Where We Are Going Today: Niyyali - Lebanese restaurant

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Updated 05 February 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Niyyali - Lebanese restaurant

Niyyali is a new fine dining restaurant located at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jeddah, where flavor, creativity, and culture align to bring the true essence of Lebanese cuisine.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony of Niyyali was held under the patronage of Fawzi Kabbara, the ambassador of Lebanon to the Kingdom, last week.

The truly authentic and elevated dining experience offers fabulous seating plans with urban architecture and lighting inspired by the stars in the sky. The welcoming and prompt staff leave no stone unturned to ensure a pleasant visit.

The restaurant’s name is the Lebanese Arabic word that means “lucky me.”

Using top-quality products for its recipes, the menu offers a deep dive into Lebanese flavors, and includes both traditional and fusion options.

Ali Al-Hajj, the executive chef who created the menu, has brought a unique, modern twist to the dishes which offer an immersive gastronomic journey of multifaceted flavors.

During our visit, we were delighted by the variation in each bite. Our meal began with signature dishes including hummus truffle, which was decorated with a drizzle of white truffle oil and truffle flakes; shrimp fatteh, which was unusual but delectable; and fattouch, the star amongst starters.

Those in the mood for a touch of seafood should try the whole roasted lobster that comes with a mix of parmesan and akawi cheese. We tried the mixed grill platter, a selection of juicy and tender kebabs, chicken tawouk, and beef tikkas.

For dessert, we were served a platter of seasonal fruits, and halawet jebneh, a Syrian dessert that is beloved in the Levant, which is a roll of dough served with qashta and mascarpone cheese and garnished with pistachio, sugar syrup and rose jam.

Our experience at Niyyali was made even more special as we were seated in the terrace area that overlooks the Red Sea and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the second-longest racetrack on the Formula One season calendar.

The intimate and picturesque ambience of the restaurant makes it the perfect venue for couples who want to spend some time together or celebrate special occasions. The outdoor seating is also great for friends and families who want to dine in and enjoy hookah with a view.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.