Last week saw Yauatcha by the Hakkasan Group in partnership with Al Khozama Management company, bring in its first crop of VIP guests and press and media to experience the unique Cantonese Dim Sum teahouse located in Al Faisaliah Mall – Mode.
Offering an undiscovered world of modern Chinese fare, Yauatcha Riyadh sets the bar high on culinary offerings in the capital. With world-class locations around the globe including India and the U.K., Yauatcha Riyadh adds to the brand’s burgeoning international presence through its first footsteps into the Middle East. Led by inimitable and award-winning Chef Stanley Lum Wah Cheouk whose unbridled passion for authenticity and originality has produced a menu which packs a punch. Unforgettable dishes include the Crispy Duck Salad, the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Wagyu Beef Puff Rolls and an array of decadent dumplings. Desserts curated by Chef Ahmad Saeed feature the moreish Chocolate Pebble and his masterpiece Raspberry Delice made up of lychee, Madirofolo chocolate, and raspberry.
The grand pre-opening week began with an extensive sampling of menu highlights against an atmospheric sound mix unique to Yauatcha Riyadh created by DJ Frozen. Regional influencers demonstrated their enthusiasm for the venue with a stream of social media action throughout the evening. Esteemed invitees included gaming giant Saudi Gamer, food aficionado Hisham Baeshen, lifestyle legends Nia Amroun, Nada Al Harthi and Mawaddah Tak, model superstar Ratana and beauty maverick Judy Nachabe.
A private dinner was also held for members of the local and regional media with titles such as Caterer Middle East, Zahret AL Khaleej and Al Rai newspaper in attendance. Celebrity TV presenter Lulu Al Hasan also made an appearance as well as stations: MBC, CNBC Saudi and Sky News who reported live from Yauatcha Riyadh as the night unfolded, capturing the pervading energy throughout the restaurant.
The pre-opening week culminated in the Grand Opening private dinner on Thursday 6 February held by Al Khozama Management Company. Ambassadors from the Chinese, Mexican, Albanian, Georgian, Finnish, Greek, Dutch, Zambian, South African, Danish and Italian embassies were present alongside friends and family of Al Khozama Management Company. The evening strayed past midnight as guests thoroughly enjoyed this “new hotspot in Riyadh”.
“The reaction to Yauatcha Riyadh has been nothing short of spectacular. The sheer enthusiasm for such an innovative and immersive dining experience in Riyadh proves the capital of the Kingdom is open to new and exciting culinary journeys. Aligned with KSA’s Vision 2030, Yauatcha Riyadh speaks to its core pillars of innovation and progressivism. We are very proud to be part of this groundbreaking shift in KSA’s history,” says Grant MacPherson, Senior Vice President of Restaurants for Hakkasan Group.
Guests were also particularly moved by Yauatcha Riyadh’s distinctive and diverse décor from the star-lit ceiling in the bar area to the plush indoor seating to the cozy yet cosmopolitan outdoor rooftop replete with verdant foliage and Cherry Blossoms, offering guests a sophisticated enclave away from the bustle of city life.