Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dazzling Cafe’ in Dammam
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dazzling Cafe’ in Dammam/node/2581230/food-health
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dazzling Cafe’ in Dammam
A tempting selection of locally made desserts, including creamy cheesecake and rich tiramisu, paired with their signature V60 coffee made from Costa Rican beans. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dazzling Cafe’ in Dammam
Dazzling Cafe is a gem for dessert and coffee lovers alike, blending local craftsmanship with a chic setting
Updated 29 November 2024
Waad Hussain
Nestled within vibrant Al-Nakheel Mall in Dammam, Dazzling Cafe is a sleek and stylish spot that has earned its reputation for delivering both aesthetic and flavorful experiences. The cafe boasts a warm ambiance with modern decor, making it an inviting place to enjoy handcrafted desserts and exceptional coffee.
What sets Dazzling Cafe apart is its dedication to offering locally made desserts. Each treat is prepared with care, from the rich tiramisu to the creamy cheesecake, showcasing flavors that feel both indulgent and authentic. The molten lava cake served piping hot in a skillet is a must-try for chocolate lovers, and the attention to detail in presentation elevates the experience.
The elegant and modern facade of Dazzling Cafe in Al-Nakheel Mall, Dammam, sets the tone for a cozy and upscale dining experience. (Supplied)
Complementing the desserts is their exceptional coffee selection. The V60 pour-over coffee is a top choice for many, especially when made with their Costa Rican beans, which offer a smooth, vibrant flavor profile that pairs beautifully with their sweets. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good cup, their dedication to quality will impress.
However, the cafe does have one downside, as it is always crowded. Located in a busy mall, finding a table can be a challenge, especially during peak hours. Patience is key, but it is worth it once you settle in and savor the flavors.
Dazzling Cafe is a gem for dessert and coffee lovers alike, blending local craftsmanship with a chic setting. For the best experience, try visiting during quieter times to fully enjoy its charm.
For more information, check their Instagram @dazzling.cafe
Recipes for Success: Chef Dexter Gelizon offers advice, a recipe for avocado ceviche
Updated 07 March 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: Filipino chef Dexter Gelizon, is currently sous chef at Dubai’s sister restaurants Salvaje (which serves Japanese cuisine) and Arrogante (Italian).
“My journey as a chef began when I was 17 years old, helping my aunt run her food truck,” Gelizon tells Arab News. “It was there that I started honing my palate and developing my skills in creating innovative recipes. Over time, I fell in love with Japanese flavors and techniques, which completely transformed my path.”
But his love for cooking was sparked at a much earlier age.
“My earliest memory of cooking goes back to when I was five, making adobo — braised chicken in soy sauce — with my mom. That left a lasting impression on me,” he says.
Here he talks salt, simplicity, and sharpness.
What was the most common mistake you made when starting out?
Overcomplicating the plate. I’d focus too much on presentation and lose sight of the most important element — the flavor. Now, I prioritize flavor and quality above all else.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?
Invest in good-quality equipment and utensils. A sharp knife, a reliable stove or induction cooktop, and sturdy pans can make all the difference. Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother, but it also sets the tone for a positive and enjoyable experience. When I see a well-equipped kitchen, it puts me in a good mood and inspires me to prepare food with care and enthusiasm.
Arogante. (Supplied)
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
Salt. It has the power to elevate and balance the flavors, bringing out the best in every ingredient. But achieving the right balance can be tricky — it requires precision and care. Too little, and the flavors might fall flat; too much, and the entire dish can be ruined.
What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants when you go out?
The experience for diners starts with the service — it sets the tone for the entire meal. When the staff explain the dishes on the menu with enthusiasm and precision, it excites me and heightens my anticipation. However, if the service fails to make a good first impression, it can shift my focus, and I might start noticing flaws or areas for improvement. Service and atmosphere are as important as the food itself in creating a memorable dining experience.
What’s your favorite dish?
I always look for ramen. It’s incredibly satisfying. I love exploring how different chefs are evolving and innovating with flavors and techniques. Ramen is fascinating to me because it’s so complex — every component, from the broth to the noodles and toppings, needs to be perfectly balanced. It’s tricky to get right, but when done well it’s absolutely delicious and a true testament to a chef’s skill.
