The Saudi vegan chef revolutionizing her hometown Jeddah's food scene: Ola Kayal
Saudi Arabia is known for its rich cuisine, steeped in tradition and history. But as the country grows and modernizes, so does its food scene. Kayal is a trilingual Saudi national with two degrees, including a bachelor’s from Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland. She trained at a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Europe and successfully launched Nabati, the plant-based ice cream business in Miami, Florida-USA; all before the age of 30. Now, she’s bringing her knowledge and passion for sustainability back to her hometown of Jeddah.
“I chose the name Nabati because I wanted it to represent my roots. I decided to start this brand not in Saudi Arabia, so I really wanted that Arabic connection. I also wanted a name that represented where I’m from and what I’m bringing to the world,” she told Arab News.
Her ice cream is cashew and coconut-based, sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, and is a guilt-free indulgence. There is no refined sugar, gluten, or soy, so the all-natural treats are nutritious and delicious.
Photo by Ali Khamaj/Supplied)
After operating for years in the US, she decided to close shop and move back to Saudi Arabia. She opened her first shop in Jeddah six months before the pandemic hit. Despite the challenges, she managed to stay in operation amid the restrictions and is now launching her second outlet in the city.
“What she is attempting in Jeddah is to shift our palate and encourage the community to be more mindful of what we put into our bodies,” said Arab News.
At the Islamic Arts Biennale
Kayal’s aim is not just to sell ice cream and make money, but to create a change of perspective. Her hope is to encourage healthy eating and sustainability in the community. The packaging is also plastic-free, made with recyclable materials, and completely biodegradable. The logo is "burned" on, so there is no ink or printing. Her pints contain zero plastic, not even in the lining. If a customer brings a container from home, they receive a 5% discount.
Ola Kayal, founder of ‘Nabati’ plant-based ice cream. (AN photos by Ali Khamaj)
“It’s definitely challenging, and it’s not necessarily the cheapest way of doing business, but I’m not trying to sell ice cream to make money. I’m trying to create a change of perspective,” she said.
Kayal hopes to collaborate with other restaurateurs in the Kingdom. With Vision 2030 at the forefront of innovation and adaptation, she is eager to be part of the rapidly changing food scene.
In conclusion, "Nabati" is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a movement towards healthy eating and sustainability. Kayal’s all-natural, plant-based ice cream is just the beginning of her mission to encourage a shift in perspective in her community. Her dedication to sustainability, healthy eating, and community collaboration makes her a true visionary, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.