Fried chicken fans are certainly well catered-for here in Riyadh. Much like in major cities around the world, you don’t have to travel too far to find the next chicken shop as you roam the streets of the Saudi capital. There are (bargain) bucket-loads of top fried chicken restaurants in Riyadh but we’ve managed to whittle them down our favourite few. So whether you’re a leg, breast or wings-lover (or just adore all three), here’s where to find the top fried chicken spots in Riyadh.
Al Afandi
One of the most popular names in fast food in Riyadh, Al Afandi sums up old is gold in the city. Afandi is one of the oldest fast food establishments in Riyadh and one of the tastiest too. As soon as you step in, a wave of nostalgia will hit, they have the classic ambience of a restaurant right out of your childhood memories. Its most popular item would have to be their boneless chicken tenders, and of course their tasty chicken sandwiches.
Open daily 12pm-2am. Al Imam Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdallah, Al Wisham, instagram.com/alafandi_corner (011 403 9647).
Al Baik
The brainchild of the visionary Shakour AbuGhazalah, Al Baik began life way back in 1974 when the late, great founder spotted a gap in the market for some high-quality, affordable food ‘served fast and courteously in a clean and inviting environment. The idea captured the imagination of the people with great aplomb and what you’ll find is a chain knocking out piece after piece of delicious chicken using its own 18-spice secret recipe. Its famous chicken meal gives you four our eight pieces with fries, garlic sauce and a bun (you can also make it spicy), while you can also go boneless or grab one of the fully-loaded big Baik sandwiches that come with breast fillet, coleslaw, pickle and Albaik’s special sauce. The original benchmark for fried chicken in Saudi Arabia, and the best place for fried chicken in Riyadh, if you want to believe 90 percent of the population. And why wouldn’t you?
Open Sat-Thu 10am-1am, Fri 12.30pm-2am. Various locations across Riyadh including Al Hair Road, Al Aziziyah, albaik.com/en (800 244 2245).
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Alliwan
From its humble beginnings as a single branch on Tirmidhi Street in Riyadh’s Shifa district back in 1994, Alliwan has grown into a brand synonymous with quality fried chicken, and some of the best fried chicken in Riyadh. The vision of Ismail Ibraheem Al-Joiuei, the chain now has seven branches across the capital and is hoping to expand further. While we love its sandwiches (the spicy super version especially), we come here to get messy with its freshly fried chicken meals. Order yourself four pieces, some boneless strips on skewers or some chicken fingers, grab yourself a seat and dig in. And if you take the family along, you can all share a massive banquet with junior meals available for your little chickadees.
Open daily 12.15pm-3am. Various locations including Al Mashtal Road, Al Hazm, alliwan.com.sa (9200 10105).
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Al Tazaj
Created in Mecca back in 1989, the concept behind Al Tazaj was wonderfully simple – to make the most out of fresh, baby chickens produced by the nearby Al Fakih Poultry Farm. Before they even get to the fryer, these beautiful birds are marinated in a blend of garlic, tomato, lemon, ginger and spices and are barbecued on coal. Al Tazaj makes no secret of the fact there is no secret to its recipe (round of applause for them) but when you can dig into a ‘broast meal’, some dinky nuggets or a cheeky chicken sandwich, then there’s no reason why this chain shouldn’t become your go-to. Add to that the fact you can also have your chicken either kabsa, mandi or kebab-style then Al Tajaz should really be the maj.
Open daily 12.30pm-2am. Various locations including Prince Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdul Aziz Street, Al Murabba, www.taza.com.sa/ (9200 00765).
