Restaurant Review: Iftar at Gymkhana Riyadh
We checked out the Michelin-starred Indian fine dining restaurant…
One thing Riyadh has in spades is incredible restaurants. Tucked away in every nook and cranny, in this city, you can always find a great bite, especially during Ramadan. And you’re spoilt for choice at the collection of heavy-weight restaurants that can be found inside Via Riyadh. Today, we check out the iftar offerings at Gymkhana Riyadh.
When it first opened its doors in the capital early last year, it marked the first time the Michelin-starred Indian fine dining restaurant travelled outside of London. Since then, Gymkhana Riyadh has been attracting local and international diners alike.
Walk in through the all-glass doors, and you’ll be welcomed into a dimly lit space exuding calm vibes from every corner. The restaurant’s interiors are reminiscent of the old-time elite clubs in India where members of high society used to mingle.
Divided into three indoor seating areas, including a more casual booth-style area, an upscale dining area right in front of the gorgeous bar, and a plush carpeted area complete with a stunning high-hanging chandelier, Gymkhana Riyadh also offers outdoor seating so you can soak in the Via Riyadh views.
To break our fast, we were offered a selection of stuffed dates, delicious mango lassi (a yoghurt-based beverage), and a seemingly never-ending supply of Saudi coffee.
More on the food…
These were followed by traditional Indian iftar foods like steaming potato-filled samosa, vadas, and onion pakoras (fried fritters) paired with imli and mint chutneys (which make for the perfect sweet and spicy combination).
After, we sipped on a bowl of creamy lentil soup, accompanied by a pappadum selection served with tomato chutney and achari raita.
Next up, we tucked into kid goat keema and one of the best chicken tikkas we’ve ever had. Pace yourself, though, as we’ve still not arrived at the main course.
For the mains, we were served the most delicious prawn curry and chicken butter masala, along with the true star of the show at any Indian restaurant, the biryani. Gymkhana serves a few different kinds of the heavily sought-after item, but we ended up trying the lamb one.
End your meal on a sweet note, by enjoying a selection of Arabic sweets and a fruit platter.
In true Indian fashion, the food portions are generous and can easily serve more than two people, so come hungry. The iftar set menu is priced at SAR285 per person for a minimum of two guests.
Gymkhana Riyadh, Via Riyadh, daily 5pm to 2am. @viariyadh