While visiting a friend in Riyadh, we faced a familiar question: what should we have for dinner? Even though we often see many tempting restaurants on social media, choosing what to eat is not always easy. After some discussion, we decided on a favorite for many: shawarma.
We headed to Habteen and tried both the beef and chicken options. The idea behind Habteen, which means “two pieces,” is simple: when you order one shawarma, you get two. It is a generous and appealing concept.
One of the highlights was the charcoal rocket sandwich. This comes as one large sandwich with a crispy outer layer brushed with shawarma sauce, sumac, chilli flakes and sesame seeds, then toasted until crisp.
The chicken was tender, full of flavor and well-cooked. The sandwich also included plenty of pickles and garlic sauce — key elements of a good shawarma.
The crispy outer layer is inspired by shawarma shops in Jordan, a style that became popular in 2023.
It adds a light, tangy taste and satisfying crunch to the first bite. Prices range from SR18 to SR32 ($5 to $9), which is fair for the size and taste.
For drinks, Habteen offers a variety of fresh juices. We chose orange and mango. Both were served cold and refreshing.
We also tried the beef hummus, which paired well with the beef shawarma. The hummus was creamy, and the beef tender.
Habteen also has branches in Jeddah and AlUla. For more details, check their Instagram @habteen_sa.
