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CairoScene
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Koojeh is Rewriting the Rules of Persian Dining in Riyadh
We caught up with the mastermind behind Koojeh, Ahmed Aldhubaib, to uncover its story, his Paella Pop-up past, and how he aims to redefine the Saudi fine dining scene. At Koojeh, a new Persian restaurant tucked into a quiet stretch of Riyadh, there's a palpable reverence for the primal pleasures of fire, fat, and lamb. Smoke coils upward from open charcoal grills, clinging to the rafters and perfuming the space. Yet for all its historical underpinnings, Koojeh isn't nostalgic. It plays more like a masterful remix of old flavours refracted through a local, contemporary Saudi lens. I first stumbled across Koojeh on one of my late-night outings with two friends, former Cairene companions now firmly claimed by the Saudi corporate machine. We were on yet another nocturnal forage for a spot the algorithm hadn't already chewed up when we found it. True to its name (which means 'alleyway' in Persian), we were greeted by a cosy interior and wooden tables decorated with vintage silverware, which felt like stepping into someone's home, or rather, a hole-in-the-wall diner within the quarters of Tehran or Shiraz. 'That word 'koojeh' represents discovery, warmth, and the charm of everyday gatherings. That's exactly what we wanted the restaurant to feel like: intimate, rich in character, and accessible to everyone,' says the owner, Ahmed Aldhubaib, the genial, old-school chef behind the concept. He glides between busy tables, greeting diners with the history behind Persian cuisine and his family's culinary traditions. The first dish to land on our table was the Kubideh, the restaurant's inspired take on a street-food staple and reportedly its most ordered item: a skewer of ground lamb, mixed only with onion and salt, grilled until it trembles under its own weight. It's a dish that punishes shortcuts and rewards patience. 'It's frustrating how little care is given to local ingredients. Most restaurants use imported meat,' Ahmed tells us, 'but we work directly with a designated group of local shepherds. We source the livestock 10 days before preparation, and ensure they're freely grazed on a premium diet to optimise tenderness and flavour.' But before his restaurant debut wiry Koojeh, Aldhubaib was first known to Riyadh's foodies through Paella pop-up, a cloud kitchen concept that was born from his family's weekend feasts which, somewhat improbably, turned into a runaway hit. Paella went from humble farmers' markets to national TV, and eventually securing him a recurring spot at Riyadh Season's Boulevard World for four consecutive years. 'We've always cherished the moments food creates - how a well-prepared meal brings people together, sparks conversations with strangers, and builds lasting memories,' he reflects. 'We're here to tell Saudi stories through Persian food, and to prove that world-class dining can come from local roots, not imported trends.' If the paella was theatrical - 'a performance dish,' as he called it - Koojeh is something else: distilled, thoughtful, and devotional. It tells the story of his homeland and its dining culture through a Persian grill lens. 'It all started with my regular weekend feasts with the family. I wanted to create a space as warm and intimate as our gatherings, somewhere intimate, rich in character, and accessible.' Aldhubaib tells SceneNowSaudi. 'I was drawn to the Persian cuisine for its emphasis on simplicity, patience, and tradition. It's just a few ingredients, cooked right.' Midway through demolishing the lamb - still trembling off the bone - another dish arrived: the Joojeh, a chicken marinated for 48 hours in iqt (a traditional dehydrated yoghurt) and musky saffron. It came charred and tender, tasting of smoke and sunshine at once, an edible chiaroscuro: deep, bright, and fleeting. I was battling demons to eat intuitively and savour it to the last bite that my investment in helping my friend decode the one-liner texts of her situationship was long forgotten. In a country where the dining scene is mostly dominated by global franchises and Gulf-wide restaurant groups, Koojeh offers a counterpoint: a refreshing fine-dining experience that won't cost an arm and a leg. 'Balancing quality and affordability was the hardest part,' Aldhubaib admits. 'But we didn't want excellence to be exclusive. If the food isn't exceptional, we won't serve it." During one of his too many stops at our table, Aldhubaib shared with us some of the kitchen's confidential anecdotes. Since opening, Koojeh has expanded rapidly, with a second location already running and a third on the way. On any given evening, the dining room hosts a curious spectrum - government officials, food influencers, schoolteachers, and families celebrating milestones. Somehow, it has become a place for everyone. For Koojeh's future, Aldhubaib has big dreams: regional expansion, a platform for Saudi culinary talent, and a vision to 'redefine the Saudi F&B scene.' But the restaurant's true charm lies in its modesty. Koojeh doesn't dazzle with fire tricks or foam. Instead, it leans into something far more disarming: quiet mastery, deep sourcing, and excellent lamb. We ended the meal with a soft, fragrant dessert - rose milk with saffron and pistachio, dusted with irtah, a rare, nearly forgotten desert herb Koojeh sources from local Saudi markets. Still, the dish that lingered longest with me was the Kubideh, and how the sneaky underlying spiciness complemented the meat in all sorts of interesting ways. But more than that, you taste precision - a vision of what Persian food in Saudi Arabia might become when filtered through memory, fire, and just a bit of salt.
