If you are looking for the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh then you have come to the right place.
We have tried over 50 Indian restaurants in Riyadh and have compiled a list of top Indian restaurants in Riyadh.
With a growing population of Indian people in Riyadh, the demand for Indian food has increased significantly in the past few years.
Not only Indians but also people from other places have started enjoying different Indian foods like biryani and karahi.
If you are looking for your favorite Indian dish or just want to explore some new tastes then Indian food in Riyadh is the best option out there.
Let’s talk about three popular Indian places for food that you must visit this year.
Zafran Indian Bistro
This Indian food restaurant is not only known for its food but also for its stylish and comfortable dining experience.
The restaurant is known for its exquisite environment and was named after the popular and expensive Indian spice Saffron.
This place is perfect if you want to go out with your family, friends, or colleagues to relax and eat Indian food.
The restaurant is mainly focused on South Indian cuisine with a diverse menu and a high emphasis on quality.
According to the owners they aim to revive the popular Indian dishes that were previously available only in India.
If you are looking for spicy food or something sweet Zafran will have something on its menu for your taste. You can also request to make your dishes more spicy or mild according to your preference.
Location
This restaurant is located in several different places in Riyadh but the one we tried was at King Abdul Aziz, 3224, Riyadh 12411, View Mall, Saudi Arabia
Popular Dishes
If you have never tried Indian food in Riyadh and do not know what to order then I would recommend ordering these dishes:
Butter Chicken: Tender chicken pieces in a creamy tomato sauce.
Lamb Rogan Josh: This lamb curry is slow-cooked in a blend of spices and yogurt.
Paneer Tikka: Marinated paneer cubes are grilled with chicken and is great for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Positive Reviews:
I analyzed over one hundred reviews on different platforms and most of them complimented this Indian restaurant for offering food that reminded them of their favorite food in India.
Reviews also focused on the great ambiance, cozy environment, and attentive staff.
Negative Reviews:
Not everyone thinks the same and that’s good because it gives us an idea of what to expect from different places.
Negative reviews mainly revolved around three things.
First, people talked about the high prices of Zafran restaurant compared to other Indian restaurants in Riyadh.
Second, due to high popularity, your orders could take a lot of time to prepare so be ready for that.
Last but not least people mentioned that the portions served were smaller than the prices charged by this restaurant.
My Personal Review
I personally liked tried the dishes I mentioned above and I would say they were nothing but tasty.
Coming to the prices I feel like they are priced high because of the premium experience they offer so I was ok with that.
All in all, I would give this restaurant an 8.5 out of 10 experience.
Farzi Café Indian Restaurant
If you are looking for an established and well-reputed Indian restaurant in Riyadh then Farzi café is for you.
Farzi café is known for its modern and innovative approach to Indian food. In this restaurant, food presentation is just as important as food taste.
Farzi is a part of the global Indian food chain and is popular for its modern yet traditional Indian food.
Location
The Residence, Hittin, Riyadh 13514, Saudi Arabia
Popular Dishes:
Dal Chawal Arancini: As I told you this restaurant is all about innovation.
This dish is an innovative approach to dal and chawal. This dish is presented in small ball sizes which are crip on the outside and very soft on the inside and is served with their special chutney.
Butter Chicken Bao: I have tried butter chicken in many places but Farzi’s butter chicken with bao buns is just on another level.
Parle-G Cheese Cake: Have you heard about the famous Indian biscuit the parle G?
This is a combination of the traditional biscuit with Cheesecake. A perfect end to an Indian meal for sure.
Positive Reviews:
Positive reviews were on three different categories which are ambience, food innovation, and presentation.
Most of the customers are impressed with their menu items and their innovation while some also mentioned great hygiene and friendly staff.
Negative Reviews:
Negative reviews for this Indian restaurant are in two categories.
The first one is prices. If you are going to this restaurant you have to be ready to pay higher prices due to their offerings and ambience.
Second is their innovative approach. People who go solely to taste traditional food find it too unconventional and overrated.
Our Experience
Our visit to Farzi Cafe was great.
The Dal Chawal Arancini was a delightful surprise, offering familiar flavors in a completely new form.
The ambiance was modern and chic, making it a great place to enjoy a meal.
Overall we would rate this place a 9 out of 10 for its taste and ambience but for the prices, I would say should be lowered slightly.
Red Chilli Restaurant
If you are looking for an affordable Indian restaurant in Riyadh then this is the place for you.
This restaurant offers an extensive menu of both north and south Indian dishes. The atmosphere is minimalist and family-friendly and is a great place to relax and enjoy a good meal.
Unlike other restaurants which invest heavily in décor, this place keeps it simple and focuses on quality.
Most restaurants compromise on quantity but this is not the case with Red Chilli. This restaurant will provide you with a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Location:
Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz St, Al Murabba, Opposite Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace Hotel, Riyadh 12628, Saudi Arabia.
Popular Dishes:
Chicken Biryani: The most popular dish on their menu is a spicy chicken biryani offered with chicken on top.
Hyderabadi Dum Biryani: This is cooked on a slow flame and people who love spicy and traditional food would love this for sure.
Masala Dosa: Served with chutney and sambar this crispy South Indian crepe filled with a spicy potato mixture is a must-try.
Positive Reviews
Positive reviews were concerned with two main things the first one is the quality of food and the second one is the large portion sizes.
People especially those who know the real Indian food flavors mentioned that the food reminds them of their hometown. The recipes are authentic and delicious and loved by people.
The second thing is the large portion sizes. If you go to a restaurant you expect to get at least a good portion size to satisfy your cravings. Red chili will provide you with more than enough to feel full and satisfied.
Negative Reviews
As mentioned earlier people think that the ambience is too basic and boring and could be improved to look and feel better.
People also mentioned that the service was really slow during busy hours but this could be due to dishes that are complex and need more time to cook.
The spice level is where this restaurant has a lot of negative reviews. While authentic food is important I feel like spice levels were really high for our food too.
Our Experience
Our experience here was not bad at all. My favorite dish was the chicken biryani. The spice levels were nicely controlled in Biryani and the serving was amazing. I even packed some to take home because I felt I would be craving the biryani again after a few hours.
Overall I would rate this restaurant 8 out of 10 for its service, food, and ambience.
Conclusion
Riyadh offers a variety of different Indian food options.
You can find traditional and modern Indian food restaurants depending on your preference.
The restaurants we talked about today were the ones that impressed us out of the many we tried in the previous few months.
Each of these Indian restaurants brings new flavors and experiences that are worth trying at least once if you are in Riyadh.
