[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion] The toughest restaurant to get into at the Expo! Get intoxicated by exotic flavors

There are probably few Japanese people who have been to Saudi Arabia. Of course, I haven't been there either.That is no surprise, as until 2019, it was a country that only a limited number of people could enter.However, they changed course that same year and announced a policy to focus on tourism moving forward. That was when tourist visas began to be issued.
This Osaka-Kansai Expo is the perfect opportunity to showcase the Saudi Arabia of today, so the pavilion is quite impressive.

If you visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion from evening to night, you can enjoy large-scale projection mapping at the entrance. The tiles on the walls (all brought in from Saudi Arabia!) are all different shapes, and you will be stunned by the beauty of the visuals, which are precisely mapped to each individual shape.
The pavilion mainly consists of areas that introduce Saudi Arabia through video, but there is also a live space where Saudi Arabian music is performed live.

My favorite part is the concept video for the future city project 'NEOM' shown at the end of the pavilion. The grand plan to build an artificial city of overwhelming scale in the middle of the desert is guaranteed to leave your jaw dropped. It might be the video that most concretely expresses the Expo's theme of 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'.

The restaurant at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is said to be the hardest one to get into at the Expo. I was turned away three times (sob), and only managed to get in on my fourth attempt.
First of all, they do not accept reservations, so you must line up. Many people start lining up in the 9 o'clock hour to aim for lunch, but getting into the Expo venue itself in the 9 o'clock hour is already quite difficult.Even so, if you go in the 11 o'clock hour, you might be told, 'We are closed for the day.' However, on this day, I was told, 'Lunch is closed, but please line up again from 3:00 PM.' This was lucky.
When I arrived at 3:00 PM, there was already a long line. I thought I might be too late, but I decided to line up anyway. Two hours later, I was able to get a terrace seat. I climbed the stairs to the restaurant and finally entered.

The restaurant at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is called "IRTH Restaurant." Pronounced "Irth," the name means "heritage" in Arabic.

Upon entering, you are served Saudi coffee as a welcome drink. Middle Eastern coffee has a unique flavor, infused with herbs like cardamom.In Saudi Arabia, coffee is served as a gesture of hospitality to welcome guests, and I was thrilled to be able to experience that at the Expo pavilion.

The restaurant interior has a high-quality, exotic atmosphere. It is hard to believe it is only a temporary restaurant for the six-month duration of the Expo.Saudi Arabia has a culture of sitting on the floor, gathering around food, and eating together lively (often with bare hands), and there are still many restaurants that follow this style.
Here at IRTH Restaurant, floor seating is also available so that guests can experience this Saudi Arabian culture. Since these are group seats, the wait time seems to be quite long.

Stepping out onto the terrace, there are table seats arranged.The view from the terrace offers a spectacular close-up of the Grand Roof Ring, and when I waved, people walking on the ring waved back. Ihad also looked at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion from the Grand Roof Ring and thought, "I want to dine on that terrace someday," so I am happy that it came true.

The menu book placed on the table is literally a "book."Starting with an introduction to Saudi Arabian food culture, the menu was written thoroughly in both English and Japanese, explaining the concept and contents of the course meals, as well as the a la carte menu, so that even those new to Saudi Arabian cuisine could understand it.

Middle Eastern restaurants do not serve alcohol. Instead, they offer coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic cocktails known as mocktails.
This time, I ordered the "saffron tea." They poured it from a high position.The saffron tea comes with a few sugar cubes, but it has a subtle sweetness even when served straight.

First, I tried ordering some bread.
It is said that Saudi Arabian bread has traditions dating back to ancient times. This "Al-Mahal bread" is made with whole wheat dough and has ingredients like dates woven into it.You eat it by placing the goat cheese that was brought with it on top. The bread has a chewy texture and a subtle sweetness from the dates.Eating it with the goat cream cheese was exquisite, instantly creating a rich and elegant flavor.
Surprisingly, this only costs 300 yen!I think the overall affordability of the IRTH restaurant at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is also a reason for its popularity.

Next, I ordered the soup. This red soup is called "Hubb Soup," and it is said to be a traditional dish from the Mecca region that has long been made in homes there.
What kind of place is Mecca? It is the holiest city in Islam with a long history, but of course, I have never been there. Let's try this soup from Mecca.
With the first spoonful of Hubb Soup, the sharp acidity of the tomato spread through my mouth. When I scooped from the bottom half of the soup, it was full of barley grains. This barley and the acidity of the tomato seem to be the foundation of Hubb Soup. As I ate, it became addictive, and I found myself reaching for more.What's interesting is that it contains roasted bone marrow, or roasted beef bone marrow, which gives the soup a rich depth of flavor.

The next thing I ordered was this, "Kabab Miro." I ordered it because it said meatball, but it looked like a small croquette with a breaded coating.
The inside is ribeye steak, and when I ate it, it had a very meaty flavor, crumbling apart in my mouth while providing a punchy taste.The sauce underneath is like a tartar sauce, but it has no acidity and a mild flavor, acting as a wrapper for the strong taste of the meatball.