Leaders
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Join Festivities in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is gearing up for Eid Al-Fitr 2025 celebrations with a diverse array of festivities and amazing events. Eid Al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, celebrating the break of fast. Saudi Arabia has announced a 4-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. In the light of this, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched Eid Al-Fitr 2025 events, featuring a wide array of music concerts, theatrical performances, fireworks displays, and various entertainment activities across the Kingdom's regions. Riyadh's Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations In Riyadh, Eid Al-Fitr will be marked by unique entertainment events and world-class experiences that distinguish Saudi Arabia's capital city. On the first day of Eid, stunning fireworks displays will adorn Riyadh's skies at Boulevard City and Boulevard World at 9 pm. Entertainment Events Visitors can enjoy Eid Al-Fitr events in VIA Riyadh from March 30 to April 10, 2025. It is an exceptional hub for gourmet dining, luxury shopping, and immersive entertainment experiences, as well as opulent accommodations. Moreover, Boulevard World offers exciting events throughout the days of Eid Al-Fitr. The Boulevard World is one of Riyadh Season's most popular attractions, featuring an extraordinary collection of cultural and entertainment experiences that take visitors in thrilling adventures to explore other civilizations and cultures. From March 30 to April 10, 2025, Boulevard City will host exciting festivities to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, with amazing entertainment activities and memorable experiences. Music and Theater Riyadh will also host a myriad of music concerts and theatrical performances during Eid Al-Fitr. On April 1, 2025, Mai Farouk and Nawaf Aljabarti will dazzle audiences with their charming voices in an authentic musical night at Abu Bakr Salem stage. The iconic singer, Rabeh Sager, will deliver an unforgettable musical performance in Shaqra on April 1, 2025. Furthermore, audiences can catch Rashed Al Fares and Ayedh concert on April 2, 2025 at Mohammed Abo Arena in Riyadh. For theater fans, the renowned actor, Nasser Al-Qassabi, will perform 'Al Shanta' (The Bag) play at Bakr Al-Sheddi Theater in Riyadh, starting on the third day of Eid until April 19, 2025. The same theater will also play the thrilling 'Maskoun Laila' from April 1-3, 2025, offering a blend of drama and mystery in a unique theatrical experience. Cultural Events Eid Al-Fitr 2025 celebrations will also extend to Diriyah. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, live music shows, and luxury shopping at Bujairi Terrace amid the captivating views of the UNESCO Heritage Site of At-Turaif District throughout the days of Eid. The fourth edition of Layali Diriyah also brings spectacular Eid events, featuring culture, entertainment and souvenir shopping amid the historical landscapes of Diriyah, from March 30 to April 11, 2025. Short link :
Arab News
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities to mark the occasion. GEA has unveiled a nationwide celebration featuring concerts, theatrical performances, fireworks, and a variety of activities across the Kingdom's entertainment zones, offering unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors, Saudi Press Agency reported. Musical concerts will take place in Riyadh, Shaqra, Abha, Qassim, Jeddah, and Eastern Region cities, while theatrical productions will take center stage in Riyadh (April 1-19), Jeddah (April 1-6), and Dammam (April 1-3). Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations, including Boulevard World in Riyadh, Jeddah Art Promenade, Alkhobar Corniche, and Arruddaf Park in Taif. Eid celebrations will kick off on day one at Riyadh's Boulevard City, Boulevard World, VIA Riyadh, and Jeddah Art Promenade, with City Hub in Alkhobar hosting festivities on day two, providing diverse and family-friendly entertainment. The events underscore GEA's dedication to celebrating Eid and advancing the Kingdom's entertainment sector.
Leaders
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Saudi GEA Unveils Eid Al-Fitr 2025 Events
The Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched Eid Al-Fitr 2025 events, offering a wide range of entertainment events and activities across Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Eid Al-Fitr events feature a diverse array of music concerts, theatrical performances, fireworks displays, and various entertainment activities to celebrate Eid in a joyful atmosphere. Music and Theatrical Shows During Eid Al-Fitr 2025, an array of music concerts will kick off across the cities of Riyadh, Shaqra, Abha, the Eastern Region, Al-Qassim, and Jeddah. Moreover, Saudi theaters will host unique performances. From April 1-19, 2025, Bakr al-Sheddi Theater in Riyadh will present 'The Suitcase' play. Meanwhile, the Arab Theater in Jeddah will present 'Sun and Moon' play from April 1-6, 2025. Dammam will present 'The Heirs' play at the Al-Mana Medical College Theater from April 1-3, 2025, offering a comedic and entertainment show that suits all family members. Fireworks Displays During Eid Al-Fitr's first day, the skies of Saudi Arabia will shine with fireworks shows. At 9 pm, the fireworks displays will kick off across many areas, including: Riyadh Boulevard City and Boulevard World Jeddah Art Promenade Al-Khobar Corniche Taif's Al-Ruddaf Park Abha's Al-Matal Park Tabuk Central Park Hail's Al-Salam Park Jazan's North Corniche Al-Baha's Prince Hossam Park Madinah's King Fahd Central Park Buraidah's King Abdullah National Park Arar's Public Park Sakaka's King Abdullah Cultural Center Najran's Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Entertainment Events Furthermore, Eid Al-Fitr 2025 events include a variety of entertainment activities across many Saudi cities. Riyadh will host entertainment activities on Eid's first day in Boulevard City, Boulevard World and Via Riyadh. On Eid's second day, City Hub in Al-Khobar will launch entertainment activities. Meanwhile, Jeddah Promenade and Jeddah Marina will open their doors to visitors from Eid Al-Fitr's first day, offering diverse entertainment events and family-friendly activities. Eid Al-Fitr Celebration Eid Al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, celebrating the break of fast. Saudi Arabia has announced a 4-day holiday for the private and non-profit sectors to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. Eid Al-Fitr 2025 events align with GEA's efforts to enrich the festive atmosphere during Eid and enhance the Kingdom's entertainment sector. Short link : Post Views: 3
