You may have heard by now how meditation is finding its way into the lives of people in search of tranquility, peace of mind and a life with less stress in it. Meditation doesn’t only have a spiritual benefit, but a worldly benefit as well. Meditation is one of the more important aspects of a successful lifestyle. Meditation has been around for thousands of years and just recently have scientists started to see the benefits for so many aspects of life that affect both body and mind. Multiple studies have shown that meditation can help reduce levels of depression and anxiety, if and when exposed to external influences. Anxiety and depression can place an individual in a state where physicians and psychologists could get involved if not treated early on.
Islam has a history of meditation as well. It is known that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), used to spend hours on Mt. Noor away from society contemplating the situation Makkah was in at that time, this was his form of meditation.
Here are some reasons why meditation should be incorporated into our lives:
Meditation calms the mind
Stress reduction is the key to meditation’s beneficial effect on the health of your brain. It’s not only a healthy diet full of vitamins that keeps the brain running smoothly, it’s external as well. We are very busy people and our lives are filled with distractions and stressors, we tend to get carried away by negative external influences but if and when you learn how to meditate a few minutes a day, the brain unwinds and pushes away stressors. With a clear mind, it can find positive solutions to distractions and problems that arise as an example.
Lowers high blood pressure
According to the American Heart Association, stress is the body’s natural alarm system releasing adrenaline that causes acceleration in your breathing, quickening of the heart rate and rise of blood pressure. A study in 2012 showed African-Americans with heart disease who practiced Transcendental Meditation regularly were 48 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to African-Americans who attended a health education class for over five years.
Relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind and body
Not all medication is sitting down and listening to your breathing or calm music of nature. There’s Tai Chi for example, a type of meditation using your body to move in slow and gentle movements reaching certain positions that require balance and concentration. Praying in Islam is a form of meditation with certain movements that also help the body positively, better posture, straightening of the back and easing of tense muscles on legs and feet as well.
Balances the body system
There is scientific evidence resulting from MRI scans of people who are meditating at the time, there was a significant increase in activity areas that control metabolism and heart rate. Meditation also reduces both the experience of pain and manages stress resulting from having pain.
Helps individuals with chronic pain
Acute pain is easily explained as getting an injury or surgery, time passes and it is healed, chronic is when the pain doesn’t go away. With chronic pain, the mental processes can alter sensory phenomena, leading to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and a heightened awareness of the body. How? With meditation it’s possible that the pain intensity is lowered, the cycles of pain escalation can be moderated and the pain can be less intrusive on one’s life. It’s taking control of the pain and emotions that is vital.
How do you know if meditation is working? It is when you get feelings of a calm and steady heaviness, while feeling warm and light at the same time, sounds are lowered and the body is falling into pre-sleep phase of clarity. There are many types of meditation such as yoga, zen meditation, transcendental meditation, repetitive prayer, mindfulness meditation, guided meditations and so on. Many physicians recommend to their patients the importance of not over stressing and trying to relax. Meditation and its types can help in more ways than we can ever know. Check out your nearest fitness center and ask about the types of classes available that include meditation. The power to change is in you alone, meditation is only a means to help you do that.
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Why meditation is good for you
Why meditation is good for you
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Tikka Khan’ delicious grilled chicken in Jeddah
- This place specializes in Indian street food, with more than a nod to the classic dish from which it takes its name
As soon as you step inside Tikka Khan on Qassem Zeinah Street in Jeddah’s Rawdah district your senses will be treated to the unmistakable aroma of South Asian spices and grilled chicken.
This place specializes in Indian street food, with more than a nod to the classic dish from which it takes its name.
The marinated chicken, infused with a blend of yogurt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garlic and ginger, is grilled or roasted to perfection. Each bite bursts with rich aromatic flavors.
I tried two sandwiches — the tikka khan and the butter khan — and while both were delicious, the former was a clear winner.
The fresh naan bread loaded with succulent grilled chicken was simply delicious. It was also small enough that I was tempted to order a second.
The butter khan — unsurprisingly featuring butter chicken — is available in regular or spicy variations.
All of the wraps are made to order but the service is quick service so you will never have to wait long.
Besides wraps, Tikka Khan serves several other dishes, including tikka fries topped with grilled tandoori chicken and a tasty sauce, a tikka samosa stuffed with meat and served with chutney and tamarind sauce, and tandoori noodles with grilled chicken tikka, vegetables and a special sauce.
