Ayman Al-Zubaidi, the visionary chef behind Hijazi Corner, has been redefining London’s Middle Eastern food scene. Known for serving authentic Saudi Arabian dishes, Al-Zubaidi’s journey from sports science student to acclaimed chef is a tale of passion and perseverance. Today, Hijazi Corner stands as London’s first Saudi Arabian restaurant, offering a true taste of home to the city’s Saudi community and beyond.
Born and raised in Jeddah’s Al-Sabeel district, Al-Zubaidi was once uninterested in the kitchen. “When I first moved to the UK, I was clueless in the kitchen, so I called her for help,” he reflects, acknowledging his mother’s influence in nurturing his culinary skills. His early cooking endeavors involved little more than instant noodles, but this all changed when homesickness for the flavors of Saudi Arabia struck while he was studying in London.
It was during this time that Al-Zubaidi found himself recreating his favorite Saudi dishes in his small flat, offering them to fellow Saudis in the city. His humble beginnings quickly gained traction, especially after sharing his cooking journey on Snapchat. “People from the Saudi embassy added me, people from Aramco working in London added me,” Al-Zubaidi recalls. These interactions, combined with the growing demand for authentic Saudi food, led to his decision to take his passion to the next level and open a pop-up restaurant in 2020.
Hijazi Corner, which opened its doors in 2023, became a hit, offering dishes like chicken seelag, lamb haneeth, and samboosek. These traditional dishes are prepared using family recipes that date back to Al-Zubaidi’s Yemeni ancestors, making Hijazi Corner a one-of-a-kind destination for those craving genuine Saudi Arabian cuisine in London.
Al-Zubaidi’s success wasn’t without its challenges, including skepticism from friends and the struggles of balancing his studies with his culinary ambitions. However, his commitment to his craft and the support from his growing base of loyal followers helped him overcome the doubts and criticism.
Hijazi Corner is now a sought-after spot in London, attracting a diverse clientele, including diplomats, celebrities, and food lovers from all over the world. The restaurant’s success was further solidified when it was personally recognized by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, during the Kingdom’s National Day celebrations. “I am proud of what I’ve achieved, but I haven’t finished yet,” says Al-Zubaidi, looking forward to sharing even more of Saudi culture with the world.