DHAHRAN: Hathbah, a new eatery located in Amwaj Mall in Dhahran, offers “authentic heritage food” in a space full of charming homely features.
We tried one of their most popular dishes, the mudalal, priced at SR55 ($14), which makes a perfect main course or a great option to share.
The dish consists of a layer of green dill rice, with pieces of perfectly marinated chicken tucked into a blanket of bechamel sauce and crunchy fried onions on top. Delicious.
A seasonal pumpkin salad for SR28 consists of baked pumpkin on a bed of fresh baby spinach and iceberg lettuce sprinkled with feta cheese and pine nuts with a drizzle of balsamic dressing.
We liked the texture, and the slightly tangy dressing was perfect after mixing well. A beetroot salad for SR25 came with fresh basil and rocca leaves.
The restaurant offers a few soup options and several side dishes. However, the main attraction is fish, which is served grilled, fried, baked or steamed, and with a side of sayadieh, saffron, dill or plain white rice. Hathbah spices add a little twist.
Classic favorites, such as chicken kabsa, hammour kabsa, and a choice of shrimp and tuna dishes, are also available.
Desserts include a date pudding with hot caramel and vanilla ice cream, and saffron cake, known as kanfaroosh.
For drinks, we tried their fruit cocktail concoction, which was enjoyable, though a bit predictable.
Next time, we hope to try their vemto mojito or one of the hot beverages, such as the Saudi coffee or kayak tea.
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. daily. For those who want to dig in without venturing out, it also offers delivery via Jahez and Hunger Station.
For more information, see Instagram @Hathbah.sa.
