Best spots in Riyadh for your shawarma craving
Nine of our favourite shawarma spots in Riyadh, all available for takeout and delivery…
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a delicious dinner, or a late-night snack, you can’t go wrong with shawarma. Shawarma is the ultimate Arabic street food, found not only in the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant but virtually in any nook and corner of the globe.
Here are nine spots in Riyadh where shawarma shines.
Faredah Hanim
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This place might be small, but they’ve got a go-big-or-go-home mentality when it comes to flavour. You seriously can’t go wrong with their chicken shawarma. Added bonus if you love crisp pickles with your shawarma.
Faredah Hanim, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, QHXX+P3, Sat to Wed, 6pm to 1am, Thurs & Fri 6pm to 2am. @faredah_hanim
Golden Saj
This unassuming spot has an extensive menu, but its thick shawarma with ample filling is what it’s all about in our eyes. Have it stuffed in a wrap, piled up on a plate, or smothered in hummus – and all for under SAR30. This is a shawarma that will not disappoint you. Plus, don’t forget to order their pomegranate juice to wash it all down.
Golden Saj, Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz Road, PMQC+V5 & Takhassusi St, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, PM38+C5, Sat to Thurs 6am to 4am, Fri noon to 4am, Tel: 011 229 2288 / 011 480 7441.
Lagaleeg
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A relative newcomer to the scene, Lagaleeg means business. The servings of delicious, shredded meat are more than generous, as are the heaping spoonful of garlic sauce on your crispy and golden fries. If it’s not dribbling down your chin, then you’re definitely not doing it right.
Lagaleeg, Takhasussi St, Al Olaya, MMPG+73, daily 2pm to 3am, Tel: 059 123 4803. @lagaleegsa
Mama Noura
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When it comes to great shawarma in Riyadh, it doesn’t get more classic than Mama Noura’s. A casual, typically crowded joint, Mama Noura has been operating for almost three decades. Its juicy and greasy – in the best possible way – pitas and plates are so popular that there’s often a line, making for a steady turnover that ensures you’ll be getting the freshest meat from the spit, day or night.
Mama Noura, various locations, daily 6am to 2am, Tel: 011 439 9998. @mamanouraksa
Kharoufi
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Kharoufi is the newest restaurant on this list, but this order-at-the-counter spot is already one of our favourites when it comes to a quick meal. As the (Arabic) name suggests, lamb is the star of the show here. Slow-cooked lamb piled into a pillowy soft bread with all the condiments you care for – this is the ultimate shawarma. The secret? It is said the shawarma here is served with the perfect amount of fat.
Kharoufi, Al Urubah Branch Rd, Ar Rahmaniyyah (next to Tamago), daily 5pm to 1am. @kharoufiksa
Shawarma House
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With eight locations around the city, Shawarma House is a popular choice for shawarma lovers. The chicken and meat shawarma are equally good in our book, so just do what we do and get the mixed plate. If you want to try something different, they also serve a mean falafel sandwich.
Shawarma House, various locations, daily 6am to 3am, Tel: 920 016 666. @shawarmahous
ثوم ونص (Thoom W Nos)
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Here, the beef shawarma should always be your first move. Loaded with deeply marinated layers of beef with a little char on the outside, this shawarma makes you involuntarily close your eyes and momentarily forget about the 138 other things you have to do today. If you’re still hungry, the broasted chicken comes highly lauded as well.
ونص ثوم, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, MMQF+P4, daily noon to 2am, Tel: 055 529 0011. @thoomwnos
Shawarma Baker
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No meal is complete here without an order of their chicken Shawarma Baker, wrapped in fresh bread. Perfectly barbecued and covered in a special house marinade, it’s sweet and salty with just the right amount of spice.
Shawarma Baker, Al Hasan Ibn Ali, Ar Rawdah, 7HP8PQH8+XH, daily 12.30pm to 1am, Tel: 011 810 2574. @shawarmabaker
Üsta Asim
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This popular spot, with lines wrapping around the block, is known for its veal shawarma. Our verdict? Heavenly – the juicy meat is spiced well and embellished with some crunchy bits from the vertical spit. This place sets the standard for real-deal veal and is totally worth your time.
Üsta Asim, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, QHXX+M2, daily 1pm to midnight, Tel: 050 797 7049. @usta_asim_
Images: Website / Instagram