The story
Goji Kitchen delivers a focused Asian-inspired menu at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter. The culinary team prioritizes handcrafted dim sum, brothy noodles, and steamed buns over broad international spreads. Chefs treat each preparation as a study in balance, relying on precise techniques and fresh ingredients rather than heavy sauces. This disciplined approach keeps every plate cohesive and clearly rooted in pan-Asian traditions.
Fresh dim sum leads the lineup, arriving light and delicately structured for immediate enjoyment. Ramen bowls and pan-fried gyoza follow closely, delivering savory depth through carefully simmered stocks and crisp wrappers. Soft steamed bao provide a gentle counterpoint to the richer plates. Even when the kitchen steps outside its core specialties, the execution maintains the same steady standard.
The dining space blends calm elegance with thoughtful design through bright interiors and scattered greenery. Earthy color palettes and whimsical artwork hang above tables spaced wide enough to guarantee quiet conversation. Service moves at a measured pace, with staff offering warm welcomes and remembering guest preferences down to custom mocktail recipes. A Gault & Millau score of thirteen reflects how seamlessly the polished environment supports a relaxed lunch or dinner.
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History
Opened at the beginning of September, the Saudi table at the Marriott Diplomatic Quarter is a resounding success, offering an intimate gastronomic experience based on national traditions. With its thirty-five place settings and subdued atmosphere, the place immediately puts us in an indulgent relationship with the plate. Chef Ahad Alghamdi takes us on a journey around the country, revisiting regional recipes with a touch of modernity and elegance, and demonstrating a fine sense of detail. These include starters inspired by peasant culture, beautiful local vegetables simply sautéed, mutabbaq from Hedjaz, filled patties and cheese, crispy rolls for texture, vine leaves stuffed with rice and lamb from Haïl, or the signature soup of suckling lamb with slow-cooked spices and mint. We continue with the beautiful charcoal-grilled chicken breast, intense and beautifully smoked, with masmanah spices, with a lovely jareesh, one of the kingdom's signature dish, slow-cooked wheat crushed with spices, polenta-style. Lamb dishes to share are a must: Najd lamb shoulder and rice, green and red daqoos, honey, cucumber and yogurt, compressed lamb shank, marrow bone, kabsa spices, Al-Ahsa hassawi rice and daqoos gel with green tomatoes. Desserts are of the same standard, with refined, fragrant creations such as al-Qassim's kleija with date paste, cinnamon cream and rose petals. Impeccable service from smiling, hard-working staff.
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