In Noug’s gelato recipe, camel milk, which helps produce a thick, creamy consistency, is the primary ingredient
Updated 02 September 2024
Jasmine Bager
With 2024 being the “Year of the Camel,” lovers of the indigenous “ships of the desert” can sink their spoons into creamy, lactose-free, premium gelato from Noug, a PIF-funded company from Sawani.
All seven distinct gelato flavors made from camel milk are now available at select local Saudi supermarkets across the Kingdom.
While camels have long been symbols of the country, few households in modern Saudi cities consume camel milk as part of their daily diet.
Noug, a relatively new brand on the market, has been expanding its business model rapidly in recent years. Launched this summer, the gelato offers customers a sweet way to rediscover the merits of camel milk.
In Noug’s gelato recipe, camel milk, which helps produce a thick, creamy consistency, is the primary ingredient. Since gelato is also churned at a much slower speed than ice cream, less air gets into the mix, making the cool dessert denser and richer.
We tried the coffee and cardamom flavor. As a lover of coffee, gelato and cardamom, I was a bit hesitant to try this camel milk version, but once I did, it truly hit the spot. It did not taste “weird” at all, but rather like gelato I might find somewhere in Europe, only with a distinctly Saudi flavoring and better packaging.
Each container includes a small spoon underneath the lid, which is convenient. The branding is on point too, with a camel-shaped barcode at the back. It was enjoyable and not foreign at all to my tongue.
Noug opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in the Saudi capital last year. Since then, it has established branches in AlUla, Jeddah, Makkah and a series of trucks in Alkhobar. It also offers delivery via various food apps.
Supermarkets now stock the cool stuff in the freezer aisle, so you can pick up a flavor — or all seven — to try on your next visit to the frozen dessert section. Each one goes for SR17 ($4).
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kaboun’ Restaurant in Madinah
Updated 17 February 2025
Nada Hameed
Kaboun is a new breakfast spot in Madinah, opening as early as 6 a.m.
The restaurant’s interior is warm and inviting, resembling a vintage classic home adorned with hand-embroidered pearls of wisdom, old sayings, and poetry.
Sunlight pours through the white curtains, creating a serene atmosphere, while morning melodies from legends like Fairouz, Umm Kulthum, and Abdel Halim Hafez enhance the experience.
AN photo by Nada Hameed
The menu offers a variety of tempting options, including English breakfast, different omelets, traditional tatimah, sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries. Kaboun’s oven delivers warm delights straight to your table, such as waffles, pancakes, croissants, and focaccia.
I chose the three-cheese omelet, which was light, fluffy, topped with shredded cheese and fresh chives, and beautifully presented. It came with a tangy tomato-based dipping sauce that complemented the flavors well. The side salad was fresh, with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, and a light dressing that added a refreshing contrast.
I also tried the Madini tatimah, a selection of traditional Madinah breakfast items served in small decorative dishes, including a variety of green and black olives, creamy labneh, crumbly white cheese, and warm, freshly baked olive focaccia. There was also za’atar-infused olive oil for dipping, along with sweet strawberry jam and tahini-based halva. The combination of warm bread, and sweet and savory flavors made for a comforting and balanced meal.
For dessert, I tried the pecan pancakes, which were soft and fluffy with a delightful crunch from the nuts. They came with butter and caramel sauce, adding a rich, delicious flavor.
The flat BBQ burger is another must-try, with its smashed beef patty, crispy beef bacon, special BBQ sauce, and crispy onions, making it a rich, smoky indulgence
Updated 16 February 2025
Afshan Aziz
If you find yourself craving a unique and satisfying burger experience, look no further than Flat Burger, which is on Al-Naseem street in Jeddah.
This cozy spot has quickly become a favorite for locals who appreciate a flavorful burger with a twist, featuring uniquely flat buns instead of the usual rounded ones. Known more for its take-out options than for dining in, Flat Burger offers a convenient and tasty solution for those on the go.
At the heart of Flat Burger’s menu are its signature double-toasted buns, which provide a crunchy yet soft foundation for their mouthwatering creations. Each burger is crafted with care, ensuring that the flavors blend perfectly.
The Flat Burger classic features a smashed beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, caramelized onions, and their special flat sauce, making it a delightful combination of savory and sweet — the perfect go-to for a satisfying meal that does not compromise on taste.
