Where We Are Going Today: Koojeh restaurant in Riyadh
The rice was well-cooked and aromatic, though portion sizes were small, and suitable for only one person
Updated 27 July 2025
Rahaf Jambi
Koojeh restaurant in Riyadh offers a good Persian dining experience. My recent visit included enjoyable dishes, but also highlighted some areas for improvement.
The cozy, well-decorated interior reflects Persian culture and creates a welcoming atmosphere. However, the limited number of tables means reservations are necessary, especially during busy times. The lively environment, with good music, adds charm, but it is not a formal fine dining setting.
A limited range of main dishes is available — kassk badini, kabab barq, veal kebab, and chicken jooja — along with a few sides. While this makes choosing easier, it restricts the variety of Persian cuisine available. The dishes I tried were tasty, and the saffron ice cream was a highlight.
The rice was well-cooked and aromatic, though portion sizes were small, and suitable for only one person. The cold appetizer was enjoyable, but the salad would benefit from more lemon and salt to add zest.
Service was friendly and attentive, though at times a bit uncoordinated. Minor delays were offset by the staff’s willingness to help.
Given the limited choice of Iranian restaurants in Riyadh, Koojeh fills a needed niche. Prices are reasonable, with main dishes ranging from SR47 to SR74 ($13-$20).
I rate Koojeh 8/10 and recommend it for a pleasant meal. I look forward to seeing how it develops in future.
Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif
Updated 06 March 2026
Tamara Aboalsaud
If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).
One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.
They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.
The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.
All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.
They have a few burger selections.
The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.
For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)
If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.
My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.
Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.
All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.
The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.
Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.
Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.
It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.
Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.
And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.
And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.
