Of the countries on the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is the one that is most often overlooked, which is a sad state of affairs seeing as it is arguably the country with the most character and history. Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh, provides an insight into some of the finer points of Yemeni culture.
Regional Favourites
On studying the menu, there are several options that are available in other restaurants in KSA. This does not mean, however, that the Yemenis adopted Saudi dishes. Quite the reverse is true, in fact.
Hot and cold appetisers are available at Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh
There are certain dishes that are ubiquitous through the Arab countries, especially those that normally start off a meal. The cold salads and appetizers appear from the countries with Mediterranean coastlines all the way through the peninsula, with subtle variations of taste in each country. Add to these individual styles of bread, and it is quite easy to fill up on these bowls of deliciousness before embarking on the main courses.
Hot and cold appetisers are available at Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh
The Riyadh newspaper Arab News was impressed with Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh. Read their article here.
Local Specialities
Speciality stone pot dishes at Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh
It’s the meat dishes where these countries excel, as if more importance is given to meat than to any other ingredient available. The speciality of Bab Al Yemen is their ‘stone pot’ creations, with chicken, beef and lamb being available. Either served as whole pieces or shredded, then marinated and cooked in several different choices of sauce, with herbs, spices and chillis to differentiate them, these creations are not to be missed.
Speciality stone pot dishes at Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh
If in the mood for kabse, it is also available, but will excite taste buds much more than the bland offerings available in the majority of other restaurants and take-aways in Riyadh.
Yemeni Architecture and Design
Traditional Yemeni architecture at the entrance to Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh
The look of the restaurant is also worth paying attention to. From outside, guests see a stone tower, adorned with a symbol of Yemeni architecture, coloured glass, although in a more contemporary design than the usual panes of a single colour that alternates around the top of the older buildings.
This stone build theme is continued inside the restaurant too, with designs in the stonework that reflect patterns found throughout Yemen, and the tops of the walls adorned with white plaster work.
Traditional Yemeni design themes inside Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh
Our Opinion
In Riyadh, Arabic food seems to have become synonymous with Lebanese and Syrian cuisine. In modern times, Gulf countries have adopted a taste for international fare, especially Indian and American offerings. Given this environment, it is good to see that there are outlets for Yemeni specialities.
Our friends at Ya Salam Cooking also enjoyed their experience at Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh. Read their description here.
Perhaps their food is often overlooked due to the Yemenis being the poor cousins of the Gulf Arabs, but in it lies tastes and traditions which those Gulf Arabs either forgot or never had in the first place.
Feel free to tell us about your experience f Bab Al Yemen, Riyadh, in the Comments section, below