For chicken lovers, the flat chicken burger is a standout. The crunchy fried chicken is served along with the same fresh lettuce, cheddar cheese, and flat sauce, creating a crispy, savory bite that will leave you coming back for more.
The flat BBQ burger is another must-try, with its smashed beef patty, crispy beef bacon, special BBQ sauce, and crispy onions, making it a rich, smoky indulgence.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more sophisticated, the flat truffle burger brings together a smashed Angus beef patty, Swiss cheese, pickles, crispy onions, and a special truffle sauce, creating a refined and rich burger experience that appeals to gourmet tastes.
Side options at Flat Burger are just as satisfying, including flat onion rings that are perfectly crispy and a delicious addition to your meal. For those seeking a cheesy delight, the flat cheese sticks are gooey and indulgent, making for an irresistible snack.
Whether you are out picking up for lunch, dinner, or a late-night craving, Flat Burger is definitely worth a visit.
Check @eatflatburger on Instagram for more details.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Khaliat Khalid’ Saudi pastry shop
For many Saudis, the classic khaliah is tied to childhood memories and family traditions
Updated 15 February 2025
Nada Hameed
Khaliat Khalid is a Saudi pastry shop with branches across the Kingdom. It offers a variety of freshly baked pastries, including a popular specialty known in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf as khaliah (honeycomb bread).
This sweet-and-savory treat gets its name from its unique beehive-like shape. It consists of small dough balls filled with cream cheese and baked to a golden color, often drizzled with sugar syrup for a contrast of soft bread and creamy filling.
Khaliat Khalid elevates this classic with a range of fillings and toppings, including cheesecake with blueberry and raspberry, chocolate with za’atar, cinnamon with sugar glaze, caramelized pecans, and even a savory version filled with chicken musakhan.
For many Saudis, the classic khaliah is tied to childhood memories and family traditions. It is the comforting pastry mothers and grandmothers would prepare, filled with kiri cheese, topped with sesame seeds, and served with tea after lunch or with coffee when hosting guests. It is also a beloved dish on Ramadan iftar tables, bringing families together in the evening.
For those wanting to try different flavors, the bites box includes six varieties with two dipping sauces: condensed milk and sugar syrup. I tried it and loved the cloud-like dough, perfectly balanced filling, and irresistible flavors. My favorite was the cinnamon with condensed milk, and the saffron flavor — it tasted just like home.
I also tried their warm date pudding, served in a clay bowl. It was soft, rich, and satisfying. In addition to sweets, they offer mini meat or chicken pies, ideal for gatherings. Best of all, most items are priced under SR30 ($8).
For more information visit @khaliatkh.sa on Instagram.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Yemeni Village’ food in Jeddah
Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for families and groups looking to enjoy traditional Yemeni cuisine without overspending
Updated 14 February 2025
Nada Hameed
If you’re someone who loves exploring new cuisines, it’s time to experience authentic Yemeni food at Yemeni Village. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant immerses you in a vibrant Yemeni atmosphere.
Some of the standout dishes include shrimp maghash, mugalgal, lamb liver, mutabaq, beef and chicken fahsa (slow-cooked meat stew), mandi (fragrant spiced rice with tender meat or chicken).
For appetizers, you may try their sambusa, filled with minced meat and white cheese, freshly fried with a delicate, soft pastry. You will also enjoy their lentil and wheat soup, both rich and comforting.
You will love their shrimp maghash and mugalgal, the shrimp and meat are incredibly tender, and the seasoning is perfectly balanced. Every dish is cooked to perfection; not overly oily, yet rich in taste.
Each dish is served in a special traditional stone pot, a cylindrical vessel made of stone designed to retain heat, ensuring the food stays warm throughout your meal. This type of cookware is widely used in homes across Jazan, adding an authentic touch to the experience.
Despite the restaurant usually being full, the service is surprisingly fast. The staff are attentive and efficient.
Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for families and groups looking to enjoy traditional Yemeni cuisine without overspending.
A complimentary serving of melawah bread is provided with the meal. It is a large, layered Yemeni bread available in both white and whole-grain flour, resembling a giant burrata-style flatbread.
For dessert, you may try their marsa, a traditional banana-based dish similar to masoub. It’s made with mashed ripe bananas, ghee, honey and cream, sprinkled with black seeds, best enjoyed with a cup of Adani tea or Saudi coffee.
