz has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. His flagship restaurant, DiverXO, which opened in 2007, holds three Michelin stars (at the time it earned its third, Muñoz became the second-youngest chef to lead a restaurant to this prestigious recognition) for dishes including dumplings with crispy Iberian ear and lobster with Thai curry, showcasing Muñoz’s love of combining diverse ingredients in unconventional ways.
Muñoz’s fell in love with cooking at a young age, fueled by frequent visits to the renowned Viridiana restaurant in Madrid. It was there that he first encountered Chef Abraham Garcia, whose unique techniques left a lasting impression and helped shape Muñoz’s vision of cuisine as a medium for artistic expression.
With the dream of opening his own restaurant, Muñoz pursued rigorous training in top kitchens across Spain, London and Tokyo.
Following DiverXO’s success, Muñoz launched StreetXO in 2012. The Dubai branch opened in 2023 and is the only location outside Spain where diners can experience Muñoz’s cuisine.
Here, the chef discusses favorite dishes, common kitchen mistakes, and how to nurture culinary curiosity.
What inspired you to take up cooking as a career?
I’ve had a passion for cooking for as long as I can remember — it’s something that feels like it’s always been in me. Growing up, I was fascinated by the process of creating meals, watching others in the kitchen, and experimenting myself. Seeing people enjoy the food I made was incredibly rewarding, and that’s when I knew I wanted to turn my love for cooking into a career.
When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?
Rushing. Patience is key in the kitchen. Taking the time to focus on every detail makes all the difference in the final dish.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?
Feed your curiosity by traveling and expand your knowledge by studying. Cooking is as much about learning as it is about experimenting. Buy lots of books, because they open up a world of techniques, flavors, and cuisines that will inspire you. The more you expose yourself to different ideas, the more creative and confident you’ll become in the kitchen.
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
Chilis. They’re a wonderful enhancer and seasoning, full of nuances, aromas, and different sensations that can elevate a dish to another level. I’m obsessed with them because they add depth, heat, and complexity, turning even the simplest of dishes into something special.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?
Obviously because of my profession I have a critical and trained eye, but the truth is that when I go to other restaurants, I pay much more attention to where they excel, rather than where they fall short.
And what’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants?
I care more about the faults in my own restaurants than those of others.
What’s your favorite cuisine?
Whenever I go to a restaurant, I always have an open mind and try as many different dishes as possible. This means I’m often surprised — in a positive way. It’s very common for me to order the whole menu.
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
Lately, I’ve been making a lot of bikinis (what we call a ham-and-cheese pressed sandwich in Spain), and I’m enjoying them more and more every day. They’re quick, simple, and always satisfying — perfect when I’m short on time but still want something tasty.
What customer behavior most annoys you?
Treating others badly is one behavior I dislike. Respect is essential in any environment, and seeing someone disrespect staff or act rudely is something I find frustrating.
What’s your favorite dish to cook and why?
I’m passionate about cocido madrileño (chickpea-based stew) and croquetas. Both are very popular Spanish dishes, simple and very tasty, in fact I always have versions of them on the menu in some of our restaurants.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
The more you make a dish, the easier it becomes — it’s really just a matter of time and practice. Even the most complicated recipes can become second nature if you repeat them enough.
As a head chef, are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback?
In the kitchens of the XO world, shouting, bad language, and disrespect are forbidden.
Throughout all the years of my career, this is something that I have learned and internalized. But this doesn’t imply any less discipline or demand from my side.
Chef Dabiz Munoz’s octopus taco recipe
Chef Dabiz Munoz’s octopus taco. (Supplied)
Warning: Requires some specialist equipment if recipe is to be followed exactly, including blast chiller, vacuum sealer, and robata (Japanese charcoal grill, similar to a barbeque).
Ingredients (for final plating):
Blue corn tortilla
10g yellow mole
8g tamarillo emulsion
50g cooked octopus
6g parmesan
10g carrots
4 unit sorrel
6g pumpkin seeds
1 unit lime wedge
Instructions:
Tamarillo Emulsion
Ingredients:
10kg peeled, aged, tamarillo (must be ripe)
2g ajillo
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Method:
Peel the tamarillo and vacuum seal it.
Once matured, emulsify everything, salt to taste
Cooked Octopus
Ingredients:
40g octopus
2 onions
5g garlic
2 bay leaves
Method:
Cook at 85 degrees celsius for three hours or until tender. Cover the octopus with 85 degree water, add two onions, add 50g of garlic, add 10g of bay leaves. Strain and then blast chill.
Carrots
Ingredients for the Marinade:
0% white wine (no alcohol) 10g
Jerez vinegar 5g
Mandarin juice 10g
Olive oil 3g
Chopped garlic 6g
Pimenton de la vera 3g
Salt, cumin, oregano (to taste)
Red food coloring (to taste)
Method:
Reduce the wine and sherry vinegar by half. In a separate pan, fry the garlic in oil until golden, then add the remaining ingredients to the reduction.
