If you’re a fan of spicy and flavorful dishes, then you’ll definitely want to try Pakistani cuisine in Riyadh. From mouth-watering biryanis to succulent kebabs, Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh offer a diverse range of dishes. In this article, we’ll explore the top Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh, the rich history of Pakistani cuisine, the influence of Pakistani food in Riyadh, signature dishes you should try, traditional beverages and desserts, as well as tips for enjoying Pakistani food in Riyadh.
Best Pakistani Restaurants in Riyadh
Whether you’re looking for fine dining options or budget-friendly restaurants, Riyadh has some of the best Pakistani restaurants in the region. With a rich and diverse culinary history, Pakistani cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and hearty dishes. Here are some of the top Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh that offer a delicious and authentic dining experience:
1. Lahori Khabay Pakistani Restaurant
This Riyadh establishment is quite seasoned and does not require an introduction or review. A family-run restaurant with a pleasant environment is called Lahori Khabay Pakistani Restaurant. It’s ideal for eating out with friends or family because the food is delectable and fairly priced.
- Address: Lahori Kahabey Pakistani Restaurant, MPH5+57M, Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12624, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 50 524 3113
- Lahori Khabay Pakistani Restaurant Facebook Page
2. Bar.B.Q Tonight Riyadh
Tonight, Bar.B.Q. serves both traditional Bar.B.Q. meals and cuisines from Pakistan. Within months, the owners’ honest efforts had transformed Bar.B.Q. Tonight into a contemporary emblem of cleanliness and excellence. Bar B. Q. Tonight is recognized as one of the pioneers of authentic bar-b-q cuisine today.
- Address: Bar.B.Q Tonight Riyadh, 2623 Dirab Branch Rd, Ash Shifa, Riyadh 14713, Saudi Arabia
- Bar.B.Q Tonight Riyadh Website
- Phone number: +966 11 422 2655
- Bar.B.Q Tonight Riyadh Facebook Page
3. Al Zalal Restaurant
If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy authentic Pakistani food, head to Al Zalal Restaurant. This eatery offers a variety of dishes, from hearty curries to spicy chicken. Despite its budget-friendly prices, this Pakistani restaurant in Riyadh don’t skimp on flavor or quality.
- Address: Al Zalal Restaurant, 7617 Khalid Ibn Al Walid St, 2141، حي غرناطة، Riyadh 13242, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 11 278 6671
- Instagram: N/A
4. Marhaba Restaurant (Olaya)
Since 1985, Marhaba has provided authentic Pakistani food throughout Saudi Arabia. With the freshest ingredients available every day, the Marhaba concept focuses on live BBQ, classic curry dishes, and tandoor-made bread.
- Address: Marhaba Restaurant (Olaya)، Olaya Behind Khaleej Centre, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia
- Marhaba Restaurant (Olaya) Website
- Phone number: +966 50 198 3785
- Marhaba Restaurant (Olaya) Facebook Page
5. Zaifa Al Riyadh Restaurant
If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant, head to the Al Malaz area, in the heart of the city, where you’ll find a range of Pakistani restaurants that cater to families. These restaurants offer a variety of dishes that are sure to please both adults and children, from kid-friendly chicken nuggets and fish fingers to traditional Pakistani dishes such as biryanis and kebabs.
- Address: Zaifa Al Riyadh Restaurant, PQG6+3QG, حفصة بنت عمر،, Ar Rawdah, Riyadh 13211, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 56 928 2616
- Zaifa Al Riyadh Restaurant Facebook Page
6. Khyber Restaurant
With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Khyber Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with your loved ones. A family-friendly Pakistani restaurant, Khyber Restaurant is cozy, affordable, and simply delicious.
- Address: Khyber Restaurant., 7865 Al Ajaliyah, Al-Shemaysi, Riyadh 12745, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 59 069 7561
- Khyber Restaurant Facebook Page
7. Quetta Grill
Since 2017, the hara Riyadh region and beyond have been proudly served by the premier and authentic BBQ restaurant known as Quetta Grill. Since then, their goal has been to offer high-quality meals to everyone who wants to mix a lively environment with expert cooking. Fantastic ambiance and excellent cuisine come together at Quetta Grill. The cuisine is great, wholesome, and reasonably priced.
- Address: Quetta Grill, 7526 Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz, 2863, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12624, Saudi Arabia
- Quetta Grill Website
- Phone number: +966 53 222 3156
- Quetta Grill Facebook Page
8. La Sani Restaurant
The meal at La Sani is wonderful and handmade. Additionally, it is affordable, making it the perfect destination for those on a tight budget. La Sani knows how to spice the food, thus you should always request your dish to be spicy if you want a real Pakistani experience. Try the BBQ plate, the green chutney, and the chicken biryani.
