Renowned Egyptian-American chef Michael Mina has made his long-awaited entry into Saudi Arabia’s vibrant culinary scene with the opening of Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah.
Located within the luxurious Bab Samhan Hotel, the restaurant represents Mina’s deep-rooted passion for Middle Eastern flavors and his desire to expand his presence in the region.
A Homecoming for Mina
For Mina, this venture is more than just an expansion—it’s a return to his culinary origins.
“I have always wanted to be more present in the Middle East because it’s deeply tied to my roots—the flavors I grew up with and the dishes that defined my childhood,” he shared with Arab News. “When this opportunity came, it felt fresh, exciting, and aligned with where I am in my career.”
Born in Cairo and raised in the United States, Mina fondly remembers growing up in a household rich with the aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine.
“My mother had eight aunts and uncles,” he recalled. “Every weekend, there would be 30 people gathered around a table filled with food.”
This early exposure to communal dining and bold flavors ignited his love for cooking.
A Culinary Journey to Success
Mina’s career began humbly—his first job in a restaurant was as a dishwasher.
“I started washing dishes, then moved to cooking, and I just fell in love with everything—the creativity, the hospitality,” he said. “By the time I was 16, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Convincing his parents, however, took time.
“For them, the choices were doctor, lawyer, engineer… A cook wasn’t on the list,” he laughed. “It took me two years to convince them.”
Today, Mina’s culinary journey has led him to global recognition. His San Francisco flagship restaurant holds a Michelin star, he has cooked for three U.S. presidents, and he is a multiple James Beard Award winner.
A Unique Culinary Experience at Taleed
To ensure Taleed authentically represents both Saudi heritage and Mina’s signature style, the chef and his team conducted extensive research.
Chef Alex Griffiths, Vice President of Culinary for Mina Group, revealed that the team visited Saudi Arabia more than 55 times over the past five years to immerse themselves in the country’s food culture.
“One of our key goals was to create a concept that truly represents both Mina Group’s expertise and the rich culinary traditions of Saudi Arabia,” said Griffiths.
The Taleed menu beautifully blends Saudi flavors with Mina’s innovative touch. Signature dishes include:
Shrimp Kabsa – A modern take on the classic Saudi dish.
Spice-Marinated Yellowtail – Infused with bold regional flavors.
Tuna Falafel – Inspired by Mina’s mother’s recipe, this dish reimagines falafel with sushi-grade tuna, served atop crispy falafel with a refreshing Egyptian salad.
“It’s like a fusion of Middle Eastern and Japanese influences—almost like nigiri,” explained Griffiths.
The Future of Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Scene
Mina believes Saudi Arabia is on the brink of a culinary revolution.
“I think the Saudi food scene is going to explode,” he said. “We’re seeing more innovation, but what’s exciting is that it remains rooted in its traditions while also embracing global influences.”
For now, Mina’s focus is on making Taleed a must-visit dining destination in Riyadh.
“The greatest compliment for a chef is when guests leave the restaurant thinking, ‘I need to come back for that dish,’” he shared. “That’s when you know you’ve done something right.”
With Taleed, Mina not only introduces his signature culinary artistry to Saudi Arabia but also celebrates the Kingdom’s rich food heritage in an elevated and innovative way.