For more information, visit Tikka Khan on Instagram @tikkakhansa.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘TNDR’ fried chicken in Jeddah
- The menu at TNDR is simple, focusing on what they do best: tender chicken fingers served with a variety of sauces, sodas, coleslaw salad, and, of course, fries
TNDR, the latest addition to Jeddah’s fast-food scene, offers mouthwatering tender fried chicken. With two drive-through locations in Rawdah and Al-Hamadaniah, TNDR promises a quick and satisfying dining experience.
The menu at TNDR is simple, focusing on what they do best: tender chicken fingers served with a variety of sauces, sodas, coleslaw salad, and, of course, fries. What sets TNDR apart is using locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful sandwiches and wraps.
One standout item on the menu is the TNDR Wrap, featuring four pieces of perfectly fried chicken, warm tortilla wrap with gooey melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and garlic sauce, and fries, available in both regular and spicy.
I opted for the spicy one, the chicken was indeed very tender and crunchy, the wrap size was fair for a dinner meal, whilst what made every bite count was the warm cheddar sauce.
The second main is the TNDR Combo, a sandwich that features tender fried chicken in a fluffy bun, complemented by creamy garlic sauce, fresh lettuce, rich cheddar cheese sauce, and fries.
The logo of the brand is funky and imitates a graphic of a cool chicken standing by the order window wearing shoes. This playful design sets the tone for the fun and inviting atmosphere at TNDR.
For more information and updates, be sure to check out @tndr.sa on Instagram.
Recipes for Success: Chef Antonio De Crecchio offers advice and a gnocchi with duck ragu recipe
DUBAI: Antonio De Crecchio began his career back in 2006, working as a pizza chef in Naples, Italy. He was, he says, just 14 years old.
“I’ve always loved food and cooking, but that’s when I truly fell in love with cooking,” he tells Arab News. “My first boss was tough on me, but it taught me a lot about handling the job and pushing myself to get better.”
He continued to work as a pizza chef at various Rossopomodoro outlets across the UK, including London, Birmingham, and Newcastle, before returning to Italy to lead the team at Rossopomodoro in Torino and Milano. In 2019, he moved to the UAE, taking a job as pizza chef at Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Dubai. He is currently executive chef of Amò at Via Toledo in Dubai’s Address Beach Resort.
“Working here has been emotional for me,” he says. “After spending many years in a casual dining restaurant, opening a fine dining restaurant feels like reaching a higher level,” he said.
Here, De Crecchio — affectionately known as Chef Toto — discusses tips for amateur chefs, his love for Italian cuisine, and his most challenging dish.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs cooking at home?
Invest in a Bimby. It’s a great tool for making pizza dough, ensuring that the result matches what you’d get at a restaurant. Plus it saves a lot of time, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Making dough correctly requires a lot of experience, so having the right equipment can make a big difference.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?
Yes. Often.
And what’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants?
One thing I notice, especially with Italian food, is that the pasta is not always cooked al dente, as it should be. This can be challenging for me because I have a strong preference for the traditional Italian food that my grandma used to make.
What’s your favorite cuisine when you go out?
My favorite cuisine is Italian, especially pasta. It reminds me of my home country and brings back fond memories.
What customer request or behavior most annoys you?
The requests that annoy me the most are when they ask for pasta with chicken and pizza with pineapple.
What’s your favorite dish to cook?
My favorite dish to cook is pasta, because it reminds me of Sundays back home when my mom used to prepare it for our family lunches.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
The most challenging dish for me to perfect is our egg dish. It requires cooking at a low temperature to maintain a soft interior, and achieving the right texture for the foam that accompanies it is crucial. If you don’t achieve the exact balance, then the dish loses its identity.
As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laid back?
As a head chef, I prioritize discipline, but I avoid shouting at my staff. In the kitchen, maintaining both discipline and empathy with my team is essential for success.
Chef Antonio’s gnocchi with duck ragu
INGREDIENTS
1kg potatoes; 100g parmesan cheese; 15g salt; 1 egg; 375g all-purpose flour; 1kg duck legs; 250g carrots, chopped; 250g white onion, chopped; 250g celery, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
For the duck ragu:
1. Heat a pot on the stove until it reaches smoking point. Add blended oil.
2. Season the skin side of the duck legs with salt. Sear them until the outer surface of the meat is scorched, then transfer to a deep tray, cover them with their fat and place in the oven at 150°C for two hours.