- Address: La Sani Restaurant, 2537 Street Number 78, 8891, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 11 464 6187
- La Sani Restaurant Facebook Page
9. Food Corner Restaurant . مطعم ركن الطعام
For an authentic Pakistani dining experience, head to Food Corner Restaurant. The place boasts elegant decor, attentive service, and a menu that features a variety of dishes from different regions of Pakistan. From succulent kebabs to rich curries and aromatic biryanis, Food Corner Restaurant offers a feast for the senses.
- Address: Food Corner Restaurant. مطعم ركن الطعام, 2517 Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz St, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12628, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 11 474 0021
- Food Corner Restaurant . مطعم ركن الطعام Facebook Page
10. Ghazi Al Ghurub Restaurant
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of daal or a fiery plate of biryani, Ghazi Al Ghurub Restaurant has plenty of options for you to choose from. It is an affordable Pakistani restaurant in Riyadh with attentive service and true Pakistani flavor.
- Address: Ghazi Al Ghurub Restaurant, 7295 Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz St, 2902، حي الوزارات، Riyadh 12624, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 1350229206
- Ghazi Al Ghurub Restaurant Facebook Page
Closing Thoughts on the Best Pakistani Restaurants in Riyadh
Exploring Pakistani cuisine in Riyadh is a culinary adventure that should not be missed. From traditional biryanis to succulent kebabs, Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh offer a diverse range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for fine dining options or budget-friendly restaurants, Riyadh has some of the best Pakistani restaurants in the region. With our tips for enjoying Pakistani food in Riyadh, you’re sure to have a memorable dining experience.
If you’re a fan of Pakistani cuisine, Riyadh is definitely the place to be. With its wide range of Pakistani restaurants, you can indulge your taste buds and explore the many flavors and textures of this delicious cuisine. From fine dining options to budget-friendly choices and family-friendly restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Riyadh’s Pakistani food scene. So why not plan a culinary adventure and discover the best Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh today?
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Pakistani Restaurants in Riyadh
What is Pakistani cuisine famous for?
Pakistani cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and spices. The country’s rich history and diverse culture have greatly influenced the cuisine, resulting in a fusion of flavors from the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. Pakistani cuisine is known for its savory meat dishes, vegetarian curries, and sweet desserts.
What is the history of Pakistani cuisine?
The history of Pakistani cuisine dates back over 5,000 years when the Indus Valley Civilization flourished in what is now Pakistan. The cuisine evolved with the arrival of different groups including the Mughals, Persians, and Arabs, who brought with them new ingredients and cooking techniques.
Today, Pakistani cuisine is greatly influenced by the traditional cooking methods of the country’s regions and ethnic groups. From the spicy curries of Punjab to the succulent kebabs of Peshawar, each region has its own unique culinary identity.
Is Pakistani cuisine popular in Riyadh?
Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is home to a large Pakistani community, which has greatly influenced the city’s food scene. Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh offer a diverse range of dishes, from authentic homemade style curries to fusion dishes that combine Pakistani and local flavors.
Pakistani cuisine is also known for its delicious street food, and Riyadh is no exception. You can find vendors selling samosas, pakoras, and chaat, which are all popular snacks in Pakistan. These snacks are perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.
Another popular Pakistani dish in Riyadh is haleem, a hearty stew made with meat, lentils, and spices. Haleem is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.
For those with a sweet tooth, Pakistani desserts are a must-try. One of the most popular desserts is gulab jamun, a sweet and sticky doughnut-like pastry that is soaked in a sugary syrup. Another popular dessert is ras malai, which is made with soft cheese balls soaked in sweetened milk.
In conclusion, Pakistani cuisine is a delicious and diverse cuisine that has greatly influenced the food scene in Riyadh. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew or a sweet dessert, Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh offer something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Riyadh, be sure to try some of the delicious Pakistani food that the city has to offer!
What are the must-try Pakistani dishes?
If you’re new to Pakistani cuisine, then you should try some of the country’s signature dishes:
- Biryani: a spicy rice dish traditionally made with chicken or beef. This dish is made by cooking rice and meat together in a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Another popular dish is kebab, which comes in many different varieties, from spicy beef sheesh kebabs to succulent chicken boti kebabs. Kebabs are made by marinating meat in a blend of spices and grilling it over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor.
