Where We Are Going Today: Asyakh of Bahrain

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Updated 10 October 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Asyakh of Bahrain

Asyakh, a newly opened Bahraini restaurant, has quickly become the talk of the town, drawing crowds for its perfectly grilled meats and authentic Gulf flavors.

While the ambiance is quite standard with simple decor, comfortable seating and the feel of any fine-dining restaurant, it’s the food that truly sets this place apart.

The menu showcases a variety of classic Bahraini and Gulf-inspired dishes, beginning with appetizers such as hummus, fattoula (a refreshing mix of greens and crispy bread), jarjeer salad (arugula salad), and hummus ma’bous, a spicy twist on the traditional dip.

The grill section is where the restaurant shines, offering flavorful Bahraini tikkas, chicken wings, chicken tikka, yogurt-marinated tikka and several kinds of kebabs, including Kabab Al-Aam Mahmoud, spicy kebab and date molasses kebab.

The grilled chicken, lamb chops, beef pesto strips and barbecue shashlik all arrive hot and juicy, served with soft, freshly baked bread and fragrant saffron rice.

One standout dish is the goat yogurt with date molasses, a surprisingly rich and tangy pairing that reflects the restaurant’s Bahraini roots. The spicy Bahraini ma’bous dip also deserves mention for those who love a flaming kick.

However, despite the food’s excellence, the restaurant’s growing popularity has led to long waiting times, especially during weekends. Making a reservation through the link on their Instagram page is highly recommended to avoid the crowds. Service can feel a bit slow when the restaurant is full, but the staff remain attentive and welcoming once seated.

Overall, Asyakhs blend rich marinades and smoky aromas with a casual yet inviting dining experience. For more details, visit @asyakh.ksa.
 

 

 

 

 

 


Tashas’ founder lauds Kingdom’s ‘appetite for authentic dining experiences’

Updated 56 min 58 sec ago
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Tashas’ founder lauds Kingdom’s ‘appetite for authentic dining experiences’

  • Saudi is ‘exciting’ location, says Natasha Sideris
  • Dining here is ‘deeply social and family-oriented’

DUBAI: With outposts in London, Dubai and South Africa, restaurant brand Tashas is making headway in Saudi Arabia with the recent opening of a branch in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District.

Founded in 2005 by South Africans Natasha Sideris and her brother Savva, the Riyadh cafe features a curated dinner menu alongside the brand’s well-known daytime offerings, as well as its largest cake display to date with over 25 options.

Jill Okkers is the culinary director. (Supplied)

Culinary director Jill Okkers said the Kingdom’s culture has played a key role in shaping the Riyadh menu. “Dining in Saudi Arabia is a deeply social and family-oriented experience, it’s about connection, generosity and shared moments,” she said.

The Riyadh cafe features a curated dinner menu alongside the brand’s well-known daytime offerings. (Supplied)

“That balance really comes down to staying true to our DNA while being open enough to let the local culture influence us in a meaningful way,” she added.

“In Saudi Arabia, we might work with local dates, spices or breads in ways that still feel distinctly Tashas — approachable, elegant and layered with nostalgia.”

Culinary director Jill Okkers said the Kingdom’s culture has played a key role in shaping the Riyadh menu. (Supplied)

Discussing the new location, CEO and founder Sideris said recently: “Since the opening of Flamingo Collection in Bujairi Terrace, alongside our partners, Janiya, we had been looking for a location for our first Tashas.”

She said that KAFD was the “most aligned in terms of an entry into the market.”

Tashas was founded in 2005 by South Africans Natasha Sideris and her brother Savva. (Supplied)

Sideris added that each branch is tailored to its setting. “We’ve always followed a simple formula: every Tashas is 75 percent the same and 25 percent unique.

“The Kingdom is such an exciting region for us; there’s an appetite for authentic dining experiences, and we see considerable potential to grow here in a meaningful way.”