3. In the same pot used for searing, add the celery, white onion and carrots to the duck fat and deglaze with approximately 4 liters of chicken stock.
4. Bring the stock to a boil, then slowly add each leg to the boiling stock.
5. Transfer the stock and duck legs into a large oven dish and heat in the oven at 160°C for two hours.
6. Remove the dish from the oven, take the duck legs out of the liquid and gently pull the meat from the duck legs, setting it aside.
7. Transfer the remaining liquid to a pot and reduce for one hour.
8. Allow the reduction to cool down, then mix it with the duck meat to prepare the duck ragu.
For the gnocchi
1. Steam the potatoes until tender, then mash.
2. Add grated parmesan cheese, salt, egg, and flour, and combine to form a dough.
3. Roll the dough into ropes and cut it into small pieces to form gnocchi.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. Remove and set aside.
5. Toast the cooked gnocchi with butter and additional parmesan cheese in a pan until lightly browned.
6. Plate the gnocchi and top with the prepared duck ragu.
Where We Are Going Today: Mr Chow, a Chinese restaurant in Riyadh
If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you must check out Mr Chow’s restaurant, which opened in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
Specializing in real Chinese food, Mr Chow is located in the district’s upscale neighborhood, close to Zuma Lounge. Valet parking is available for your convenience.
The smart venue is open daily for dinner and it’s exactly the sort of grand, modern spot you’d expect in the area. The glossy black entrance with neon artwork opens up to two floors of sprawling seats with white tablecloths, a spiral staircase, and staff in immaculate white outfits.
Entering this establishment, you will be greeted with excellent service and a romantic atmosphere.
The appetizers are a taste adventure in and of themselves You can begin your culinary journey with an appetizer of pot stickers, chicken satay, or glazed prawns with walnuts.
Following starters, opt for the Ma Mignon, a traditional tender fillet mignon served with fried rice on the side, or the fresh lobster. For dessert, be sure to try the rich chocolate cake.
The food is presented wonderfully. You will love watching the chef skillfully work the dough live to make noodles. While enjoying your dinner, you can choose to sit outside and take in the stunning view of the financial district’s tall buildings and contemporary architecture.
Who is Mr Chow?
Michael Chow, founder and owner of the Mr Chow restaurant chain, is an actor, interior designer, artist, and British-Chinese restaurateur.
On Valentine’s Day 1968, London saw the opening of the first Mr Chow restaurant, where elite chefs served real Beijing cuisine along with novel creations, including Ma Mignon.
For half a century, clients have enjoyed watching the nightly handmade noodle show at all of the locations, and on the menu is one of the best-prepared Beijing ducks in the world.
For more details, visit @mrchowriyadh.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kunafa Azmiah’
- Their menu features a variety of original kunafa options, including the classic version as well as a crispy cream fingers that promises the same great taste with a unique twist
Choose from a variety of sweets from Kunafa Azmiah to indulge your senses with an Arabic sweet flavor. The store specializes in producing the Arabic sweet kunafa in a variety of forms, including soft, hard and in tiny, bite-sized versions.
Indulge in the finest kunafa, carefully designed to satisfy the authentic Saudi taste.
Kunafa is served piping hot from the oven, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience. They use only the finest cream to create a luxurious filling that perfectly harmonizes the crispy pastry layers. 
Their menu features a variety of original kunafa options, including the classic version as well as a crispy cream fingers that promises the same great taste with a unique twist.
For those craving extra sweetness, they offer kunafa topped with a delightful combination of shira (sugar syrup) and pistachios.
Their carefully guarded cooking techniques and premium ingredients ensure that every bite is a tasty masterpiece.
Many visitors opt for the hard kunafa, as it is crunchy but also melts in the mouth.
Whether it is a casual gathering or a formal event, kunafa is the perfect choice to impress your guests. Pair it with authentic Arabic coffee for a truly memorable experience.
The business now has 22 locations in Riyadh and branches are open in Jeddah and Dammam as well.
The brand’s packaging is well-designed and practical. The kunafa is served with spoons and a pie knife and is housed in a blue box with sugar syrup on the side. This packaging makes the kunafa a fantastic food to bring to parties and social gatherings.
The cost is about SR65 ($18). Go to @Azmih.kunafa on Instagram for additional details.
