One of the oldest markets in Riyadh to transform into a Saudi street food haven
Meet Azzal Street Food
Think Ramadan in Riyadh, and one of the first things that comes to mind is the glorious, age-old traditional souqs that have shaped the holy month for years. From Ramadan decor to carpets and various trinkets, and Saudi street food like no other, Souq al-Zal carries its own version of history inside its storied walls. Now, part of it will be transformed into Azzal Street Food, capturing the true essence of what spending the month in Riyadh looks like.
جانب من تجهيز أحد المواقع في سوق الزل ضمن مشروع #ستريت_فود، أحد مبادرات الهيئة الملكية لمدينة الرياض لإحياء الفضاءات الحضرية وتعزيز طابعها الثقافي، عبر تجارب طعام مفتوحة، وتنشيط حركة المشاة، وتوسيع الخيارات العملية بأسعار مناسبة بما يدعم حضور المطبخ المحلي ويزيد حيوية المدينة pic.twitter.com/JB3IT6ysqP
— مشاريع السعودية (@SaudiProject) February 16, 2026
Mention Souq al-Zal to a true Riyadhi and watch them get lost in childhood memories and stories of Ramadan nights in Riyadh (especially trying to remember what our moms looked like in a sea of black abayas). Ending the evening on a high with Saudi snacks, Arabic coffee, dates, and sweets from vendors and nearby cafes.
Situated east of the al-Hukm Palace compound in the Qasr al-Hukm District, Souq al-Zal is one of the oldest marketplaces in the city that specialises in carpet trading and the sale of agarwood, dating as far back as 1901. The souq underwent a major renovation to restore it to its former glory back in 2005 and has since even joined the list of Riyadh Season zones for several years. The market is known for shops selling incense, oud, Bishts, abayas and other heritage products that speak to what the Kingdom used to look like.
Per Saudi Projects via X (formerly Twitter), “Azzal Street Food is one of the initiatives by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to revive urban spaces and enhance their cultural character through open food experiences and expand practical foodie options at affordable prices that support the presence of local cuisine and increase the city’s vitality.”
Currently, an opening date has not been announced for the project, but stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for the latest.
Visit: x.com/SaudiProject
Images Saudi Projects via X
