World-Famous Chef Ali Al Hajj and Lebanese Cuisine Shangri-La Bosphorus Comes to Istanbul

Attracting attention with its unique Bosphorus view and superior service quality in the heart of Beşiktaş Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul; Between September 15-30, Shangri-La Jeddah “Awarded Best Lebanese Restaurant of 2024 by TimeOut Jeddah” restaurant Ali Al Hajj, Executive Chef of Niyyaliis preparing to host . The most iconic flavors of Lebanese cuisine, presented by Ali Al Hajj, will take gastronomy lovers on a delicious journey.

Moreover, the third Shang Brunch special event will be held on Sunday, September 29 at IST TOO, where Executive Chef Ali Al Hajj will showcase his signature dishes on his live station. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the chef’s signature Lebanese cuisine and get to meet him and chat about his cuisine.

The Most Exquisite Flavors of Lebanese Tradition Are in Ali Al Hajj's Kitchen

Ali Al Hajj's 19-person set menu, which will be offered to guests exclusively for the launch day on September 4, will include; fattouch, tabouli, classic hummus, truffle hummus, Shanglish salad and kebbeh nayeh in the cold appetizer section. Hot appetizers will include kebab fattah, batata harra (spicy potatoes), lahme ras asfour, fattah kebab and local kibbeh, sembusek cheese and meat pies. In the main course, the chef's mixed grill and Aish Al Saraya, a local dessert with creamy mascarpone cheese and pistachios, will be offered to the guests.

The famous chef’s a la carte menu, which will continue until September 30, will include cold salad and appetizer stations such as fattouch, tabouli, classic hummus, stuffed vine leaves, walnut labneh, smoked eggplant moutabal, walnut mouhamara and kebbeh nayeh. In the hot appetizers and fattah section, spicy potatoes, shrimp fattah, kebab fattah, wagyu ras asfour and provencal shrimp will be served. The main course will include mixed grill and Beirut style spicy sea bass. In desserts, Lebanese pudding with fig jam, the famous Umm Ali “Ali’s Mother” dessert and baklava with mastic gum will be offered to the guests.

An Impressive Career Journey of Over 15 Years

Chef Ali Al Hajj is the Executive Chef of Niyyali, a casual fine dining restaurant in Shangri-La Jeddah. He is an award-winning chef who focuses on ensuring high service and food quality in managing the kitchen team and delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience at the restaurant.

The chef has been involved in leading Lebanese restaurants in Beirut in his impressive career spanning over 15 years. In January 2023, Ali Al Hajj embarked on a gastronomic journey blending Niyyali with his expertise and innovative creations, quickly transforming Niyyali into a hub that reflects the spirit of Lebanese cuisine and exceeding the expectations of his guests. In addition to his success at Niyyali, he has also significantly improved the gastronomic standards and overall dining experience at other restaurants in Shangri-La Jeddah..

Proven Its Success Worldwide With The Awards It Received

Under Ali Al Hajj’s leadership, Niyyali’s meteoric rise and impact on the gastronomy scene earned it the TimeOut Highly Commended Restaurant Award in 2023. In 2024, Niyyali received the TimeOut Award for Best Lebanese Restaurant in Jeddah, cementing its success as a leading destination for authentic Lebanese cuisine. Chef Ali was also shortlisted as Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caterer Middle East Awards, recognizing him as one of the best hotel chefs in the region. Niyyali was also honored as Jeddah’s FACT Award’s Favourite Restaurant. Chef Al Hajj was selected by Shangri-La Group to implement the Culinary Centre of Excellence, a cross-training programme at Shangri-La properties in Dubai, Istanbul and Shanghai, marking the first step of his global tour of 100 Shangri-La hotels.

Source: HORECA TREND and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul