What Food To Try in Riyadh and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Riyadh for 2024.
National currency: Saudi Riyal, symbol — (international currency code SAR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Riyadh cafes and restaurants
$5.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4
$26.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $16
$5.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.33
What to Try in Riyadh
Must-try Dishes
Shakshuka - شاكشوكة (spiced egg dish) - This filling breakfast is made with poached eggs in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, often sprinkled with fresh herbs. Many locals enjoy it at breakfast spots, where the communal sharing adds to the experience.Falafel - فلافل (crispy chickpea patties) - Deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas seasoned with herbs and spices, served in pita with tahini and salad. You’ll often find vendors serving it as street food; it’s delicious when still warm and crispy.
Kabsa - كبسة (spiced rice dish) - A hearty dish featuring spiced rice cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and a blend of aromatic spices. Locals typically gather around a large platter, sharing this during family dinners or celebrations.
Jareesh - جريش (cracked wheat dish) - Cracked wheat cooked until tender and mixed with chicken or lamb, resulting in a creamy texture. It’s traditionally enjoyed during weddings or festive occasions, generating a sense of community when served in large portions.
Foul Medames - فول مدمس (fava bean dish) - A hearty stew of slow-cooked fava beans, often garnished with fresh tomatoes and olive oil. Served with bread for breakfast or lunch, it’s a popular that you can find in just about any local café.
Charcoal Grilled Kebabs - شيش طاووق (grilled chicken skewers) - Tender marinated chicken skewered and grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor, served with rice or bread. Best enjoyed in outdoor markets in the evening, with a fresh squeeze of lemon for that extra zing.
Dates and Cheese - التمر والجبن (seasonal combination) - A delightful pairing of sweet dates and creamy cheese, often served during Ramadan. This unexpected but satisfying combination shows how locals enjoy the transition from fasting to feasting.
Maamoul - معمول (seasonal pastry) - Delicate cookies filled with dates or nuts, traditionally served during holidays and special occasions. You’ll notice how families gather to prepare these treats ahead of festivities, making the event feel more communal.
Desserts & Drinks
Arabic Coffee - قهوة عربية (traditional spiced coffee) - Lightly roasted coffee brewed with cardamom and served in small cups without milk. It’s common for locals to enjoy this during social gatherings, often accompanied by dates as a gesture of hospitality.Mint Lemonade - ليمون بالنعناع (refreshing citrus drink) - Freshly squeezed lemons blended with mint leaves and sugar, served chilled for a thirst-quenching experience. Perfect during the scorching afternoon, especially in the summer heat, making it a favorite at outdoor cafes. By the way, make sure to avoid asking for it "with ice" - that’s a common mistake!
Arak - عرق (local anise-flavored spirit) - A distilled alcoholic beverage made from grapes and flavored with anise, typically diluted with water before serving. Many locals enjoy it during feasts or gatherings, sharing stories and laughter over a glass or two. Note: Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so it’s not commonly found in most establishments.
Knafeh - كُنافة (cheesy dessert pastry) - A warm, layered pastry made with thin noodle-like strands soaked in syrup and filled with gooey cheese. Often enjoyed during Ramadan or special occasions, you’ll find it served fresh from the oven at local sweet shops, typically paired with a strong cup of tea.
Mahalabia - مهلبية (creamy milk pudding) - A chilled dessert made with milk, sugar, and rice flour, often flavored with orange blossom or rose water. This sweet treat is popular during celebrations, especially Eid, served with crushed nuts on top for added texture. It's delightfully light and a perfect way to end a meal in the evening.
Food and Groceries in Riyadh
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.57 |
| Oranges | $1.3 |
| Potatoes | $1.06 |
| Apples | $1.75 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.56 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.23 |
| Cigarettes | $6.4 |
| Rice | $1.75 |
| Local Cheese | $5.93 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Riyadh, you’ll often find locals gathering for lunch around 1 PM, just as the heat of the day starts to settle in. It’s fascinating to see families, friends, and coworkers come together at this time—an hour that (unexpectedly) blends leisurely meals with quick bites from street vendors and casual eateries. You'd be surprised how the city comes alive with activity, especially when you see office workers spilling into the nearby dining spots.
Speaking of neighborhood dining, you can't overlook the various districts. In Al-Nasr, a filling lunch might run you around 70 SAR, while the same meal could cost you about 90 SAR in Al-Malaz, which tends to cater more to an upscale crowd. Each area establishes its own pricing patterns based on the surrounding clientele and restaurant offerings.
Payment customs here are straightforward; cash remains a popular option, but many restaurants now accept card payments. Still, not all places may have card facilities, especially smaller street vendors (which can be quite delicious and economical!). Also, be ready to mimic the locals and pay a 10-15% service charge at those full-service restaurants. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in more casual dining environments—so don’t overlook it if the service was good.
Another interesting local dining habit is ordering several dishes to share among the table. Meals often resemble a grand buffet, with various plates providing a taste of everything. It's a distinct way of bonding and enjoying a culinary experience together. However, tourists sometimes make the mistake of ordering for themselves, leading to a disappointing plate of uneaten food.
If you're thinking of grabbing an evening meal, aim for around 8 PM; this is when you’ll find the city’s dining scene at its peak. But do keep in mind, some places may quiet down by 10 PM, especially on weekends. A little tip: if you’re heading to popular dining spots in places like Olaya or Tahlia Street, make reservations during weekends to secure your table, as these areas do get busy quickly.
As the seasons shift, you'll notice an exciting change in the local culinary landscape. With the cooler months approaching, outdoor dining becomes more appealing, and street food stalls start popping up again, making it easy to grab a quick meal on-the-go. It’s a vibrant part of Riyadh's food scene—eating outside while enjoying the pleasant weather becomes increasingly common.
The consistently evolving food culture here reflects how the vibrancy of the city adapts to seasonal changes while retaining local customs—definitely something to cherish as you explore the culinary tapestry of Riyadh!
Speaking of neighborhood dining, you can't overlook the various districts. In Al-Nasr, a filling lunch might run you around 70 SAR, while the same meal could cost you about 90 SAR in Al-Malaz, which tends to cater more to an upscale crowd. Each area establishes its own pricing patterns based on the surrounding clientele and restaurant offerings.
Payment customs here are straightforward; cash remains a popular option, but many restaurants now accept card payments. Still, not all places may have card facilities, especially smaller street vendors (which can be quite delicious and economical!). Also, be ready to mimic the locals and pay a 10-15% service charge at those full-service restaurants. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in more casual dining environments—so don’t overlook it if the service was good.
Another interesting local dining habit is ordering several dishes to share among the table. Meals often resemble a grand buffet, with various plates providing a taste of everything. It's a distinct way of bonding and enjoying a culinary experience together. However, tourists sometimes make the mistake of ordering for themselves, leading to a disappointing plate of uneaten food.
If you're thinking of grabbing an evening meal, aim for around 8 PM; this is when you’ll find the city’s dining scene at its peak. But do keep in mind, some places may quiet down by 10 PM, especially on weekends. A little tip: if you’re heading to popular dining spots in places like Olaya or Tahlia Street, make reservations during weekends to secure your table, as these areas do get busy quickly.
As the seasons shift, you'll notice an exciting change in the local culinary landscape. With the cooler months approaching, outdoor dining becomes more appealing, and street food stalls start popping up again, making it easy to grab a quick meal on-the-go. It’s a vibrant part of Riyadh's food scene—eating outside while enjoying the pleasant weather becomes increasingly common.
The consistently evolving food culture here reflects how the vibrancy of the city adapts to seasonal changes while retaining local customs—definitely something to cherish as you explore the culinary tapestry of Riyadh!