Beef and pineapple is an unexpected, yet surprisingly tasty story that will have you believing in love at first sight. Because you’re going to fall head over heels for this combo.
Newly opened and first of its kind in Saudi, AYO restaurant describes itself as a “joyful African-inspired experience”. And among other playful touches, the eatery’s showkawa beef has become one of its trademark talking points.
“This dish is inspired by the African culture and its forests, where people used to prepare food from natural materials, not metallic pots,” explains one of the minds behind the creation.
“AYO means ‘the happy child’, and this inspired our mission to create happiness through imagination, fun and passion – not just food. “In one word, AYO is joyful.”
And the team have certainly achieved their goal. Because if you ever feel like you need cheering up, one visit to AYO will put a big smile on your dial. While you tuck into all those joyful dishes, waiters pop up to play drums and tambourines, and the space takes on an even warmer, livelier vibe. One of three main dishes – alongside AYO ribs and dovo steak – AYO’s showkawa beef is its best-seller. Here’s what goes into it…
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The rice
An uncommon but delicious black jasmine rice is served steamed alongside the beef, studded with sweet, fresh corn.
The beef
“A generous amount of Australian tenderloin beef is mixed with a blend of herbs and special AYO sauce,” the team explain. Another surprise ingredient? Walnuts. The mixture is then cooked quickly over a high heat.
The sauce
Each order is accompanied by a smooth yogurt dip, a cooling, simple foil to the punchy flavours of the beef stew.
The vessel
“Once half done, we place the beef in a fresh, hollowed-out pineapple. The whole thing then goes into the oven to cook on low heat, using an authentic African roasting process.”
SAR98. River Walk, Al-Hussein bin Ali, At Taawun, Riyadh, instagram.com/ayo_riyadh (054 660 3351).
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