Riyad Mahrez has introduced his trademark pasta dish to Al Ahli Saudi FC, continuing a tradition he began during his time at Manchester City.
The Algerian winger, celebrated for his flair on the pitch, is now winning over teammates in Jeddah with his cooking skills.
The story of “Riyad Pasta” has already become part of the club’s daily life. On arrival in Saudi Arabia, Mahrez wasted no time sharing his culinary favourite, guiding the club’s chef through the preparation of the dish that was once a favourite at Manchester City’s training ground.
The chef himself recalled the moment Mahrez first stepped into the kitchen.
One day, I was preparing food and I heard chef, chef! I looked over and it was Riyad Mahrez coming towards me. I was surprised. It was the first time I had seen him. He said to me: ‘chef, I want to eat pasta. I said ok. I’ll make it for you. He replied: No. Let me show you how to make it. We cooked together. And the club’s players love this dish. Especially since it has carbohydrates and protein in it, he told Al Ahli’s official channel.
The recipe itself is simple but, according to those who have tried it, remarkably effective.
Pasta forms the base, accompanied by chicken, cheese, and caramelised onions, all seasoned with salt and pepper.
What makes the dish distinctive, however, is the personal touch Mahrez adds, a secret step that has transformed it into a favourite both in Manchester and now in Jeddah.
At Al Ahli’s training ground restaurant, Mahrez’s pasta has quickly become a staple.
Players reportedly ask for it regularly, with its balance of flavour and nutrition making it as popular among teammates as it once was among City’s stars.
The Algeria captain, long admired for his creativity on the ball, appears to show the same flair in the kitchen.
For Al Ahli, his arrival has not only strengthened the squad on the pitch but also added a new flavour off it—one that is quickly gaining legendary status in the dressing room.
Whether dazzling opponents with his left foot or surprising teammates with his cooking, Mahrez continues to make his mark in Saudi Arabia.
And for now, Riyad Pasta seems set to remain as much a part of Al Ahli’s daily routine as training itself.