- Biryani: a flavorful rice dish that is typically made with meat, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Biryani is a staple at Pakistani weddings and other special occasions, and it has become a beloved dish in Riyadh as well.
- Pakistani Grilling: Pakistani cuisine features a variety of grilled meats, including chicken tikka, beef boti, and seekh kabab, which are marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection over charcoal. The grilling process gives the meat a smoky flavor and a tender texture. Pakistani grilling is not just limited to meat, however. Vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers are also grilled and used in dishes such as baingan bharta and aloo gobi.
Is Pakistani food spicy?
Spices are an integral part of Pakistani cuisine, and they are used to create the unique aromas and flavors that are associated with Pakistani food. Pakistani cuisine uses a wide variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. These spices are often used in combination with each other to create complex and nuanced flavors. For example, garam masala is a blend of several spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and is used in many Pakistani dishes to add warmth and depth of flavor.
In addition to spices, herbs such as mint, cilantro, and parsley are also used in Pakistani cooking. These herbs are often used as garnishes or added to dishes for a fresh and bright flavor.
Overall, Pakistani cuisine is a delicious and flavorful experience that is not to be missed. Whether you’re trying traditional dishes like biryani and kebab, or exploring the art of grilling and the role of spices in Pakistani cooking, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What are the Pakistani signature drinks?
When it comes to Pakistani cuisine, the perfect meal is not just about the savory dishes, but also the drinks that complement them. Traditional Pakistani beverages are an essential part of the meal, and they offer a refreshing contrast to the spicy dishes. Here are some of the most memorable Pakistani drinks.
- Lassi: this sweet or savory yogurt-based drink is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the true taste of Pakistani cuisine. The sweet version of lassi is made with sugar and flavored with cardamom or rose water. It is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes, as it cools down the palate and refreshes the senses. The savory version of lassi is made with salt, cumin, and mint, and it is a great alternative to a traditional salty snack.
- Chai: this spiced tea is a favorite among Pakistanis, and it is often served as a welcome drink to guests. The tea is brewed with a mixture of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, and it is sweetened with sugar and milk. The aroma of the spices and the warmth of the tea makes it a perfect drink for cold winter days.
What are the must-try Pakistani desserts?
After a spicy meal, it’s time to indulge in some sweet treats. Pakistani cuisine has no shortage of delicious desserts, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the perfect one.
- Gulab jamun: these small doughnuts are made from milk solids and soaked in a sweet syrup. They are soft and spongy, and they melt in your mouth. The syrup adds a sweet and fragrant flavor to the dessert, making it a perfect end to a meal.
- Kheer: This creamy rice pudding is flavored with cardamom and topped with nuts and raisins. The dessert is often served cold, and it is a perfect way to cool down after a spicy meal. The creamy texture of the pudding and the crunchy nuts make it a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
In conclusion, Pakistani cuisine is not just about the savory dishes, but also the drinks and desserts that complement them. Lassi and chai are traditional Pakistani beverages that offer a refreshing contrast to spicy dishes. Gulab jamun and kheer are must-try Pakistani desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. So, the next time you enjoy a Pakistani meal, make sure to pair it with the perfect drink and dessert.
How can I enjoy Pakistani food in Riyadh?
Understanding the Dining Etiquette
When dining at a Pakistani restaurant, it is important to note that the dining etiquette may be different from what you’re used to. For example, it is common to eat with your hands, using a piece of bread, called naan, to scoop up the food. It is also customary to share dishes with others at the table.
Pakistani restaurants can have extensive menus, so it can be overwhelming to choose what to order. One tip is to start with some of the signature dishes we mentioned earlier. If you’re unsure about what to order, don’t hesitate to ask the server for recommendations.
Making Reservations and Peak Dining Hours
Finally, it’s important to note that some Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh can get quite busy, especially during peak dining hours. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation beforehand, especially if you’re planning a visit during the weekends or holidays.
How many Pakistani restaurants are in Riyadh?
There are over 20 Pakistani Restaurants in Riyadh. From those, we have shortlisted them to share with you only the best Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh below.
What is the best Pakistani restaurant in Riyadh?
One of the most popular and chosen Pakistani restaurants in Riyadh both by locals and expats is Lahori Khabay Pakistani Restaurant. Its unique approach to the country’s cuisine and flavorfully spicy dishes truly pay homage to Pakistan’s cooking. Learn more about this eatery and the best Pakistani Restaurants in Riyadh in our list up next.
