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8 restaurants you must try in Riyadh for traditional Arabic breakfast

From falafel to shakshouka, there’s plenty for you to try…

When it comes to Arabic food, everyone has their favourite dishes. We have rounded up some of the best spots in Riyadh for an authentic Arabic breakfast.

AlKofeia

 

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For a taste of Palestinian cuisine, head to AlKofeia. The place is full of kitsch and quirky paraphernalia, but the food is the real deal – simple and satiating, including staple crowd-pleasers. If you need help deciding what to order, the gallaya tomato and meat (minced meat fried in olive oil and chopped tomatoes), shakshouka, and fatteh hummus with meat are fab choices. Need a nice little pick-me-up? Order a cup of super potent Turkish coffee.

AlKofeia, Al Olaya, opposite Localizer Mall, Coordinates: PM2R+2M, daily 6am to 1am. Tel: 055 345 3888. @alkofeia

Café Bazza

 

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Head here for their breakfast platters. They are hot favourites for the uninitiated, as well as those who crave familiar, comforting goodness.

Café Bazza, King Abdul Aziz Rd, Al Ghadir, Exit 5, Riyadh 11543, daily 6.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: 011 229 2580. @cafebazza_ksa

Chapati & Karak

As its name suggests, this restaurant is known for its chapati (a thin pancake of unleavened wholemeal bread) and karak tea. Start your day with its sharing-style breakfast Tarwiga, which includes pomegranate labneh, shakshouka, chicken hamsa and cream with honey to go with your chapati.

Chapati & Karak, 3869 Ath Thumamah Road, 7577, Riyadh 13315, Riyadh 00966, open 24 hours. Tel: 055 022 9602. @ch_kr_sa

Give Me Five

The bright seating and quirky décor of this much-loved venue are rivalled only by the colourful crockery. Sink your teeth into authentic Arabic fare and keep a lookout for whimsical accessories dotting the place, including the drawings on the wall and lamps made of terracotta pots. It’s another spot you should head to for breakfast if you can, but lunch and dinner here are just as fantastic.

Give Me Five, King Salman Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, daily 4.30am to 11.30am & noon to 2.30am. Tel: 9200 27700. @givemefiveksa

Hamsa Taghmeesa

 

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For a more upmarket breakfast experience that offers big traditional flavours, Hamsa Taghmeesa it is. The menu is bursting with Arabic staples – enjoy baked halloumi, lentil stew, dips and every hamsa dishes you can think of, from liver to eggplant.

Hamsa Taghmeesa, Al Abbas Ibn Abdulmutalib, At Taawun, Riyadh 12476, daily 5am to midnight. Tel: 050 679 0666. @hamsawtaghmeesa

Harat

Another crowd favourite in Riyadh, Harat’s extensive menu blends both traditional and contemporary recipes, using fresh ingredients. You’ll be surrounded by locals who head to this great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bestsellers from the breakfast items include the lamb mugalgal and egg-halloumi bil fekhara. If you need help choosing the dishes, just ask one of the friendly servers for recommendations.

Harat, Levels Complex, 2717 8089 Northern Ring Branch Rd, Almasiaf, Riyadh 12394, daily 6am to noon & 1pm to 1.30am. Tel: 011 450 0081. @harat_ksa

Hi Kitchen

Not too well-known among the hoi polloi, this unassuming spot is a place for tasty, traditional fare. The morning meal service starts as early as 5.30am, coming in piping hot to stir the soul and senses. The dishes are delicious, as is the hummus, and the best part is, you’ll be able to try local food without breaking the bank.

Hi Kitchen, Uthman Ibn Affan Rd, An Nada, Riyadh 11564, daily 5.30am to noon & 6.30pm to midnight. Tel: 058 280 9043. @hikitchenksa

Tameesa

 

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Get ready for a wait; everyone comes to this restaurant because it’s cheap and amazing. The mugalgal beef and falafel pizza are two highlights from its menu. For the adventurous, try the fried liver with vegetables. The restaurant itself has a beautiful setting too, and the outdoor seating is not one to miss.

Tameesa, King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Yasmin, Riyadh 13326, daily 6am to 2am. Tel: 9200 23392. @tameesa_sa

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