Where We Are Going Today: Yawmiyat in Riyadh

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Updated 23 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Yawmiyat in Riyadh

  • When moving on to the main dishes, Yawmiyat takes you on a journey that reflects the warmth of the authentic Levantine table

The first thing you notice when experiencing Yawmiyat is the feeling of going back to the roots, but with a touch of quiet luxury.

In the midst of Riyadh’s fast-paced bustle, this kitchen offers an experience that feels like a sanctuary for the senses, far from the usual commercial fast foods.

Our eyes are immediately drawn to the geometric precision of the presentation; the dishes here are not scooped randomly, but carefully arranged in a way that reminds us of miniature museum displays.

Warak enab or stuffed grape leaves, which is often served as a simple side dish, appears here as the essence of the experience. The compactly stacked pieces gleaming with virgin olive oil promise a taste that cleverly balances the acidity of lemon with the sweetness of the rich filling, reflecting hours of slow cooking.

When moving on to the main dishes, Yawmiyat takes you on a journey that reflects the warmth of the authentic Levantine table.

Here, the grills go beyond being traditional items; the kofta and lamb chops saturated with the aroma of charcoal grilling, characterized by exceptional tenderness and a rich flavor of special spices that melt in the mouth.

For lovers of complex flavors, the fattet makdous stands out as an artistic masterpiece presented as a symphony of harmonious textures, where the crunch of bread embraces the tenderness of eggplant and the freshness of yogurt, creating a melodic balance that evokes immediate nostalgia for intimate family gatherings.

What truly distinguishes this experience is that rare blend of authenticity and modernity; while the kitchen adheres to traditional recipes, modernity appears in the style of presentation and packaging that makes each order a “gift” worthy of presenting.

Behind this inspiring Saudi brand stands a deep belief that local cuisine is the richest and finest that can be offered to the world.

For more information, check their Instagram @yawmiyatbydalal.

 


Ramadan recipes: Slow-cooked lamb shank with eggplant begendi

Updated 23 February 2026
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Ramadan recipes: Slow-cooked lamb shank with eggplant begendi

DUBAI: Mohamad Olleik, head chef at Dubai’s DIFC-located Alaya, shares a hearty lamb shank recipe, a dish he describes as “generous, comforting and deeply rooted in tradition.”

Ingredients

Lamb shank

Lamb shanks — 2 pieces

Onion — 1 large, roughly chopped

Carrot — 1 medium, roughly chopped

Celery — 1 stick, roughly chopped

Garlic — 4 cloves, crushed

Fresh thyme — 2 sprigs

Fresh rosemary — 1 sprig

Olive oil — 3 tablespoons

Salt and black pepper

Eggplant begendi

Large eggplants — 2

Butter — 50 grams

Plain flour — 2 tablespoons

Cooking cream — 250 milliliters

Nutmeg — a pinch

Salt and black pepper

To finish

Roma tomatoes — 2, halved

Green sweet peppers — 2, halved

Lamb cooking juices — ½ cup

Fresh chives — finely chopped

Olive oil 

Method

Braise the lamb: Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot and sear the lamb on all sides until deeply golden. Remove the lamb and add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme and rosemary to the same pot. Saute until fragrant. Return the lamb to the pot and add enough water to come halfway up the shanks. Cover tightly and braise in a 170-degree Celsius oven for three hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Prepare the eggplant begendi: Grill or roast the eggplants whole until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Peel, chop finely and drain excess liquid. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook gently for one to two minutes. Gradually add the cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in the eggplant, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, and cook until silky and thick.

Grill the vegetables: Brush the tomatoes and peppers with olive oil and grill or pan-sear until lightly charred.

Finish the sauce: Strain the lamb cooking liquid and reduce it gently in a saucepan until slightly thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

To plate: Spoon the eggplant begendi onto the plate as a base. Place the lamb shank on top.  Arrange the grilled vegetables alongside. Drizzle with the remaining lamb juice and finish with chopped chives and a touch of olive oil.