Where We Are Going Today: Ginger leaf restaurant in Jeddah

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Updated 11 October 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Ginger leaf restaurant in Jeddah

  • The murgh shorba stands out among the soups for its comforting, flavorful broth

Ginger Leaf, located on Al-Kurnaysh Road inside Jeddah Hilton, offers a memorable Indian dining experience in the coastal city.

The restaurant’s ambiance immediately transports diners to India; from the intricate chandeliers to the ceiling adorned with traditional fabrics and patterns, every detail reflects a strong South Asian influence that feels both warm and regal. However, the seating arrangement feels a bit cramped with tables placed close to each other.

As a complimentary starter, guests are served crispy papad accompanied by yogurt chutney, tamarind chutney, achaar, and apricot chutney.

The menu — while on the pricier side — is extensive, offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options inspired by the country's diverse regions.

The murgh shorba stands out among the soups for its comforting, flavorful broth. From the starters, the chicken 65 and achari paneer tikka are crowd favorites for being spicy, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

The chef’s kebab platter, featuring Kandhari murgh tikka, sarson jhinga, and khaas seekh kebab, is a must-try for those who enjoy grilled dishes, while the lamb chops are tender and full of flavor.

For the main course, dishes like mutton rogan josh, Lucknowi nihari, and the rich butter chicken stand out for their authentic preparation, with the latter capturing the true North Indian taste such as creamy without being overly sweet.

Seafood lovers can explore the Kerala seafood curry or kadai jhinga, while vegetarians will find comfort in dal fry and palak paneer, best enjoyed with buttery naan. It was delightful to discover that their chicken and meat biryani tastes just like the ones served back in India.

End the meal on a sweet note with gulab jamun, ras malai ghewar or kesari phirni, both light yet indulgent. Pair the meal with a salty or sweet lassi for a traditional touch.

For more details visit @gingerleaff_ on Instagram.

 


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.”