º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh

Photo/Supplied
1 / 3
Photo/Supplied
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh
2 / 3
Photo/Supplied
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh
3 / 3
Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 28 December 2024

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh

Photo/Supplied
  • Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food

Ashbiz is a great spot for Uzbek cuisine, offering a rich and flavorful array of foods that combines influences from Central Asia and the Middle East.

The menu is small but full of dishes that burst with flavor, including a favorite of mine, chicken bukhari, which originated in the ancient city of Bukhara.

Bukhari, which can be made with beef, lamb or chicken, is served hot and packs a punch with its aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom and cinnamon.

Noodles are a key feature of Uzbek cuisine and the hand-pulled variety created at Ashbiz are key to its lag’mon: a delicious dish that combines beef or lamb with vegetables in a hearty broth.

Another favorite is the samsa, a tasty bun stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, which resemble the samosa, but instead of being fried is baked in the oven.

The menu also includes manto — a popular handmade steamed dumpling stuffed with a choice of pumpkin or meat and a unique blend of spices — and shish barak soup which has small dumplings.

Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food.

The restaurant has outlets in Riyadh’s Taawun district and the Mohammadiya district of Jeddah.

Ìý

Ìý


Where We Are Going Today: International Dragon Hotpot

Where We Are Going Today: International Dragon Hotpot
Updated 04 November 2025

Where We Are Going Today: International Dragon Hotpot

Where We Are Going Today: International Dragon Hotpot

On the fourth floor of Sana Mall in Batha, a red dragon guards the entrance to International Dragon Hotpot, Riyadh’s new self-service dining spot combining hotpot, Korean barbecue, karaoke, and desserts — all for SR59 ($16).

The place was lively when I visited, filled with the sound of clinking tongs, laughter, and the occasional karaoke performance. The concept — unlimited food, drinks, and music — was too tempting to skip.

The experience starts at the counter, where diners pick from meats, seafood, noodles, and vegetables before choosing a broth to cook at their table.

It is fun and interactive, although the broth was rather plain, needing soy sauce and seasoning to enhance the flavor.

The setup will appeal to Asian diners in Riyadh, especially Filipinos who enjoy this communal dining style. 

The Korean barbecue section offered flavorful marinated beef and chicken — sweet, savory and smoky — although some cuts were a bit tough.

The ice cream station was a highlight: simple, creamy and satisfying.

Service was friendly and helpful, and the bright, cozy space with karaoke rooms added a lively atmosphere. When someone started singing, the energy lifted instantly.

It is a good choice for groups, celebrations, or a casual night out, although there is room for the taste experience to improve.