After much deliberation over what to have for the main course, I ordered this dish called "Chicken Saleeg." It is a set of chicken and porridge, also said to be a traditional dish from Mecca. Even though it is a simple dish, it is full of exotic charm.The chicken is a thigh with a crispy skin, served piping hot. When I topped it with the "ghee" sauce from the small bowl, it had a deep, botanical flavor along with a gentle acidity.
And then there is the porridge, which was described on the menu as a "creamy and flavorful rice dish."I was imagining Japanese or Chinese-style porridge, so I was surprised to find it was something completely different. The thick, creamy rice is actually soaked in oil. It was my first time having porridge like this, but the seasoning was good, and I was able to finish it all.

A generous amount of pistachios is topped over milk pudding. According to the menu, it is the most famous traditional dessert on the table during Ramadan.
It was a rich, firm pudding where you could really taste the presence of the milk. The crunchy texture and flavor of the pistachios on top were exotic and very delicious.

IRTH Restaurant at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion, one of the most popular restaurants at the Expo.While offering attentive hospitality and a luxurious atmosphere, I was able to enjoy authentic cuisine along with the stories behind it. Given the reasonable prices, it is no wonder it is so popular.If you want to get in, be sure to prepare yourself to wait in line! You will surely be satisfied.

[UAE Pavilion] Healthy and authentic Emirati cuisine in a bento style!

The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is a nation composed of seven emirates, including the famous city of Dubai. Dubai is a city where celebrities from all over the world gather, and many people may have stopped by during a flight transit to Europe.

When you enter the UAE Pavilion, you are overwhelmed by the numerous giant pillars stretching toward the high ceiling. These were inspired by the date palm, a tree that symbolizes the UAE, and the concept is to reinterpret the traditional Emirati architectural style 'Arish' to create an oasis in the desert.
You can enjoy a wide range of exhibits without a reservation, from UAE traditions and culture to the country's innovative efforts in space exploration, medicine, and sustainability. I decided to try the restaurant at the UAE Pavilion.

The restaurant at the UAE Pavilion offers a simple set course for both takeout and eat-in, served in a bento style called a 'Bento Box'.
This is the Bento Box I ordered this time.Although it is a course meal, its selling point is the freedom to choose and combine 3 to 4 options each for the main dish, salad, and dessert.

First, let's start with the "Lamb Ouzi".The tangy-flavored rice is called "Emirati Spiced Rice." Generally, when people think of spices, they imagine them to be "spicy" or "numbing," but Emirati spices are characterized by their aroma and unique flavor rather than heat.
The rice is topped with chickpeas, cashews, and lamb. The lamb is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.

For the salad, I chose the "Harees Salad." It features a generous amount of barley (called harees in Arabic) mixed with a variety of flavors, including mint, pomegranate, and cherry tomatoes. The barley is yellow because it was cooked with saffron.
It is seasoned with an olive oil dressing and topped with a cheese called Chami cheese. Chami cheese is a traditional Emirati cheese made from buttermilk, and it had a yogurt-like tang.

The Bento Box also comes with bread. The bread changes daily, and the bread for this day was called "Khameer bread." It has a firm, hard texture and is hollow inside. It feels more like a mochi-based snack than bread.

At Middle Eastern pavilions, you are almost certain to encounter dates at restaurants and cafes. They are fruits with a sweetness similar to adzuki beans. In this Bento Box, they seem to serve as a palate cleanser.
For both eat-in and take-out, you line up at the restaurant entrance outside; I recommend take-out if you want to eat quickly, and eat-in if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of that space.The UAE Pavilion is one of the international pavilions you can enter without a reservation, characterized by its spacious, open atmosphere and 90 towering pillars. It also features a thorough exhibition on the roots of the UAE nation, making it well worth a visit.

Also, thecharm of the UAE Pavilion lies in the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the youth ambassadors who serve as storytellers. It is said that many visitors return to the pavilion multiple times just to meet them. It is a warm space where you can take a breather!

[Kuwait Pavilion] Fragrant with enchanting spices! Enjoy Kuwaiti cuisine with ease

Kuwait is a country facing the Persian Gulf. Those over 40 might remember the Gulf War of 1990. The relationship between Japan and Kuwait is excellent, and they provided significant aid during the Great East Japan Earthquake.The Kuwait Pavilion attracts a lot of attention, with long lines forming almost every day. Let's go inside.

The Kuwait Pavilion is designed with a great sense of hospitality. It features comprehensive exhibits ranging from an introduction to Kuwait's history to its current image and future vision.There is also a corner where you can touch desert sand brought over from Kuwait, as well as a lounge area with a luxurious atmosphere.
The highlight is the main theater, where you can lounge on comfortable sofas while watching high-definition, fantastical imagery projected onto a massive oval ceiling screen.

