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.
