As a young Arab personal chef, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite dishes from my Saudi heritage—Saleeg! This creamy, comforting rice dish is a staple in Saudi Arabian cuisine, especially from the Hejaz region.
When I first boarded my flight from Delhi to Riyadh, I had very little idea of what awaited me on my plate in Saudi Arabia. I had heard of the deserts, the holy cities, and the grandeur of the Kingdom
I landed in Madrid with a chef’s knife in my checked bag and my abuela’s voice in my head: “Si haces paella, hazla bien.” Make it right. I’m a young American chef with a Spanish last name, raised on stories of rice that tastes like the sun-licked fields
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved dish that originated from the Hainan province of China but has become a culinary icon in Malaysia and beyond. This flavorful dish features tender poached or steamed chicken served with fragrant rice
I still remember the first time I truly tasted something. Not just chewing, not just eating—but tasting, in a way that struck deep. It wasn’t during culinary school, or while staging in Michelin kitchens.
Guo Ba, a unique dish from Chongqing, China, is a beloved comfort food featuring crispy, golden rice crusts topped with a savory and spicy stew. Known as “scorched rice,” Guo Ba starts with a layer of fried rice that forms a crunchy base
Tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food, features cylindrical rice cakes (tteok) stir-fried in a spicy, sweet red chili sauce, often with fish cakes and vegetables. Known for its chewy texture and bold, fiery flavor, it’s a comforting dish
Bibimbap is a vibrant Korean dish that means “mixed rice.” It’s a colorful bowl of warm rice topped with an array of seasoned vegetables, protein (often beef), a fried egg, and a dollop of spicy gochujang sauce.
Tahchin, a stunning Persian dish, is a savory rice cake made with layers of fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and a golden saffron-infused yogurt mixture, baked to form a crispy, golden crust known as tahdig. Originating from Iran
Bagali Polo, a delightful Persian dish, is a fragrant rice preparation featuring tender broad beans (bagali) and aromatic dill, often paired with succulent lamb or chicken for a hearty meal. Hailing from Iran