Where We Are Going Today: ‘Hataba’ Authentic Saudi Restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 25 June 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Hataba’ Authentic Saudi Restaurant in Riyadh

  • One of their star dishes is the made-to-order asado meat, an Argentinian method of cooking meat by slow-grilling with a special blend of spices

Hataba in Riyadh is one of those restaurants that feels like a home away from home. For anyone looking to experience authentic Saudi cuisine, this local joint is a must-visit place.

The restaurant is named after the Arabic word for firewood. The meats are cooked on a bed of burning wood, resulting in a flakey and crispy exterior with tender smokey-flavored meat.

Hataba’s menu has a selection of flavorful dishes with a hearty serving of lamb or chicken that is roasted or grilled, complemented with white or smoked rice — resembling homecooked Saudi meals.

Their side dishes range from salads to stews, with the okra stew being a particularly noteworthy option. Another good pick is the moussaka, prepared with authentic Saudi spices.

One of their star dishes is the made-to-order asado meat, an Argentinian method of cooking meat by slow-grilling with a special blend of spices.

This dish is garnished with cripsy fried onions called keshna and served with a plethora of sauces — creamy and buttery saffron sauce, gravy, tahini, tomato sauce and honey — that bring an explosion of flavors from salty to sweet.

With each dish offered in a variety of sizes, Hataba can easily accommodate a larger group of people making it ideal for family gatherings and special events like Eid.

Hataba has two locations in Riyadh, one in An Nafal district and the other in Takhassousi. Food delivery apps like Hungerstation also offer their full menu to be enjoyed in the comfort of your home.

For more details, check their Instagram @hataba_ksa.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Yawmiyat in Riyadh

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Updated 23 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Yawmiyat in Riyadh

  • When moving on to the main dishes, Yawmiyat takes you on a journey that reflects the warmth of the authentic Levantine table

The first thing you notice when experiencing Yawmiyat is the feeling of going back to the roots, but with a touch of quiet luxury.

In the midst of Riyadh’s fast-paced bustle, this kitchen offers an experience that feels like a sanctuary for the senses, far from the usual commercial fast foods.

Our eyes are immediately drawn to the geometric precision of the presentation; the dishes here are not scooped randomly, but carefully arranged in a way that reminds us of miniature museum displays.

Warak enab or stuffed grape leaves, which is often served as a simple side dish, appears here as the essence of the experience. The compactly stacked pieces gleaming with virgin olive oil promise a taste that cleverly balances the acidity of lemon with the sweetness of the rich filling, reflecting hours of slow cooking.

When moving on to the main dishes, Yawmiyat takes you on a journey that reflects the warmth of the authentic Levantine table.

Here, the grills go beyond being traditional items; the kofta and lamb chops saturated with the aroma of charcoal grilling, characterized by exceptional tenderness and a rich flavor of special spices that melt in the mouth.

For lovers of complex flavors, the fattet makdous stands out as an artistic masterpiece presented as a symphony of harmonious textures, where the crunch of bread embraces the tenderness of eggplant and the freshness of yogurt, creating a melodic balance that evokes immediate nostalgia for intimate family gatherings.

What truly distinguishes this experience is that rare blend of authenticity and modernity; while the kitchen adheres to traditional recipes, modernity appears in the style of presentation and packaging that makes each order a “gift” worthy of presenting.

Behind this inspiring Saudi brand stands a deep belief that local cuisine is the richest and finest that can be offered to the world.

For more information, check their Instagram @yawmiyatbydalal.