Asian cuisine is popular just about everywhere, including Saudi, with its unique flavours and the way it’s presented playing a major role.
With Japanese, Chinese, and Thai restaurants already flourishing in Riyadh, three young Saudis decided to shake things up and introduce an alternative Asian dining experience – Korean.
Behind the Brand
OMO-OMO has been a hit in the capital's cloud kitchens category. After the restaurant’s initial success online, the founders decided to embark on a new adventure in bricks-and-mortar.
By establishing their dine-in restaurant in the capital’s Qurtubah neighbourhood, the trio benefited from the spread of K-pop culture among youngsters in Riyadh, as well as the increased demand for Korean food, one of the most popular cuisines around the world.
One of OMO-OMO’s co-founders, Faisal Al-Muhammad, elaborates on the eatery’s authentic offerings, with some having simple twists to suit local tastes. “Original Korean food is very spicy, so we limit hot spices, to offer dishes like those served in New York and LA,” he says. “OMO-OMO usually welcomes Korean customers who have expressed their great admiration for how genuine the meals seem.”
The restaurant has a diverse menu and two separate kitchens - one for hot dishes, and another for the cold selection. On Al-Muhammad’s insistence I tried OMO-OMO's most distinctive dishes. Although I’ve always avoided seafood, Al-Muhammad said it was unmissable and a main element in Asian cuisine, and the fish dishes of OMO-OMO were a pleasant surprise. The menu is fairly extensive, and aims to satisfy all tastes and preferences including chicken, meat, and vegan picks, lending itself well to introducing all to Korean dishes.
I recommend trying the K-Sticks, popular across social media these are akin to Korean corndogs and are served on wooden skewers. The Mozzarella & Fries K-Stick is mind-blowing, a thick chunk of mozzarella cheese is rolled in breadcrumbs and mini French fries pieces, and is then deep fried until golden brown; it was such a good pairing.
Another winner was the bibimbap. A bowl of warm white rice topped with an array of colourful vegetables, seasoned meat (choose from chicken or beef), topped with a perfectly fried egg, and a good dollop of spicy gochujang sauce. This dish can be amended to suit vegan or vegetarian needs. The word "bibim" means "mixed," reflecting the customary act of stirring all the ingredients together before enjoying.
If you are a fan of noodles, I highly recommend trying the jajangmyeon. Thick, chewy noodles are coated in a rich, savoury black bean sauce with an array of freshly chopped vegetables and a choice of meat. Plus, there are other amazing options such as the much-loved kimbap (Korean style sushi), the Signature Doki-Boki, an original take on the popular dakgalbi, and many more. Finally, for dessert lovers, the crispy hotteok pancakes are a must-try.
Food & Fun
Bringing the Korean concept full circle with a private karaoke room on site, the OMO-OMO team has embraced the fact that enjoyable dining experiences don't have to be dull or too exclusive, they just need a sprinkle of fun.
Whatever the level of your singing skills, book a private karaoke room with your friends to have fun while enjoying the restaurant's delicious food. “We want diners to be happy, whether it’s with the decor, our smiles, the music, or the karaoke room,” Al-Muhammed adds. “Happy customers are what we base our work on, to provide a different experience for all guests.”
@omoomo.sa
Take a look at the menu here
2977 Al Thoumamah Rd, Qurtuba, Riyadh 13248
