Where We Are Going Today: ‘Grill It’ - a fast-food chain in Saudi Arabia

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Updated 03 November 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Grill It’ - a fast-food chain in Saudi Arabia

  • The hummus costs SR18 and comes with a piece of freshly baked bread — it doesn’t feel like it is from a fast-food chain. We devoured every last bit

Grill It welcomes customers with a neon-light greeting — “Free Smells.” And, indeed, the smell of grilled meat and fried food is in the air even before you open the door.

With several branches in Riyadh and, so far, one in Alkhobar, Grill It is a fast-food chain that offers quality options such as fresh salads and can serve up a semi-fancy meal without breaking the bank.

Famous for its chicken shawarma, gourmet burgers and signature appetizers, the menu has enough variety to keep you trying new meals each time. There is also the usual favorites for repeat orders.

The classic fries come in a plastic cup, and the last fry is just as crispy and enjoyable as the first. At SR12 ($3), they are a delicious treat.

The hummus costs SR18 and comes with a piece of freshly baked bread — it doesn’t feel like it is from a fast-food chain. We devoured every last bit.

Visitors might also try the chicken shawarma, which is of a good size. There is a variety of options for shawarmas, and burgers as well. There are a few catering items available — great for your next office meeting or family gathering, but most sandwiches come solo. Fries and drinks need to be ordered separately.

Delivery is available via the usual apps.

For operating hours and specials, visit @Grill_it_ksa on Instagram.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Under 500

Updated 20 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Under 500

  • Both their soups, the lentil and the roasted tomato, are wonderful; I’ve been enjoying pairing either one with a main (a combo special Under 500 offers)

A place for all the gym rats and diet fiends, Under 500 offers fairly tasty meals complete with nutritious goodies, all of which are, well, under 500 calories.

I’ve quickly grown fond of this cloud kitchen — I won’t tell you it is the most delicious food you’ll ever have, but would absolutely recommend it if you want good meals that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

They have a wide selection of options; pasta, sandwiches, salads, bowls, rice meals, soups and some breakfast options.

First things first; all of their food smells amazing. They definitely load it up with spices to kick up the flavor since they are being conscious about what to put in it.

Both their soups, the lentil and the roasted tomato, are wonderful; I’ve been enjoying pairing either one with a main (a combo special Under 500 offers). The lentil, though it may need an extra pinch of salt and pepper, gives you a little taste of home while the roasted tomato is creamy and packed with Italian flavors.

They also add fresh kale to the lentil soup, an unusual choice I was a little iffy about but have grown to enjoy for its texture.

Another favorite is the grilled chicken burger, topped with a chipotle mayo, tomato salsa, guacamole and sauteed mushrooms in a multi-cereal bun. Be warned that it is a little messy, but very tasty.

Also recommended is their cheesesteak sandwich, made with tenderloin beef strips and topped with grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, mixed peppers and mild cheddar cheese in a whole wheat baguette; perfectly good and enjoyable.

Their chicken quesadilla is also not a bad choice for a light meal — a little thinner than I would like maybe and I wish the salsa was spicier, but I did enjoy the flavors of this dish.

Now their hot meals; while yet to try their pasta, I have become well acquainted with the rice dishes.

The kabsa, chicken tikka biryani and their famous butter chicken are all solid picks. For me, the best out of the three is the butter chicken, which comes with a small side salad made up of cucumbers, tomato and pomegranate seeds (again, unusual choice but I don’t mind it).

A meal I would not order again is the chicken mushroom with mashed potatoes — the chicken and sweetcorn mash were good and so were the steamed vegetables on the side, but the mushroom sauce was not the right taste at all — much too tangy and no true mushroom flavor.

I have been recommended the steak and eggs and the honey mustard salmon bowl, and have to say the salmon quinoa looks very interesting with the grilled vegetables on the side; all of which I look forward to trying.

Overall, will Under 500 blow your mind? No. Will you find yourself reordering from it because of its reliability, decent cost, health factor and pretty good flavors? Yes, so try it out.