Eating out in Dammam doesn’t need to be a wallet-punishing experience. In fact, some of the tastiest and most authentic Arab food in the region can be found at the cheaper chains across Dammam, Dhahran and Al Khobar.
Western-style fast food is very popular here too, and there are lots of fun, relaxed restaurants serving pizza and burgers at great prices. Most of the more casual eateries offer takeaway or eat-in options, so if the weather permits, grab your food to go, head to the beach, park or Corniche for a picnic and enjoy your great-value meal with priceless views. These are just some of the best budget places to eat in Dammam.
1. Zooba
Fast food chain Zooba is already wildly popular in Cairo, and has opened four branches in Saudi over the past few years, including one in Dhahran and another in Al Khobar.
It serves up delicious Egyptian street food classics, including feteer (flaky pastry with eggs, cheese, beef and veggies), ta'ameya (falafel), as well as sandwiches with an Egyptian twist, and several wholesome breakfast dishes such as shakshuka (eggs in spicy tomato sauce) and ful (spicy stewed beans). Don’t forget to order an ice-cold mint limeade to wash it all down.
The atmosphere is lively and casual, with canteen-style seating and funky, neon-lit decor – grab a table with friends for a very reasonably-priced brunch or dinner.
2. Taj Al Hind
This ‘Bollywood Kitchen’ in Al Khobar is a real one-of-a-kind concept restaurant, serving Indian, Arabic and Chinese food with flair. From curries, tandoori grilled meats and biryanis to noodles and fried rice, plus a couple of pasta dishes thrown in the mix, Taj Al Hind’s ambitious menu certainly covers a lot of ground. The menu is very budget-friendly, and you can opt for one of the thalis (from just SAR14) for the very best value.
The drinks list here is great fun, with mocktail mojitos (try the pineapple chilli), enormous freakshakes and creamy lassis all on offer too. A great option for a family meal – especially if you have some picky members, as there’s bound to be something on the menu to suit them at Taj Al Hind.
3. BRNX NY Pizza
There’s stiff competition for the best pizza place in Dammam, but BRNX NY Pizza is definitely one of the most popular, with loyal customers raving about the fresh ingredients and range of toppings. Their pizzas come in several sizes, perfect for sharing between even the biggest group of friends or family – the party-sized XL is enough to serve at least 3 people.
Try the Harlem, which comes with meatballs, chicken and a special sauce, or Spicy Chicken Ranch, topped with flavoursome marinated chicken. There are branches in Dhahran, Dammam and Al Khobar with cool, NYC-themed graffiti adorning the walls.
4. Operation Falafel
Middle Eastern cuisine can be cheap and cheerful in Dammam, but can also get very expensive if you opt for one of the top-end restaurants. Fortunately, you can get all the flavour and authenticity you could want without the painful price tag at Operation Falafel.
All the staples are on the menu here, including manakeesh and shawarma, sambousek and ful, and plenty of hot and cold mezze. But what really makes Operation Falafel stand out is their classic dishes with a contemporary twist – think falafel sliders, and cake jars of kunafa or sticky date pudding. Get your order to go and enjoy it picnic-style by Al Khobar Corniche, or sit in for a sensational meal in the ultra-modern, industrial-styled restaurant.
5. Burger Site
Looking for the perfect juicy burger? No matter what your budget, Burger Site is the place to go. Prices for a classic burger (mouthwatering black angus beef grilled with cheddar, topped with sauce and salad, and smooshed in an olive toasted bun) start at SAR36. If you can stretch the budget a little more, choose one of the fancier options on the menu like the indulgent Wagyu or Black Truffle Burgers.
One of the best things about Burger Site is you don’t even have to visit to enjoy the food – they offer takeaway BBQ grill kits complete with uncooked patties, buns and all the trimmings. So if you're planning a cook-out at home, or a grill somewhere scenic outdoors, you can just grab one of these boxes and you’re ready to picnic.
6. Gioelia Cremeria
Gioelia’s heavenly desserts are already well-known across Europe, and the chain has recently become a hit in the Eastern Province too with branches opening in Al Khobar and Dammam. Best known for its rich gelato, you’ll be spoilt for choice between flavours such as Mango Al Cheesecake, Cherry Brownie or Panna Cotta Caramel.
Restrained cones and cups are on offer, but so are enormous, sauce-and-toppings coated sundaes. And the treats don’t end there – there are also waffles, crepes, cakes and tiramisu on the menu too. All are available to take away or enjoy in the outdoors seating area, making it a perfect low-cost treat on a hot day.
7. Macs Eatery
Macs Eatery has really cornered the market for gourmet Tex Mex and classic American grub in Dammam, and is extremely good value to boot. Their Royal Philly Cheesesteaks and juicy Smoked Burgers are the stuff of legends, while there are also plenty of Tex Mex classics on offer, including chicken tacos, quesadillas and piles of nachos.
You can also grab Mr X Coldbrews here in several flavours.Macs Eatery consistently gets rave reviews for the service as well as the food, with customers recommending the restaurant for the warm welcome and friendly, hard-working staff. A perfect place to visit for a weekend night treat that won’t break the bank.
