Interview: Chef Matthew Starling talks signature dishes and Riyadh’s rise as a culinary capital

Interview: Chef Matthew Starling talks signature dishes and Riyadh’s rise as a culinary capital

A sought-after restaurant booking, Chef Starling has introduced a new menu
12 April 23
The Globe Chef Starling
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Born in Perth, Australia, Chef Mathew Starling has worked in restaurants at some of London’s most upscale hotels such as Claridge’s and Brown’s Hotel.  

Since moving to the Kingdom, Starling has taken the helm at The Globe.  

Among his most memorable experiences (so far) has been watching the sun set with friends over the red sand dunes. As a passionate explorer, Starling would love to visit Japan to explore the food scene, but right now on his to-do list is visiting the local farmer’s market in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. 

“It seemed as if someone had transported most of the
dining establishments in London’s Mayfair and placed
them in the heart of Riyadh.” 

When he first came to Riyadh to head The Globe restaurant, located in the spectacular golden sphere that crowns Al Faisaliah Tower with its expansive views of the Saudi capital, he was surprised to find many familiar restaurants in the city.  

“It seemed as if someone had transported most of the dining establishments in London’s Mayfair and placed them in the heart of Riyadh,” quips Starling.

“The proliferation of restaurants from around the
world in Saudi Arabia indicates that the kingdom is
embracing a shift in its culinary landscape.” 

On any given day, the scene at The Globe is lively, a testament to the influx of visitors into the vibrant, ever-changing city of Riyadh. Situated across three stories, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and featuring modern European cuisine, Mathew explains how they have revamped the menu at The Globe to reflect the evolving culinary scene in the kingdom. 

“Our aim is to breathe new life into a restaurant where guests can witness the transformation from a bird's-eye view,” he explains. 

The Globe Chef Starling

The cuisine at The Globe can be described as modern European, and the menu showcases various innovative techniques to elevate ingredients and enhance flavours. While Starling says he avoids fusing cuisines so as not to create confusion among diners, he explains that at The Globe, he likes to incorporate local elements to give dishes a unique Saudi and Middle Eastern twist.  

Starling’s favourite local ingredient is none other than caviar from Dammam. “I was first introduced to it in the kitchen at The Globe when we were developing canapé recipes for a function,” he says. “I was very surprised to find out that it was produced locally.”  

When the new menu is launched in May, it will feature a variety of delectable dishes, such as a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with stuffed, glazed shallots and a white onion sauce, and a soft chocolate ganache with jasmine ice cream and candied hazelnuts. These new highlights add to the already enticing list of dishes available, such as The Globe’s salmon gravlax, braised beef cheek, beef tenderloin, and selection of decadent desserts. 

The Globe Chef Starling

Aside from its culinary offerings, arriving at The Globe is an experience in of itself. As soon as the elevator opens onto the main restaurant, guests are greeted with breath-taking panoramic views of Riyadh. At once spacious, elegant, and warm, The Globe offers an ideal venue for an intimate experience with family and friends, or for a business affair. The latter is happening more frequently these days, as an influx of foreign visitors, businesspeople, and locals flock to Riyadh, an expanding city filled with numerous work, tourism, and development opportunities.  

The key to ensuring a unique fine dining experience amid the array of restaurants opening in Riyadh is for a restaurant to stay true to its origins and identity, while also embellishing its offerings. Starling finds that his Saudi patrons enjoy food they are already familiar with.  

“They also prefer their meat to be well cooked, not too spicy and served with rice,” he adds. To cater to such preferences, he offers a variety of options in line with The Globe’s international style cuisine. 

The Globe Chef Starling

“While we strive to meet all our guests’ expectations, it is equally important for us to remain true to our identity as a restaurant influenced by European service and its style of cuisine,” he says. “Our local clientele prefers quick service, and we ensure our menu reflects this while also maintaining a high standard of execution on the plate.” 

As one of Riyadh’s longstanding, sought-after restaurants in the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower, The Globe – in addition to Starlings’ new menu – offers a historical experience of Riyadh during a period of remarkable transformation for the kingdom. 

High Tea 3pm – 6pm (Fri & Sat), Restaurant Dining Weekdays from 7pm –11.30pm, and Weekends from 8pm – 11.30pm, Asir Lounge 6pm – 1am.

Al Faisaliah Tower, Riyadh.

+966 11 273 2005