When my Editor-in-Chief tasked me with this challenge, I had serious doubts it was in anyway possible, let alone staying within the allotted budget.

Is it possible to eat out all day on just SAR50 in the capital city? I was sceptical to say the least.

Riyadh is known for its vibrant culture, high-end boutiques, fine selection of indulgent dining experiences and designer coffee shops, so living on a tight budget can seem like a daunting task in Riyadh.

However, with some careful planning, a decent amount of research, and some creativity, it is definitely possible to experience the city's charm and indulge in the Riyadh food scene without breaking the bank.

So, come with me as I take you on a day of eating in the Kingdom's capital for just SAR50!

Breakfast

Raseef 4

My Order: Zaatar Manousheh and tea

Cost: SAR13

Before heading into the office, I stopped at Raseef 4.

Known for its various breakfast options such as sandwiches, pastries, and Manaeesh, I knew this would be the perfect spot to start my day.

I decided to go for the Zaatar Manousheh and tea (I like to have my coffee later in the day) and I did not regret my choice. Served fresh from the oven with a generous spread of zaatar consisting of a blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and olive oil, the Manousheh was a testament to the art of simplicity and flavour. The zest of the sumac alongside the touch of mint leaves added a new layer of deliciousness.

The portion size is generous, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal.

Rating: 8/10

@Raseef4.sa

3715 8579 Al Urubah Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12333

Lunch

Shawarma Hamdan

My Order: Chicken Shawarma Samoli, a side of small fries and water

Cost: SAR13

With a number of meetings to catch up with colleagues and discuss upcoming projects, my morning in the office went by so fast and all of a sudden it was lunch time.

I decided to head out and grab a quick lunch. I was craving Shawarma. I stopped by Shawarma Hamdan, a relatively new spot that has great reviews on Google Maps, and I decided to give it a try.

I ordered the chicken shawarma samoli, and it definitely hit the spot. Each bite revealed tender, juicy chicken, perfectly accompanied by a moreish, creamy garlic sauce and the charred edges added a pleasant smokiness.

I usually enjoy my shawarma by savouring it in its most simple form, skipping the hot sauce, lettuce and fries, letting the fresh bread, charred chicken and garlic sauce do all the talking, basic but mind-blowing in my opinion. I added a side of fries which made this meal quite substantial. It’s worth mentioning that the soft, warm, and fresh samoli bread is baked in-house by the restaurant, and its delicious.

Rating: 8.5/10

X: shawrma_hamdan

Prince Muqrin Ibn Abdulaziz St, An Nuzhah, Riyadh 12471

Afternoon Pick Me Up

Q Tea

My Order: Steamed tea with fresh mint

Cost: SAR6

After having a pretty filling meal for lunch, I quickly headed over to Q Tea to pick up my afternoon pick me up - a steamed tea with fresh mint.

Tea leaves are steamed for up to a minute, at 65 degrees Celsius which adds to the natural grassy, vegetal flavours of the tea, which results in a really unique flavour. Of course, mint makes everything magical, I had a few fresh mint leaves added as well.

This spot is a hidden gem in my opinion, stepping inside is like a retreat, completely removing you (and me) from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its cozy yet modern interiors, marble decor, and soft lighting, it is the perfect mid-afternoon escape from your Outlook Inbox. If you visit with friends, you can play Uno, Jenga, and XO as you enjoy your beverages.

Rating: 8/10

@qtea.sa

Ad Dahnaa, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13525

Dinner

Gravity Burger

My Order: G Chicken Mini with a side of fries, and an apple juice, and water

Cost: SAR18

After I finished in the office my thoughts turned to dinner, and my stomach was rumbling. I decided to go to Gravity Burger, and when I arrived I found out they were offering 50% off all menu items, for just a limited time. It seemed like it was my lucky day!

The star of the meal was definitely the G chicken mini burger - a juicy, tender fried chicken burger, topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickle, Gravity sauce, and coleslaw, all between a soft and lightly toasted burger bun. The burger was accompanied by a generous serving of golden, crispy fresh French fries. Delicious.

After ordering a water and apple juice, I officially hit the SAR50 mark.

Rating: 8/10

@gravityburger

Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13522

The Quick Breakdown

Breakfast: SAR13 - Zaatar Manousheh and tea

Lunch: SAR13 - Chicken Shawarma Samoli, a side of small fries and water

Afternoon Pick Me Up: SAR6 - Fresh tea with mint

Dinner: SAR18 - Mini Chicken burger with a side of fries, and an apple juice and water

Take a look below:

So, there you have it. It is most definitely possible to indulge in three tasty meals in Riyadh, for a total of just SAR50.

Given the rising costs of living, and the cost of dining out in the capital, I was actually pleasantly surprised that this challenge was possible. This task definitely made me think about visiting the smaller, local restaurants when looking for something fresh, tasty and within my budget. And I was also surprised that I was also able to include drinks within the target of SAR50.

Eating out for an entire day in Riyadh for just SAR50 may require some forward planning and careful budgeting, but it's entirely possible.

Where is your favourite place to grab a bite to eat when on a budget?

day-in-riyadh