Where We Are Going Today: ‘Babulal’ authentic Indian restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 02 July 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Babulal’ authentic Indian restaurant in Riyadh

  • Our top recommendations are butter chicken, chicken 65, broccoli salad, crunchy potatoes, and chicken biryani

Babulal has opened its doors in Riyadh serving Indian classics tailored to Saudi taste buds.

A Jeddah staple, the dining spot seems lesser known in Riyadh, making it a true hidden gem for Indian cuisine in the capital city.

The menu offers a variety of meat options and spice levels, and guests can request to adjust the spice level on almost all the dishes except the butter chicken which has a distinct flavor.

The staff are professional, welcoming, and well-versed on the menu to help guests make the proper selection.

The ingredients and quality of the food are up to par. We went on two separate occasions and both times the food was exceptional, arriving hot, fresh and speedily.

Our top recommendations are butter chicken, chicken 65, broccoli salad, crunchy potatoes, and chicken biryani.

If you decide to opt for the butter chicken, we recommend ordering it with the plain biryani rice and naan or plain white rice with a side of yogurt sauce.

Other menu recommendations include chicken tandoori, vegetable samosa, chicken masala, and coconut shrimp curry.

The menu offers roti and a selection of steaming hot naan varieties including plain, butter, garlic, cheese, chili cheese, and spinach cheese.

The prices are reasonable and are on the lower end compared to other restaurants in the area.

The interior and layout of the restaurant is spacious and calming with a high ceiling draped with carpets and lanterns.

The restaurant has a calm and quiet ambience so it is great for those who wish to enjoy their meals and conversations in peace.

Babulal in Riyadh is located on Anas Ibn Malik Rd in Al-Malqa district.

For updates check their Instagram @eatbabulal.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah

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Updated 24 January 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Karak Haala in Jeddah

  • Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai

While Jeddah’s rich cultural diversity means that karak tea is widely available in the city, finding a place that prepares it the perfect way is not always easy. When a place does it right, it stands out.

So I was fortunate to come across Karak Haala at a dining square in Al-Rawdah that was bustling with families enjoying quick snacks and casual dinners. The lively square features outdoor seating, making it an appealing spot in winter.

Karak Haala offers two popular Indian classics: chapati — the traditional flatbread made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle — and chai karak, a creamy milk tea infused with bold spices and inspired by Indian masala chai, widely loved across the Gulf.

The tea was rich, creamy, and well-spiced. I ordered a large cup, which was a generous enough helping to share. It paired well with four chapatis, one with fried eggs, one with cheese, and two interestingly filled with chicken masala and butter chicken, both of which were generously stuffed, juicy, and well-seasoned. Other fillings are also available. Each bite of chapati, followed by a sip of karak, made for a satisfying experience.

The outlet serves a complimentary traditional Indian cream bun with every cup of karak, which, while fresh and appetizing, felt, to me, more appropriate as a breakfast item rather than an evening treat.

With reasonable prices — ranging from SR9 to SR12 — Karak Haala is a solid choice for those seeking a light dinner or a quick snack. The menu also includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, sharing boxes, burgers, club sandwiches, and more.