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So, you’re on the hunt for the best Kabsa restaurant in Riyadh, and with so many options, you’re feeling confused?
There are tons of options for Kabsa in Riyadh but let’s be honest some places just do it better than others.
BUT
How do you find these places? You can’t go around trying every Kabsa restaurant in Riyadh.
WELL
To save you time and money I did the heavy lifting for you and shortlisted five best Kabsa restaurants in Riyadh that will hit the spot every time.
So if you are looking for Kabsa with meat or chicken these places will have you covered and not only this you can choose from a different variety of Kabsa like the mandi (tandoor-cooked meat), madhbi (crispy-skinned chicken), madfoon (slow-cooked, spice-infused meat), and zurbian (biryani-style rice).
So why are we still talking and not discussing the restaurants?
1. Best Kabsa Restaurant In Riyadh: Shawaya House
If you are looking for a Kabsa restaurant in Riyadh that does not have those fancy lights or décor but is totally focused on the best quality Kabsa then Shawaya house is the perfect choice for you.
This place is all about keeping things basic yet delicious. Their ambiance is basic with big white bright lights and standard chairs.
AND
If you want to enjoy traditional dining then they have a comfy ground sitting area which gives it a more authentic feel.
When it comes to food this restaurant is known for one thing only and that’s their traditional Kabsa.
This restaurant has been serving Kabsa since the 90s and has over 90 branches across Saudi Arabia, a clear testament to their quality and expertise.
Must Try Dishes At Shawaya House
They offer Kabsa in different combinations, such as chicken, meat, lamb, and even fish. You can get half Kabsa or the full amount depending on the number of people visiting the place. If you are visiting this place for the first time then I would recommend trying:
Chicken Kabsa: if you are visiting this place then this might be more than enough for you. This Kabsa comes with chicken and a nice fine rice for SAR 28 only (I couldn’t finish it all).
Lamb Kabsa: If you feel like you need a big meal then their Lamb Kabsa is for you.
WARNING!
You will feel full for two days after eating this one.
Mandi: Half a chicken mandi with mandi rice for 28 SR. This is another crowd favorite, especially if you love a hint of smokiness in your rice.
Special Family Offer: I wouldn’t recommend this place for a family visit because it has a vibe that is more suitable for casual friends gatherings but their special family offer is worth a try as you can order from them too.
Their full Shawaya Chicken with rice and a whole spread of salads, sides, and drinks for 98.75 SR is a great deal.
What about sweets?
I would recommend ending your meal with a touch of sweet Kunaffa but if you want something a bit creamy you can go for their Mahlabia with rose water and nuts.
2. Al Romansiah: Your Go-To Spot for Kabsa
If you want to try Kabsa in a more private environment that is good for your family then Al Romansiah is your next destination.
This spot offers a variety of Kabsa dishes that are as comforting as a warm hug from your grandma.
Like other Kabsa restaurants in Riyadh, this place is focused on keeping everything simple while providing the best food.
When you enter you will see bright white lights with white décor and small cabins for dining. They only have ground seating to keep everything traditional and simple.
Must Try Dishes
Al Romansiah’s menu is loaded with many traditional Saudi dishes that have everything from Kabsa and Mandi to grilled meats and tasty side dishes.
Their portion sizes are big so you will feel full to your chest for quite some time. Now let’s talk about my favorites:
Kabsa: The star of their show is Kabsa. With a generous amount of rice, you get to choose between Lamb, chicken, and meat Kabsa.
Half Madhbi Chicken: This is one of their special chicken dishes that comes with Romansiah’s special seasoning. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired with rice.
Mandi Meat Meal: They cook this dish by first extracting the oil from the goat meat and then using it to cook the rice, so none of the flavor is lost. And yes, you still get the same tasty goat meat on your plate!
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab): You need a good appetizer before that huge Kabsa and this is the perfect choice. Grape leaves filled with gourmet rice (tasty!).
Knafeh: Well I guess there won’t be any room for sweets but if somehow you still feel hungry go for their special Knafeh which is available with with cream, Nutella, or pistachio filling.
3. Maiz Restaurant – Traditional Kabsa With Modern Vibe
Looking for a place that is luxurious, upbeat, cozy, and also provides traditional Kabsa?
THAT WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE.
Well, you get it right here at Maiz in Riyadh. This restaurant has a nice mix of traditional Saudi food and a cool modern vibe.
When you walk inside this restaurant you will be impressed by the dim lighting and brown décor that makes this place stand out.
But that’s not it.
You will also see some traditional Saudi hand-woven wool designs on the walls paired with some artworks made by the Saudi locals.
Plus, the location in Al Bujairi is super convenient and adds to the overall cool factor.
AND YEAH WITH PREMIUM AMBIANCE COMES HIGH PRICES.
Compared to the other restaurants that we discussed this one can be way expensive but the food will cover up for that for sure.
Must-Try Dishes
You are here for the Kabsa so I would recommend my favorite one which is their Lamb Kabsa. It’s on the pricier side at SAR 130 but it comes with a lot.
This lamb Kabsa includes lamb ribs, Kabsa rice, pickle dates, and cashew lamb jus. Their portion size is huge and is easily enough for 4 -5 people so I think the price is justified for that.
4. Aseeb Famous Pumpkin Kabsa
Well if you heard traditional then you might have heard it through the walls of Aseeb. Unlike other restaurants which focus on either modern décor or keeping things simple this restaurant keeps it totally traditional but way more elegant.
The walls are designed to look like they’re made of clay, giving the place a rustic vibe. Inside, you’ll find Saudi artwork, traditional wool hangings, and other cultural symbols on display, all complementing the clay walls and cozy ground seating areas.
Must Try Dishes
Their Kabsa is what you are here for and it’s definitely worth a try.
SPOILER ALERT!
It’s not the Kabsa you see every day. They have given it their own unique twist by cooking the Kabsa inside a pumpkin.
Yes, you heard that right. INSIDE A PUMPKIN!
Inside this fresh pumpkin, you will find perfectly cooked brown rice with traditional spices and Lamb meat on top of that which is tender and juicy.
If you don’t like meat you get other protein options like chicken too. Their spiced rice with chicken is no less than extraordinary.
This consists of spiced rice paired with your choice of grilled or charcoal chicken. The chicken is juicy and full of traditional Kabsa flavor.
5. Kabsa House Budget Kabsa Restaurant
This restaurant is all about keeping things simple, budget-friendly and delicious. This is a go-to spot for Kabsa lovers who want a good old-fashioned Kabsa without any extras.
The place has a chill vibe with simple décor and comfy enough to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite of Kabsa or are low on budget this place will have you covered.
Kabsa House offers quick service and generous portions at a very budget-friendly price. For this reason, the place is sometimes crowded but thanks to their fast service you will never have to wait long hours to get your Kabsa.
Must Try Dishes At Kabsa House
They offer different variety of rice dishes and most of them are worth trying. I would personally recommend trying these:
Mixed Rice Platter: Can’t decide? Try the Mixed Rice Platter and enjoy both lamb and chicken with plenty of rice.
Lamb Kabsa: if you want a heavy meal that fills you to your chest then try their lamb Kabsa and you will keep coming back for it.
Chicken Kabsa: For something lighter, the Chicken Kabsa is just as tasty. The chicken is cooked just right, tender, and has a touch of spice to it.
Conclusion
So there you go the top Kabsa restaurants in Riyadh that offer both dine-in and delivery across the city. If you love traditional Saudi Kabsa or want to try a Kabsa that is done the modern way you will find it at these restaurants.
So call your cab and head over to these restaurants today!