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
A combination of eggs, sausage, rice, and soup. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and gives me the energy I need — perfect for a busy day.
What customer behavior most frustrates you?
What annoys me most is when customers deconstruct a well-prepared dish that has a perfect balance of flavors. Each element is carefully crafted to complement the others, so altering it can disrupt the harmony and intention behind the dish.
What’s your favorite dish to cook?
Braised short ribs in peanut sauce, a dish my mom calls Kare Kare. Braising the short ribs is a complex and time-intensive process, but the result is incredibly rewarding. There’s a deep sense of pride and satisfaction when you achieve perfectly tender meat paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. It’s a dish that carries a lot of sentimental value for me.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
From the Salvaje menu, the most challenging dish is the Salvaje steak. There are two crucial components to manage — the steak and the sauce. Timing is everything. If the timing is off, the steak can easily become overcooked, and the sauce can split and turn oily. Once that happens, there’s no way to fix it — you have to start over from scratch. It requires precision and focus to ensure it’s served perfectly every time.
What are you like in the kitchen? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laid back?
I’m a disciplinarian, but in a calm and constructive way. I see myself as a teacher, focusing on guiding and correcting where needed. If I ever raise my voice, it’s only because something has gone seriously wrong — but I work hard to ensure it doesn’t come to that.
Chef Dexter’s avocado ceviche recipe
Avocado ceviche recipe. (Supplied)
Char-grilled avocado with amarillo ponzu, fried corn, chili, mango, cucumber and onion
Procedure:
Cut the avocado into quarters, grill it to get smoky flavor, put on a plate and drizzle with amarillo ponzu, add the rest of the vegetables randomly, finish with salt and olive oil.
INGREDIENTS:
Amarillo ponzu
8g yellow hot pepper paste; 10g ponzu; 5g yellow capsicum; 6ml olive oil; salt to taste; lemon juice to taste
Procedure:
Roast the yellow capsicum, allow to cool then remove the seeds. In a food processor, mix all the ingredients apart from the olive oil until you get a paste. Slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and lemon.
Eating healthily does not have to be boring. Colorful salads and earthy bowls are Salad Lab’s speciality, and this Saudi-owned food outlet offering flavorful healthy meals is sure to leave you satisfied.
From Mexican salad to Lebanese fattoush, Salad Lab’s menu has a variety of trendy and international salads for all tastes. Customers can customize their own salad, with endless options of vegetables and toppings.
Salad Lab also has warm dishes, such as grilled chicken and salmon with a side of vegetables, mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice.
Visitors will love their grilled salmon with a side of vegetables and mash potatoes. This savory and flavorful dish is cooked to perfection with a side of fresh produce.
Another great option for a lighter meal is their avocado chicken salad. This salad has sweet flavors from the honey mustard dressing and savory notes from the seasoned grilled chicken, and an added crunch from the topped nuts.
Salad Lab has only one location in Qatif and the restaurant is fairly small, offering limited seating. Visitors can also order online through the “Locate” food delivery application to avoid standing in line.
During the month of Ramadan, Salad Lab offers their combo boxes, which will include a main dish with a side, salad, sambosa, dates, and a drink of choice.
Salad Lab is a great option for those who are keen to maintain a healthy diet, and anyone craving a nutritious yet tasty meal.
Mama’s Bagel also serves fresh juices like orange, orange and carrot, and beetroot
Updated 04 March 2025
Nada Hameed
Nestled in Riyadh’s vibrant food scene, Mama’s Bagel is bringing a taste of New York to the Kingdom’s capital.
This Saudi brand offers freshly made bagels that are as delicious as they are creative.
Inspired by the classic New York bagel, the founder wanted to create a place where people could enjoy delicious bagel sandwiches with unique flavors.
Photo/Instagram
While Mama’s Bagel sticks to traditional New York bagel-making methods, it adds a twist by blending bold, local flavors. This mix of traditions makes every sandwich stand out.
The cozy restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for brunch, a quick meal, or a coffee break.
Among the best-sellers are the spicy tuna with avocado and the turkey with cream cheese, made in-house with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served in satisfying portions.
