The city of Riyadh flaunts eateries, bistros, and bars of various patterns for all tastes and budgets. In general, these places are the most sought after by expats looking to discover both international and ethnic cuisines. If you're one of them, let's embark on a culinary tour of the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
Food specialties in Riyadh
Aside from upscale eateries, expats and visitors can choose from a wide range of comfortable bars and budget bistros. The best spot for a family visit is the Café Bateel which is especially popular for its extraordinary combination of treats and pleasant environment. Espresso addicts and dessert lovers will love spending moments there thanks to its unique oriental feel. Najd Village is another interesting place to taste the best ethnic dishes. It is appreciated not only for its excellent structure but also for its exquisite inside plan and a tremendous variety of dishes.
From zesty tidbits to hot baked food, unique rice dishes, and conventional confections, you can find almost everything in Riyadh. It's worth noting that rice, wheat, lamb, chicken, yogurt, and dates are some of the essential components of the local cuisine, even though specialties usually vary from one region to another.
In general, some of the most popular dishes in Riyadh are the Kabsa, the Mutabbaq, the Markook, the Basbousa and the Sambusak, and many more. Saudi Arabia is big on coffee culture, and you will find coffee shops bustling, particularly in the evening. If you have the chance, do not miss the opportunity to try Saudi coffee, which is golden and flavored with various spices.
International cuisine in Riyadh
Riyadh is not just about ethnic cuisine. Over the years, many foreign restaurants and eateries have also been set up across the city. Piatto, for example, is a dining chain that specializes in Italian food and was awarded the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia twice. The eatery has a cozy atmosphere with an open kitchen that turns out to be an extraordinary culinary experience—you can watch the cooks at work while enjoying your meal. Do not miss their extraordinary rosemary bread!
La Piazza is another popular place with pizza lovers. It really stands out amongst the most sentimental gastronomy foundations of the city. Aside from an energizing selection of pizzas, you will enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.
The Saudi capital city caters for almost all tastes, so you can also find Asian cuisine at most street corners. If you prefer Indian cuisine, Zafran is an excellent place for both meat lovers and vegetarians. You can also find Japanese restaurants, such as Myazu where sushi lovers meet fine dining. Kampaï is another Japanese restaurant that also offers quite a few noodle options.
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