The restaurant spans three spacious floors, with dedicated family spaces and a rooftop area where you can enjoy traditional Yemeni hookah in an inviting and culturally rich setting.
The restaurant provides a cosy, traditional ambience, featuring clay pots, wooden windows and clay lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
The waitstaff, dressed in traditional Yemeni attire, complements the cultural experience. For more details, visit @yemenivillage on Instagram.
Jeddah celebrates global culinary extravaganza at Food Culture Festival
Festival heads west after successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh
Workshops, musical performances, and global cuisine on offer
Updated 15 February 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: After successful events in Alkhobar and Riyadh, the much-anticipated Food Culture Festival is taking place at Jeddah’s Wonder District from Feb. 12 to 16.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program, the event showcases a rich blend of local and international culinary experiences.
The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.
Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program. (Supplied)
In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.
Leo Wen, CEO and co-founder of Whoa Tea, which offers authentic Chinese drinks and sweets like Tang Hu Lu (candied fruit snack) and coconut cubes, said: “It’s exciting to introduce these unique flavors through this festival, and the response has been overwhelming.
“Our goal is not only to provide a delicious experience but also to share the rich heritage behind these drinks and desserts, showcasing the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions.”
FASTFACTS
• The festival in Jeddah features four zones, each offering a different aspect of the culinary world.
• In the food exhibitors’ area, attendees can savor various cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to international delicacies, allowing them to embark on a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving the city.
• The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands.
Noura Abdullah, founder of Soma, a Saudi brand known for its signature grape leaves, as well as dishes like grape leaves fatteh, musakhan, kibbeh, and fresh juices made from carefully selected ingredients, said: “Everything we serve is homemade, with our signature dish, the grape leaves, being particularly popular.
Guests will also get a chance to watch live cooking demos. (Supplied)
“I started in Alkhobar, then expanded to Riyadh, and now, by participating in this festival in Jeddah, I’m exploring the possibility of franchising Soma.
“The positive feedback from visitors has been incredible, especially (for) the grape leaves. Their response has been very encouraging and motivates me to bring Soma to even more people.”
Ahmed Imran, owner of My Makan, the only Malaysian restaurant in Jeddah, told Arab News: “Festivals like this bring together diverse cultures, and food is the perfect medium to unite people from all walks of life.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of culinary offerings from around the world. (Supplied)
“It’s truly amazing to see such a celebration of global cuisines, and I’m excited to introduce authentic Malaysian dishes to the visitors. It’s also heartwarming to witness the positive response from the community towards Malaysian cuisine.”
The festival also welcomes food truck owners, offering them an opportunity to showcase their food and attract new customers.
Al-Baraa Yahy, who owns Protein Dose, a food truck based in Al-Safa district, said the festival has given her the opportunity to introduce her products to a wider audience.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of culinary offerings from around the world. (Supplied)
“I’m grateful for the chance to showcase my offerings through such a fantastic platform,” she said.
For those eager to enhance their culinary skills, the workshops area offers hands-on experiences with activities such as sushi making, food decoration, pasta crafting, and even food photography, with a special focus on the flavors of Singapore.
Live cooking demonstrations will also allow guests to witness the magic of food preparation firsthand.
Sadellah Zakaria, an Italian chef, and Mokhtar Mahdy, an Egyptian chef, teach festivalgoers how to make pasta like fettuccine and ravioli from scratch with their workshop.
“These workshops are a great way for attendees to not only learn valuable culinary skills but also connect with the craft of making fresh pasta. Even children can join and enjoy this immersive experience,” Zakaria said.
The festival’s theater area features live performances, from guitar and vocal acts to Arabic music bands and Indian Bharatanatyam dancers.
Additionally, roaming performances like living statues, an interactive parade, and a Chinese dragon dance add to the event’s festive atmosphere.
The kids’ area offers a chance for children to get involved in cooking workshops and farm activities, participate in friendly competitions, and unleash their creativity in a safe and educational environment.
Mohammed Hussein, who came along with his family said: “It’s great that the workshops let kids get involved and try things out for themselves. Plus, the festival has this cool passport challenge where you get a stamp every time you visit a different zone.”
Ghadeer Abdullah, a visitor from Makkah, said: “The best part of the festival is definitely the weather. It’s so pleasant that we’re enjoying all the zones. The kids’ zone is especially engaging. My children spent almost an hour completing the workshop, and they loved every minute of it.”