The Kuwait Pavilion also has an attached restaurant. It is located on the second floor, accessible by climbing the stairs separate from the pavilion entrance.When I went, I was able to get in with about a 10-minute wait.
Let's start with the drinks. Like other Middle Eastern pavilions, there is no alcohol, but the drink menu was extensive, featuring mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) such as "Kuwaiti Lemonade" and "Yuzu Date Cooler."I ordered the "Kuwaiti Lemonade" this time!

The Kuwaiti Lemonade has a refreshing mint aroma. It tastes like a sophisticated, less-sweet lemonade, and it fills your mouth with a sense of coolness. It must be a popular way to drink it in the heat of Kuwait.At SIDRA, you can order food and drinks à la carte.There aren't that many items on the menu, but since each dish is only briefly described in English, it's a little hard to tell what they are.
I ordered the "Chicken Machboos" this time!

The plate that was brought out a little while later was this: "Chicken Machboos." Machboos is a dish of meat or fish served over rice cooked with spices, and it is said to be a traditional home-cooked meal in Arab countries.
On the plate was saffron rice and fried chicken. A wonderful aroma of spices was wafting from it.The red sauce is called "Daqoos," which is made from tomatoes and garlic and has a tangy flavor. You eat it by dipping the chicken or rice into it.The chicken is bone-in and is a standard fried chicken. It doesn't have an unusual taste, so anyone should be able to enjoy it.You can enjoy an exotic flavor by eating the saffron rice together with the raisins on top. It is also delicious to pour dakkous over it.
Kuwaiti cuisine is unfamiliar to me. I dared to go to the restaurant without any prior research, and since the menu had very little information and there were no staff members who could explain the dishes in Japanese, it was a rare experience that felt just like visiting a local restaurant in Kuwait.

~Middle Eastern Coffee Edition~

Now, I will introduce two pavilions where you can drink Middle Eastern coffee. First up is the Jordan Pavilion.

[Jordan Pavilion] Enjoy Jordanian coffee at one of the most popular pavilions at the Expo

My favorite pavilion at this Expo is the Jordan Pavilion.They brought 22 tons of desert sand from Jordan to the Expo site to recreate a desert inside the pavilion. The desert experience, combined with a 360-degree dome screen, was incredibly immersive.
"If you'd like, please take off your shoes and socks and go barefoot."
Perhaps this and the Expo sauna "Taiyo no Tsubomi" are the only places at the Expo site where you can go barefoot. The sand felt cool and very pleasant.

Speaking of sand, there is one more thing. The Tottori Pavilion within the Kansai Pavilion has brought in 7 tons of sand from the Tottori Sand Dunes. The Tottori Pavilion is very popular among the Kansai Pavilions because people want to experience the sand dune sand.With that "sand connection," the Jordan Pavilion and the Tottori Pavilion have reportedly formed a "Sand Alliance." It's quite heartwarming.

There is a cafe in the Jordan Pavilion.I ordered "Jordanian coffee" here!
Jordanian coffee is described as "traditional Arabic coffee scented with cardamom." If you drink it expecting regular black coffee, you will notice a unique, slightly astringent or bitter aftertaste that goes beyond just the flavor of coffee beans. This is the flavor of the cardamom.It is quite a rich black coffee, but the dates served with it are sweet and help neutralize the bitterness of the coffee.
There are many cafes and coffee stands at the Expo, but the cafe at the Jordan Pavilion is my top recommendation.

[Oman Pavilion] After seeing the pavilion, it's coffee time on the terrace!

The last one I will introduce is the Oman Pavilion. It is a country located in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, next to Yemen.

You can watch a video about how water, which is precious in Oman, has been used in people's daily lives and how it has nurtured their culture. The video is very fantastical and beautiful, and it is well worth seeing.

Another highlight is that they use real water in their presentation, not just in the video; for example, water flows over the glass ceiling in the pavilion's corridor, and there is a waterfall-like feature on the outdoor terrace.

The Oman Pavilion has a cafe where you can purchase coffee and simple sweets.
The coffee called "Kahwa (Omani Coffee)" is Oman's version of Arabic coffee. This time, I ordered it iced.I also ordered a date cake called "Lazeez Lub Tamr" to go with it.
Like the one in Jordan, it is a Middle Eastern Arabic coffee, a black coffee infused with spices such as cardamom. The coffee flavor is not as rich as the one at the Jordan Pavilion, so I find it reasonably easy to drink.And for dessert, the date cake "Lazeez Rubb Tamr" I bought was a perfect match for the coffee. It made for a just-right snack.

What did you think of the Middle Eastern restaurant edition of the Osaka-Kansai Expo? My main impressions are the use of date fruits and the frequent use of spices.
Also, while I knew that coffee had developed uniquely in Islamic regions where alcohol is not consumed, this Expo was the first time I actually drank it, so I was quite moved.Beyond the restaurants, please be sure to try the easily accessible Arabic coffee at the Expo.
Next time, I will introduce restaurants in the Asian pavilions!

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