For a gourmet twist, try the burrata turkey, which blends pesto with creamy burrata, smokey turkey, and herby pesto. The labneh and olives offer a Mediterranean-inspired treat, while the qaymer cream with honey is a smooth and naturally sweet option.
If you’re craving something comforting, the peanut butter and jam is a nostalgic choice that hits the mark.
Mama’s Bagel also serves fresh juices like orange, orange and carrot, and beetroot.
The modern, trendy vibe of the space captures the energy of New York’s iconic bagel spots while still feeling warm and inviting.
For more details, visit @mamas.bagel on Instagram.
Gymkhana Riyadh’s Ramadan iftar offers a well-balanced mix of tradition and indulgence, making it a great option for those looking to celebrate the season with rich flavors
Updated 02 March 2025
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: Gymkhana Riyadh, inspired by its Michelin-starred London counterpart, offers a refined take on classic and contemporary Indian cuisine.
Gymkhana is presenting a specially curated iftar menu priced at SR235 ($63) per person for the holy month of Ramadan. The meal begins with a selection of Ramadan-inspired mocktails and Saudi gahwa, setting the stage for an indulgent feast.
The starters bring an assortment of textures and flavors, from the crisp pappadum selection served with tomato kalonji chutney and nimbu achari raita to the tangy gol guppas filled with jaljeera, potato, and sprouting moong.
The potli vegetable samosa, paired with chutney, offers a satisfying crunch, while the aloo chaat with tamarind and sev balances sweetness with spice.
For those who enjoy heartier options, the kasoori chicken tikka with moong sprouts and kasundi kachumber add a smoky depth to the spread.
For the main course, diners can choose between dum lamb biryani, Goan prawn curry, or chicken butter masala, each served with dal lasooni and a bread basket. The biryani is fragrant and well-spiced, the prawn curry offers a coastal touch with its coconut-infused sauce, and the butter chicken delivers the comforting, creamy flavors that many expect from a classic North Indian dish.
The dessert selection brings a luxurious end to the meal, with gold leaf badami kheer offering a silky, nutty sweetness, while the gulab jamun with cardamom mawa rabri presents a rich and indulgent bite.
Gymkhana Riyadh’s Ramadan iftar offers a well-balanced mix of tradition and indulgence, making it a great option for those looking to celebrate the season with rich flavors.
However, diners should be prepared for a significant level of spice in many of the dishes, which could be overwhelming for those with a lower tolerance. While the flavors are deep and well executed, the heat level might not be for everyone.
For more information, check the Instagram @gymkhana.sa.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Foodsphere’ in Riyadh’s Tahlia Street
The Date Library includes the most prominent dates of the region, including descriptions on the fruit’s characteristics and region of cultivation
Updated 01 March 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
Foodsphere in Riyadh is a new spot that takes visitors on an educational and adventurous journey through Saudi Arabia’s rich food culture.
Located on Riyadh’s Tahlia Street, Foodsphere is part of the Riyadh Oases Network, which will be built across numerous neighborhoods in the Kingdom.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by the warm staff and ushers that provide a guided experience in each of the themed spaces.
The first space is dedicated to the significance of coffee and dates in Saudi Arabia, a key symbol of hospitality.
In the Coffee Capsule visitors enter an immersive room highlighting the process of coffee cultivation in Jazan, in the Asir region. The coffee space has two invigorating sensory experiences, allowing guests to smell different types of Arabic coffee, consisting of different base notes and flavors according to the region.
The Date Library includes the most prominent dates of the region, including descriptions on the fruit’s characteristics and region of cultivation.
I had a cappuccino and date pudding from Saudi coffee shop Rawaa, which brews locally sourced coffee. The coffee had a balanced flavor and the date pudding was heart-warming and delicious with a sweet date flavor.
The Apiary features a live beehive exhibit, allowing guests to witness the wonders of one of the most important insects.
My favorite part of Foodsphere is the Biosphere, which includes a butterfly exhibit. Upon entering the sphere-shaped space, you are greeted with colorful, majestic butterflies flying over your head and thriving in their environment.
The center includes thorough descriptions of each zone in English and Arabic, to provide an accessible learning experience for visitors.
Outside of the center is an area dedicated to food and drink venues, as well as a running track and public seating.
Entry is free, making Foodsphere an ideal spot for friends and families to visit together.
