Abdulrahman Alsowailem’s journey from aviation to the culinary world is a story of passion, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to flavor.
The 29-year-old Saudi entrepreneur, now the co-founder of Marble, an award-winning steakhouse in Riyadh, began his food venture not in the kitchen, but from a desire to create delicious meals that went beyond the bland, healthy fare of his brother’s cooking.
As a young man studying aviation in Canada, Alsowailem found himself frustrated by his brother’s focus on healthy but tasteless meals.
“He was all about protein-rich food, but didn’t care much about flavor,” recalled Alsowailem. It was then that he decided to make his own burgers, leading to the creation of what would become Riyadh’s ‘Best Steakhouse.’
His food journey, however, didn’t start overnight. After experimenting with his first burger in 2014, Alsowailem became obsessed with learning about meat.
He started buying whole cuts of meat, exploring different cuts, and learning the art of preparation.
His role as a pilot for Flynas gave him the opportunity to travel across the world, and it was during these flights that he immersed himself in various cuisines, sparking his passion for food.
“I worked as a pilot for three years. The idea was to fly and try food around the world,” said Alsowailem.
From the culinary streets of India to fine dining in Europe and the US, he broadened his palate, learning from renowned chefs and discovering spices unique to each region.
His dual identity as both a pilot and a chef helped him refine his cooking, and he began incorporating global flavors into his dishes.
His culinary dreams began to take shape in 2018 when he set up a small wooden stall at an event hosted by his former school, Al-Rowad International.
The simple burgers and steaks he served quickly gained popularity. After two successful pop-ups and 20 other local events, word spread, and the demand for his dishes grew.
This led to the launch of Marble in 2019, a high-end steakhouse founded with his business partner, Meshal Alakeel.
Marble’s name, Alsowailem explained, symbolizes quality, much like the marbling in meat, where streaks of intramuscular fat enhance flavor and tenderness.
Since its inception, Marble has been recognized as one of the best in the region, winning accolades such as the Best Steakhouse in the Fact Dining Awards Riyadh and a spot on the prestigious Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list for three consecutive years.
Alsowailem attributes the success of Marble to his innovative approach, regularly introducing specialized seasonal menus.
“This year we introduced the winter menu with new techniques and recipes, including several kinds of meat, all while minimizing waste,” he explained.
His commitment to sustainability also shows in his efforts to use excess meat from trimming for other dishes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Alsowailem’s creativity extends to dessert, where his heritage plays a major role in his culinary innovations. Inspired by a traditional Saudi date pudding, he created an Arabic coffee gelato with crispy dates, putting a modern twist on a beloved local treat.
Today, Alsowailem has fully transitioned from flying airplanes to crafting exquisite meals. The one thing he misses most from his aviation days?
“Flying for food,” he said with a smile. From his humble beginnings in a pop-up stall to becoming a respected chef and business owner, Abdulrahman Alsowailem’s culinary journey continues to soar.