Pickled carrots:
Peel the carrots and vacuum seal them with the prepared marinade.
Pumpkin seeds:
Lightly fry the pumpkin seeds in oil until golden brown, then season with salt to taste.
Plating
Grill the octopus on the robata, adding some smoking Sarmiento underneath for extra flavor.
Brush the octopus with lemon oil for a bright, citrusy finish.
Warm the tortilla and place it on the dish, seasoning it with yellow mole and a sprinkle of seeds for texture.
Position the grilled octopus on top of the tortilla, then add four small dots of tamarillo sauce around it.
Top the octopus with a light layer of cheese.
Garnish with thinly sliced carrots and fresh greens to add color and freshness.
Finish the dish with a squeeze of lime and a dusting of powder to enhance the flavors.
Where We Are Going Today: Seven Restaurant, a food-lovers’ delight in Riyadh
Updated 30 October 2024
Rashid Hassan
Seven Restaurant, at the Courtyard by Marriott, is a perfect spot for food lovers in the capital.
This indoor eatery offers a diverse dining experience to the gourmet with an authentic blend of local and international cuisine served via buffet and a la carte menus.
Situated near the King Abdullah Financial District, the restaurant on the Northern Ring Road is a contemporary eatery renowned for its exceptional amenities and comfortable accommodations.
The atmosphere is tranquil, providing a perfect place to unwind and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.
Seven offers exceptional culinary experiences, including seafood, barbecues, and a delightful blend of local flavors and international favorites catering to a wide range of palates.
The restaurant has street food night every Monday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Full station for SR 140 ($37) and single station for SR 65 inclusive of beverages. Charcoal night every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. is priced at SR 230 per person, inclusive of beverages.
Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. is seafood night, charging SR 230 per person including beverages and featuring live entertainment.
With a range of performances and soothing music, the restaurant brings a taste of spicy flavors with entertainment to the foodies in the city.
For in-house guests there is a 25 percent saving on charcoal night and seafood night.
From the tantalizing array of freshly sourced seafood options to the sizzling flavors of the barbecued favorites, the restaurant invites guests to embark on a remarkable gastronomic journey. On offer is a treat for seafood and barbecue enthusiasts in Riyadh, and an unforgettable dining experience.
Recipes for Success: UNOX Arabia’s corporate chef Elie Ghrayeb talks patience, preparation and positivity
Updated 24 October 2024
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: Aged just 28, Elie Ghrayeb has already made a name for himself in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning food and beverage industry.
Ghrayeb is currently corporate chef at UNOX Arabia, the regional branch of the Italian oven manufacturer, and combines a wealth of culinary experience with a background in management.
Ghrayeb began his career as an apprentice at Beirut’s Printania Restaurant, where he developed his passion for cooking. Working closely with experienced chefs, he refined his skills and transitioned into management roles, which led him to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Now, Ghrayeb travels the Middle East and Africa, showcasing the brand’s ovens, leading demonstrations and participating in exhibitions.
Here, he shares insights into kitchen challenges, his favorite cuisine and the importance of teamwork.
What was the most common mistake you made when starting out?
Rushing things. I often overlooked the importance of proper preparation and organization, which led to mistakes in timing and execution. Over time, I’ve learned that taking the time to set everything up properly beforehand makes a world of difference in the kitchen.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs cooking at home?
Have patience. Cooking is an art that requires time and attention. Focus on mastering basic techniques and flavors before attempting more complex dishes. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — they’re valuable learning opportunities.
What one ingredient can enhance any dish?
It’s impossible for me to choose just one, so I’d highlight three essential elements I never cook without: salt, fat and acid. Each plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and elevating a dish. Salt enhances and brings out natural flavors, fat adds richness and texture, and acid provides brightness and balance. Together, they form the foundation of great cooking.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the meal?
Yes, I do. Common issues I encounter include lack of seasoning, overcooked proteins, and dishes that feel rushed. I also pay close attention to the service and atmosphere, as both can significantly impact the overall experience.
French gastronomy holds special significance for me, as it was the first cuisine I ever worked with. I have a particular fondness for dishes like steak tartare and classic bistro-style comfort food. The meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious balance of flavors in French cooking never cease to inspire me. Each bite evokes cherished memories of my early culinary journey and the passion that ignited my love for the craft.
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
A perfectly seared ribeye steak with flavorful sides. It’s my comfort food, and I love the simplicity and satisfaction it brings. The process of seasoning the steak and achieving that beautiful crust, paired with sides like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables, makes for an incredibly rewarding cooking experience. Each bite captures the essence of indulgence and brings me immense joy.
What customer behavior most frustrates you?
I find it particularly frustrating when customers are disrespectful to waitstaff and restaurant personnel. A respectful and courteous atmosphere is essential for creating a positive dining experience for everyone involved.
