Where We Are Going Today: Mashwa Al-Balad Restaurant in Qatif

Mixed grill and shawarma plate at Mashwa Albalad. (@mashwa_albalad)
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Updated 01 July 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Mashwa Al-Balad Restaurant in Qatif

  • These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings

Mashwa Al-Balad in Qatif is a grill and shawarma restaurant that will have you dialing the delivery number any time your cravings make you want to recreate nights spent grilling under the desert skies.

My family and I love this place because it usually solves the “What are we having for dinner tonight?” feud when one of us wants a shawarma and others want kebab plates; rarely do restaurants offer such a wide selection of dishes and do them all well.

Let’s start with the classic shawarma plates: Arabic beef and, my personal favorite, the Arabic chicken, both of which come with fries. Well-seasoned, tender, and with a portion size that is great as a full meal. They sometimes put a little too much garlic sauce for my liking, but others might prefer it that way.

If you’re not a fan of the plates, they offer shawarma sandwiches in different styles as well, from classic to spicy to ones with a slight Mediterranean twist, served with pomegranate seeds and rocket leaves.

The stars of the show, however, are the kebab and grill wraps, including beef awsal (cubes), shish tawooq, beef kebab, chicken kebab, and chicken musahhab.

These wraps are so flavorful, you can taste the smokiness in every bite, and the meat is complemented by the sauces and salad toppings.

And of course, you can’t forget about the classic grill plates, which include separate or mixed combinations.

What I like about Mashwa Al-Balad is that you can mix and match your favorite plates, sandwiches, and all the traditional appetizers (hummus, tabbouleh, grape leaves, and more) and ensure there’s something for everyone at the table.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Fuwa

Updated 17 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Fuwa

Located at Box Park Center in Al-Zahra district, Fuwa has quickly built a reputation as a go-to spot for indulgent pancakes, waffles, and creative drinks, appealing squarely to dessert lovers.

The cafe’s playful character extends to its seating, with an eclectic mix of chairs that adds visual interest and a casual, upbeat atmosphere.

Pancakes are the real stars on the menu. Alongside classic options, Fuwa offers an impressive range of flavors, from raspberry cheesecake, salted caramel and tiramisu to creme brulee, strawberry cheesecake, and pink chocolate. Every stack is fluffy and warm, with generous toppings that make them almost too pretty to eat.

Waffles are equally tempting. The waffle sticks box and waffle sticks cup are designed for easy sharing, while the triple chocolate cake delivers a dense, deeply chocolatey experience, though its sweetness may be best enjoyed with company.

The drinks menu complements the desserts well. Cold options include Fuwa latte and blue coco lemonade. For something more playful, the boba selection adds texture and variety. 

As the temperatures drop, the hot chocolate stands out, topped with a soft, creamy swirl that makes it especially comforting.

While prices may feel slightly higher than average, and the space is better suited to quick visits than long sit-downs, Fuwa delivers on flavor and creativity, making it a worthwhile stop for dessert enthusiasts. 

For more details, visit @fuwapancakes on Instagram.