11 of the best shawarma places in Riyadh
- It’s the country’s favourite sandwich…
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. These are the best shawarma places in Riyadh.
Allo Beirut
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Inspired by the Golden Age of Beirut, Allo Beirut takes you on a journey through the 1940’s to 1960’s Beirut. Often referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut’s history evokes nostalgia and memories of better days. And Allo Beirut focuses just on that. Picture everyone’s favourite Lebanese shawarma (there is a difference, I have to say) in your hands, in a gorgeous, sprawling restaurant on Olaya Street.
Allo Beirut, Al Olaya, Sun to Wed 9am to 3am & Thu to Fri 9am to 4am & Sat 9am to 2am. @allobeirutstreetfood
Ayedh Shawarma
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This spot is for the spice lovers. Ayedh Shawarma serves up one of the most unique takes on shawarma I have ever seen. I first tried Ayedh Shawarma on the way home from the airport, and it was the absolute perfect welcome home. Picture big rotisseries of shredded, juicy chicken, delicious homemade bread, all coming together with incredible signature sauces (pick the spicy one, and thank me later). This is where you want to go to try a new kind of shawarma.
Ayedh Shawarma, Abi Bakr As Siddiq Branch Rd, Al Mursalat, Sat to Thu 11am to 4pm & Fri 1pm to 4am. @ayedh_shawarma
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. It’s 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. @mamanouraksa
Genneh
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I must admit, this is a personal favourite, so go easy on me. Currently open with four locations in Riyadh, Genneh is so no-frills, you would think it invented the concept. Coming out of the usually small but mighty kitchen, you’ll find broasted chicken, fried fish, warq enab, and more, all of which are great choices, but truly, the shawarma is where this space shines. Specialising in chicken shawarma (a big sorry to the meat lovers, as the place does not offer them), you can take your pick between the large and small (and different bread options too, of course), add ketchup (at least that’s how I like mine), and enjoy.
Genneh, various locations. @gennehrst
Golden Saj
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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. 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, various locations. @goldensaj.sa
Shawarmer
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An oldie but a goodie in the Riyadh dining scene. Shawarmer opened its first branch in Riyadh in 1999 and is currently operating in 22 cities in Saudi Arabia with 116 branches. Serving in all shapes, sizes and manners, if it’s one place that’s mastered the art of shawarma, it’s this one.
Shawarmer, various locations. @shawarmersa
Shawarma Jalila
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Now, this is not just a personal favourite, but a What’s On team one. Shawarma Jalila graces the What’s On offices at least once a month (that’s me downplaying, by the way). Order the house special, Jalila shawarma, and trust, you will not be disappointed.
Shawarma Jalila, various locations. @shawarmajalila
Shawarma Hlayel
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Drive down the street and you won’t get far without seeing the shiny red lettering on this brand’s boards (or maybe, I’ve just been spending too much time in shawarma-centric neighbourhoods). Serving everything from Arabic, mufattah, and sarookh-style shawarma (both chicken and meat) to shawarma-style chicken with rice, and so much more.
Shawarma Hlayel, various locations. @hlayel_ksa
Shawarma Classic
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This is a classic (I had to) in the Riyadh shawarma scene. Shawarma Classic is open for nearly 24 hours in some of its locations to satisfy your shawarma cravings morning, noon, and night. Found in the menu, under “the art of shawarma,” (their words, not mine), you can find several options to enjoy the delectable treat.
Shawarma Classic, various locations. @shawarmaclassic
Shawarma Hamdan
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Currently open with just two locations in Riyadh, Shawarma Hamdans are brightly coloured, small, hole-in-the-wall type stores that are perfect for those hunger pangs at random times.
Shawarma Hamdan, two locations, including An Nuzhah and As Sulimaniyah. @shawarma_hamdan
Shawarma House
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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. @shawarmahousesa