LONDON: Ful, a dish made of cooked fava beans, is proving to be the dish of choice for fasting Muslims during Ramadan in the Saudi Arabian city of Madinah.
The dish, which is an everyday food across the Arab World, is one of the most popular dishes served in Madinah at Iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset, and suhoor, the pre-dawn meal.
Ful’s popularity stems from its excellent nutritional value, delicious taste, attractive aroma, and the fact that it is considered to be a very filling food rich in protein.
Iftar in Madinah is not complete without ful and the city’s ful vendors are extremely busy just before sunset with people wanting to buy the freshly prepared dish.
There are two ways of preparing ful in Madinah, one is made of hand-crushed fava beans and the other is prepared with the whole bean.
The preparation of ful varies from region to region in the Arab world. Lebanese foul overflows with the flavours of lemon, olive oil and garlic whilst Egyptian ful is made with olive oil, parsley, cumin and tahini.
Ful — the dish of choice for iftar and suhoor in Madinah
Ful — the dish of choice for iftar and suhoor in Madinah
Where We Are Going Today: Cortaco Mexican Restaurant in Riyadh
- Tacos — the clear highlight — are priced between SR28 and SR35 (about $7.45–$9.30), depending on the filling
Tucked into one of the capital’s busiest dining districts, Cortaco is carving out a name for itself in Riyadh’s fast-evolving restaurant scene with a colorful, contemporary take on Mexican street food.
The restaurant’s design leans heavily into vibrant Latin American cues — bright murals, cactus accents and warm lighting — creating an atmosphere that feels lively without being overwhelming.
The menu is focused and accessible, built around familiar Mexican staples such as tacos, burritos and nachos, with a noticeable emphasis on customization.
Tacos — the clear highlight — are priced between SR28 and SR35 (about $7.45–$9.30), depending on the filling. The beef option, at about SR32, is tender and well seasoned, while the grilled chicken taco, closer to SR28, offers a smoky edge that pairs well with the tangy pico de gallo. Portions are satisfying without being excessive, making it easy to sample more than one variety.
Burritos are more substantial, ranging from SR42 to SR48. Neatly wrapped and generously filled, they strike a good balance between rice, beans and protein. The shrimp burrito, typically priced at about SR48, feels indulgent without crossing into heavy territory.
Nachos, ideal for sharing, are priced at about SR38. Topped with melted cheese, jalapenos and a choice of protein for a small additional charge, they arrive crisp — avoiding the common pitfall of sogginess that plagues many casual Mexican concepts.
For dessert, churros are offered at about SR22, served warm with chocolate dipping sauce. Beverage options, including specialty mocktails and milk-based drinks, range from SR14 to SR20.
Service is efficient and friendly, reflecting the casual dining format. Orders typically arrive within 10–15 minutes during non-peak hours.
In a city where dining trends can shift quickly, Cortaco does not attempt to reinvent Mexican cuisine. Instead, it delivers a reliable, vibrant interpretation of it — one that fits seamlessly into Riyadh’s growing appetite for international casual dining.