A classic steak tartare. It holds special significance for me, as it was the first dish I learned to master. The precision required in its preparation makes it rewarding.
What’s the most challenging dish for you to get right?
I don’t view specific dishes as particularly challenging to execute, but I find that preparing cuisine from a completely unfamiliar culture can be difficult. The lack of understanding of the cultural nuances and historical context can pose a unique challenge in achieving authenticity.
As a leader, are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback?
I’d say I have a calm and supportive management style. I believe in creating a positive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from mistakes. Open communication and leading by example are key.
Chef Elie's beef tartare recipe
INGREDIENTS:
For the beef tartare:
300g beef rump, finely chopped
20g shallots, finely chopped
20g cornichons, finely chopped
15g capers, finely chopped
5g chives, finely chopped
40g truffle mayonnaise (recipe below)
Olive oil, for seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the truffle Mayonnaise:
500g olive oil
4 egg yolks
20g truffle, finely chopped
20g Savora mustard
A splash of vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
To serve:
Japanese egg yolk (one per serving)
Sliced toasted baguette
Extra truffle mayonnaise
Dijon mustard (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the tartare:
In a bowl, combine the chopped beef, shallots, cornichons, capers, and chives. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, ensuring all the flavors are well-balanced.
Make the truffle mayonnaise:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and mustard together until well combined. Slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream while continuously whisking to emulsify. Once the mayonnaise reaches a thick consistency, stir in the chopped truffle. Add a splash of vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the dish:
Shape the beef tartare into a neat mound on the plate. Gently place a Japanese egg yolk on top of the tartare. Serve with sliced toasted baguette on the side, along with a small bowl of the truffle mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if desired) for extra flavor.
Where We Are Going Today: Medium Well restaurant in Jeddah
Updated 23 October 2024
Afshan Aziz
Medium Well has quickly gained attention with its focus on premium steaks and burgers.
Situated in Babylon Plaza on Sari Road in Al-Zahra district, Jeddah, this new steak and burger restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience with a strong emphasis on quality meats and grilling expertise.
The entrance to the restaurant stands out with its glowing logo, large doors and stylish potted plants, offering a hint of the experience that lies within.
Inside, the restaurant features a contemporary aesthetic, combining clean lines with a minimalist design. The space is characterized by a blend of crisp white tables, warm brown seating and sleek black chairs.
The main course menu is intentionally limited to just a few options, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity.
The star of the menu is the Medium Well steak, an Australian prime tenderloin, chargrilled to perfection and served with hand-cut fries, freshly baked focaccia, mixed greens, and a secret sauce.
The restaurant’s other standout is the wagyu burger, which is cooked on a charcoal grill, then topped with cheddar cheese and served in a freshly baked gourmet bun alongside hand-cut fries.
To complement the main courses, sides include indulgent options such as truffle fries, lasagna rolls, creamy spinach and Medium Well mashed potatoes.
Each side is crafted to enhance the meat-focused dishes, adding variety without overshadowing the main attraction.
For dessert, the offerings are rich and satisfying, with choices like a super molten chocolate pudding and an upside-down cheesecake. These options provide a sweet end to a hearty meal.
Additionally, the children’s menu includes crispy chicken with hand-cut fries.
Medium Well operates from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekdays and extends its hours until 2:30 a.m. on weekends.
Check @mediumwell.sa on Instagram for more details.
Where We Are Going Today: Balalet restaurant in Al-Khobar
Updated 22 October 2024
Waad Hussain
Tucked away in the heart of Al-Shamalia district in Al-Khobar, Balalet restaurant offers more than just a meal — it presents a cultural escape.
Specializing in tea and the traditional dishes it is named after, this hidden gem is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabian flavors with a modern twist.
The warm and inviting decor sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. The space is a harmonious blend of traditional wooden elements, soft rugs, and dim lighting that gives it a comfortable atmosphere.
The charming staircase and tasteful local art further add to the cultural vibe, creating an ambiance that feels like home.
Balalet’s menu has a variety of choices. The chapati with eggs and cheese is a highlight, offering a comforting combination of softness and crispness in every bite.
A standout item for those seeking a playful twist is the chapati filled with Chips Oman and cheese, an unexpectedly delightful blend of crunch and nostalgia.
The star of the menu is, of course, the restaurant’s namesake — balalet. This dish, a savory-sweet mix of vermicelli noodles with a traditional flavor profile, hits all the right notes.
Pair it with their carefully brewed hibiscus tea, which strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, and you have yourself a meal that provides comfort and excitement.
The only drawback is the limited parking space; finding a spot in this bustling neighborhood can be challenging, especially during peak hours, so it is worth planning ahead to avoid frustration. Once inside, however, the experience more than compensates for the inconvenience.
Prices at Balalet are reasonable, making it a good option for casual diners and those looking to enjoy a special meal with family or friends.
For more details check their Instagram @balaleet.sa.