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Chicken Basha
No, not someone who likes torturing poultry, this is another of our favourite home-grown contenders for the capital’s chicken crown, serving some of the best fried chicken in Riyadh. Chicken Basha doesn’t have the biggest menu but we’re cool with that as it means less time contemplating and more time gorging. The best-sellers are chicken steak and broasted chicken, which are both SAR16. Spice girls and boys will also go wild for the explosive taste of the dynamite chicken, while you can also grab a chicken sandwich for a savvy SAR10. Should have your little ones in tow, we’re sure a nugget meal will keep the wolf from the door when it comes to teatime hunger. What we’d certainly say about Chicken Basha is don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Open daily 11am-3am. Various locations including Maather Street, Ash Sharafiyah, cbr.sa/ (011 212 1669).
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CHKN
All types of chicken at all times of the day. When a restaurant names itself something so huge, you know they’ve got a lot to live up to. CHKN certainly does, as they do crispy chicken burgers, wraps and – if you’re feeling extra hungry – a chicken box. It comes with strips, fries and a burger of your choice. Try out the outdoor seating area that has a gorgeous view of the Riyadh skyline. Head on over to satisfy all your crunchy wishes and crispy dreams.
Open daily 24 hours, Ubay Ibn Muadh Al Ansari, Ar Rabi, instagram.com/chkn.sa
Chick-N-Bun
It really is hard for us not to salivate whenever we get an Instagram update from Chick-N-Bun, home to some of the best fried chicken in Riyadh. Even the fresh brioche buns seem appetising on their own. There are half a dozen of these bad boys to choose from, and plucking our favourite is like trying to pick a winner on the Saudi Cup. Okay, let’s try. How about the hot-chick? Fantastically fried Nashville chicken atop a bed of jalapeño ranch slaw, it’s the spicy kick to make your week. Or how about the sticky-chick? With its sriracha honey glaze, crushed peanuts and spicy slaw it’s a thing to adore. Add to those the chick-bites and tenders with an array of dips, plus those moreish waffle fries and this place shifts from a rank outsider to a thoroughbred champion.
Open Sat-Wed 12.30pm-1am, Thu-Fri 12.30pm-2am. Various locations include Uthman Ibn Affan Road, At Taawun (050 656 1342).
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Cluck’s
Riyadh’s newfound favourite fried chicken place is calling your name. They have ooey-gooey cheesy sauces that go over their amazing crispy chicken. They offer burgers, boneless (cheesy, of course) chicken, and so much more. The restaurant lives up to hype every time, serving up fresh, the kind of fresh where they cook the food in front of you, so if you’re into the dinner with a show concept this is the place for you. With an interior that will make any minimalist proud, matte black tables and marble inspired walls, this place is Insta-worthy.
Open daily 12.30am-2am. Al Malqa, instagram.com/cluck_sa
Jollibee
This phenom from the Philippines has more than 1,000 branches in its native land but is also taking the rest of the world by storm, including right here in the capital, where it serves some of the best fried chicken in Riyadh. We don’t precisely what spice blend it puts into its globally renowned chickenjoy but what we will say is that was love at first bite. Original or spicy is the hardest decision you’ll have to make at Jollibee. A chicken sandwich is also an option we thoroughly approve of. Honestly, if this particularly beaming bee doesn’t put a smile on your face, we really don’t know what will.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Various locations including Villagio Mall Foodcourt, Al Batha, jollibeeksa.com/ (056 971 1491).
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Raising Cane’s
There’s much to admire about Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, not least his devotion to making chicken fingers a fast-food staple and decision to name the company after his beloved Labrador dog (ah, bless). Having had his business plan dismissed by his professor, Todd busted a gut. And from his first restaurant in Louisiana, Raising Cane’s has evolved into a global brand with a (chicken) finger firmly in Riyadh’s food pie. So what do you get? Well, delightful digits of perfect poultry served with crispy, crinkle-cut fries and a couple of dipping sauces that will make any taste bud tingle. Each combo meal comes with some Texas toast (chunks of garlic and butter-infused bread) and a drink of your choosing. One mouthful and you’ll become a ‘Caniac’.
Open daily 11am-2am. Various locations including Robeen Plaza, Hittin, www.raisingcanes.com/ (011 510 1470).
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