RIYADH: Renowned Egyptian-born American celebrity chef Michael Mina has expanded his culinary empire to Saudi Arabia with the opening of Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah, marking his long-awaited venture into the Middle Eastern food scene.
Located in the Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant opened this month and represents Mina’s deep connection to his roots. “I really have wanted to be more present in the Middle East because this is very much tied to my roots and what I grew up with and what I grew up eating,” he shared with Arab News.
Mina, who was born in Cairo and raised in the U.S., recalls his childhood surrounded by the rich aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine. His passion for cooking began early, evolving from his first job as a dishwasher to a celebrated career as a Michelin-starred chef, with his flagship San Francisco restaurant earning significant accolades, including multiple James Beard Awards.
The concept of Taleed was shaped by Chef Alex Griffiths, Vice President of Culinary for Mina Group, who focused on blending Mina’s renowned culinary expertise with traditional Saudi flavors. The menu at Taleed features innovative dishes that fuse Middle Eastern and international influences, including shrimp kabsa, spice-marinated yellowtail, and a unique tuna falafel inspired by Mina’s mother’s recipe.
Looking ahead, Mina sees Taleed as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning culinary movement, saying, “I think the Saudi food scene is going to explode.” His vision is for Taleed to become a must-visit destination for food lovers, with the hope that guests will be eager to return for more. “The best form of flattery is when people say, ‘I’ve got to come back and have that dish.’”
