King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) & FOODICS collaboration

FOODICS To Supply Smart F&B Ordering And Payment Tech Solutions To KAFD

13 October 2022, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah Financial District, (“KAFD”) has announced that it has signed an MOU with FOODICS, the leading cloud-based restaurant tech and payments platform in the MENA region. Under this partnership, KAFD will integrate FOODICS’ pioneering tech ecosystem with all points of sale for F&B, retail and pop-up outlets, as well as offices and residences.

KAFD is set to become the prime business and lifestyle destination in the region, leading the way on smart technology and digital integration to promote ease of living and working, offering advanced office infrastructure and sustainable smart city solutions, as well as unique lifestyle experiences with leading leisure and retail facilities.

Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD said: “We want our residents, tenants and visitors to be able to access everything they need from the palm of their hand, to shop, work out, relax and dine with seamless ease. Our agreement with Foodics is an important stepping stone on the way to achieving this digital integration. We are excited to enter into this partnership, growing KAFD’s offering in conjunction with Foodics’ cutting-edge technology. Together, we are helping to make the Kingdom a desirable destination at the peak of technological progress.”

Suhail Jabir, KSA General Manager at FOODICS commented, “We are proud to be partnering with KAFD and thank the team for their trust. Our smart tech solutions will benefit residents and businesses alike, while further fostering economic growth.” He added, “This announcement cements the position of FOODICS as a tech powerhouse, digitizing experiences beyond F&B.”

FOODICS is officially recognized by the Saudi Central Bank (“SAMA”) as a FinTech company. Since its inception in 2014, Foodics has successfully processed over 6 billion orders through its platform. It also raised a record US$170 million in its series C funding round earlier this year, boosting its innovation capabilities to better serve business owners and partners.

Al Anbariya Seafood : VIP Rooms & Treatment

Al Anbariya Seafood in Dhahban

Al Anbariya was among the first to initiate the concept of the "seafood park" back in the year 2000 in Dhaban. At first, the restaurant created a wave of madness among Jeddah's community and enjoyed tremendous success.

Yet, being the pioneer of this category, Al Anbariya has recently taken charge of restoring the brand's legacy through rejuvenating its property and starting all over with a different strategy that aims to provide a distinct and memorable experience as opposed to others.

We were lucky to be invited to try their December midweek offer, where we were offered one of their prestigious VIP rooms, ready with our own TV, dining table and bathroom. After we selected our fish, shrimp, and chose how we wanted them done, we kicked back and relaxed in our private room, enjoying free board games, a Bluetooth speaker, tea & coffee, and snacks like popcorn. Killing time away till our food arrives till our tables and spread before us without having to worry about anything. Don't think that this was some VIP blogger treatment, this is how it goes here at Al Anbariya for everyone who books their own private rooms.

We selected an excellent selection of grilled and fried fish and shrimp, with 3 lobsters cooked Thermidor style, with sides of rice and fried calamari. Of course, we didn't forget to throw in some oven-cooked dishes that Al Anbariya are so known for, like the Kashmiri Shrimp! Shrimp cooked in a clay pot with Indian spices and herbs, with that right amount of spice!

After our fantastic meal, we were treated to after dinner green tea, and started a mini competition of "Kiram" or "Carrom": The game of carrom is believed to have originated from the Indian subcontinent. Little is known about the game's exact origins prior to the 19th century! The kids had a blast playing around in their designated play areas, where you can monitor them through the Seafood Park's CCTV that you can access on your TV in your room.

We left past midnight with smiles and full stomachs, willing to try this fantastic experience again!

Happy Birthday Wagamama

Three years since Wagamama opened its doors to the Saudi market. With two branches in Jeddah and one in Riyadh, they are offering a super offer of SR 69 for its worldwide top seller Chicken Katsu Curry, with chicken (or shrimp) gyoza, and a Pepsi.

My love for Wagamama started back in the UK, where I got to encounter this UK based restaurant for the first time. And I have to say that their Spinningfields branch in Manchester has become a home to me. And that's not just because of the student discount I had there.

When I learned in 2016 that Wagamama is coming to KSA, you can imagine my excitement to know that I will be having my favorite dishes from the UK! Now, 3 years fast forward ahead, we celebrate three years of Wagamama in Saudi Arabia. With three branches, two in Jeddah on Hail Street and inside Red Sea Mall. And one Riyadh branch in Al-Faisaliah Mall.

As part of the celebrations, Wagamama is offering a fantastic offer: their worldwide top-selling item: The Chicken Katsu Curry, with an appetizer: Chicken (or shrimp) Gyoza, in addition to a soft drink. All for a bargain rate of SR 69! Catch this offer this month and before the end of October 2019!

Vegan Options at Wagamama

Now for our vegan and vegetarian friends, Wagamama didn't forget about you. While your spouse or friend can enjoy their chicken katsu curry, you can enjoy the Yasai Katsu Curry. Sweet potato, aubergine, and butternut squash, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, covered in an aromatic curry sauce served with sticky rice and a side salad. For a starter, you can enjoy their "bang bang cauliflower": crispy, wok-fried cauliflower coated in firecracker sauce. Mixed with red onions. I hate cauliflower, and I LOVED this dish!

Let us know what you love about Wagamama, and what are your favorite dishes! See you there!