Chedi Hegra has opened Nasim, a new restaurant offering a contemporary interpretation of Levantine cuisine within Hegra Fort, an 18th-century stone building at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Named after the Arabic word for “gentle breeze”, Nasim draws
inspiration from AlUla’s desert landscapes, cultural heritage and culinary
traditions, adding a new dining destination to the region’s growing hospitality
scene.
Located within the grounds of Chedi Hegra, the hotel
occupies restored stone buildings associated with the historic AlUla railway
station. Nasim is housed in Hegra Fort, where preserved stone walls and arched
doorways provide a historic setting for the restaurant’s contemporary dining
concept.
The restaurant features several dining and social spaces
designed to offer different experiences throughout the day. Its terrace serves
a seasonal à la carte menu from sunken seating overlooking Hegra’s sandstone
formations. Private dining rooms provide set-menu experiences, while the
rooftop offers light bites beneath the stars after sunset.
A beverage programme featuring zero-proof drinks, speciality
coffee, tea and crafted blends complements the food offering.
Executive Chef Rashid Ahmad-zada, who has more than 16 years
of international culinary experience, leads the kitchen. The menu combines
traditional Levantine flavours with modern cooking techniques, seasonal
ingredients and an emphasis on provenance, incorporating locally sourced
produce, regional spices and selected imported ingredients.
Signature dishes include Bluefin Nayeh, Wagyu Liver & Foie
Gras Skewer, Milk-Fed Lamb Shoulder and Sweet Milk B’stilla, reflecting the
restaurant’s approach to reinterpreting regional cuisine.
The beverage selection includes signature creations such as
Liquid Tabouleh, Desert Rose and Kanafeh Cream Cooler, bringing contemporary
interpretations to familiar regional flavours.
Hospitality specialist NOCO Hospitality Studio
conceptualised the restaurant and will oversee its management and operations,
including culinary direction, service standards and the overall guest
experience.
Nasim’s atmosphere evolves throughout the day, from relaxed
terrace dining in the afternoon to an evening setting featuring music,
conversation and lantern-lit rooftop spaces.
The restaurant is open to hotel guests, visitors to AlUla
and the local community, positioning itself as a gathering place that combines
regional cuisine, contemporary hospitality and the cultural character of its
historic surroundings.
The opening adds to AlUla’s expanding tourism and dining offering, as the destination continues to develop experiences centred on its archaeological heritage, landscape and contemporary hospitality. -TradeArabia News Service