Where to Find Authentic Asian Restaurants in Riyadh

One thing that everyone loves about Riyadh is the choice of great food. 

When I first moved to Saudi Arabia, I was actually worried that I wouldn’t be able to find authentic Asian food, but I was wrong. 

There are more and more Asian restaurants opening in Riyadh now, from Thai and Indonesian to Chinese and Korean.

But this isn’t just a random list. I am only sharing the spots I have personally visited that actually deliver on quality and taste.

Thai Soi: The Best Pad Thai in Riyadh

I am forever grateful to an online friend who introduced me to Thai Soi, as they offer the most authentic Thai food in Riyadh so far. 

If you miss the smell of lemongrass and galangal, this is the place. Unlike many places that tone down the spice for locals, Thai Soi doesn’t play around.

The restaurant is decorated with a Thailand vibe. My husband and I tried their Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, and Green Curry. The Pad Thai and Green Curry are very delicious, but the Tom Yum Soup is average.

• Location: Google Maps
• Best For: Authentic Thai food lovers.
• Price: ~$30–$50 USD (approx. 110–190 SAR) for 2 adults
• Family Section: The branch we went to has an open concept, so they don’t have the usual private booths for families found in Saudi.

Dolan: The Best Cold Noodle in Riyadh

My husband was on the lookout for a cold noodle dish, and we were so glad to find Dolan in the Al Wadi district. It is an authentic Uyghur restaurant. 

They serve various dishes, but the one we have tried and keep coming back for is their signature Cold Noodle. 

It is the perfect summer dish in Riyadh. We also love their spicy chicken meal and stir-fry eggplant.

• Location: Google Maps
• Best For: Casual dining and authentic Uyghur noodles.
• Price: ~$10–$30 USD (approx. 40–115 SAR) for 2 adults
• Family Section: The layout here is open dining, so unlike many traditional Saudi restaurants, there aren’t private family partitions available.

Asian Hub / Baytoti: Affordable Asian Food in Riyadh

This is one of the most popular Asian spots in Riyadh because it offers a unique concept. 

At the Asian Hub in Riyadh Park Mall, you can order from three different menus which are Baytoti (Chinese), Maki House (Japanese), and Podo Moro (Indonesian), all at the same table.

I can say that their food is quite authentic and of high quality. We love going to this branch specifically because of the variety, but Baytoti also has standalone branches all over the city if you just crave their Chinese dishes.

If you want a quick lunch date and prefer to eat somewhere quite and relaxing, check out any Baytoti near your area.

Our go-to spot would be the Qurtubah branch. This is one of the best neighborhoods in North East Riyadh for families, by the way.

• Location: Google Maps (Riyadh Park Mall)
• Best For: Groups who can’t decide on one cuisine and anyone who loves Asian food
• Price:  ~$27–$40 USD (approx 100–150 SAR) for 2 adults

Wemart: Asian Supermarket & Hotpot Spot

Wemart is a newly opened Asian supermarket and food court in Riyadh. 

It is a great spot because you can find specific Asian groceries as well as a food court with a lot of choices, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisines.

Our go-to is the hotpot booth and it is perfect during winter season in Riyadh. It reminds us of Sukiya-style dining where you pick your ingredients.

• Location: Google Maps
• Best For: Asian grocery shopping and casual quick eats.
• Price: The hotpot is 80 SAR (approx. $21 USD) per 1kg.
• Family Section: It is an open food court setting, suitable for everyone.

Omo Omo: Korean Restaurant with K-Pop Vibes

Omo Omo offers great Korean food with a menu that isn’t very extensive, but that’s a good thing, they clearly focus on serving quality over quantity.

The vibe of the restaurant is very K-pop, with dim lighting and Korean writing all over the walls. 

Our favorite meal here is the Japchae (glass noodle), and the Korean ramen noodle which is perfectly savory and a great combo during winter.

• Location: Google Maps
• Best For: K-Pop fans and casual dinner dates.
• Price: ~200 SAR (approx. $53 USD) for 2 adults

Other Asian Restaurants on My Wishlist

There are still so many spots I want to try. Currently these two are next on my list:

• Meow: I’ve heard this is a cat cafe concept that also serves Asian dishes.
• Korean Palace: This is known as one of the oldest Korean restaurants in Riyadh, so I am curious to see how it compares to the newer spots.

My final thoughts

Finding authentic Asian food in Riyadh is much easier now than a couple of years back.

Whether you are craving spicy Thai curry or a quick hotpot, there are plenty of options that don’t compromise on flavor.

And if you don’t feel like driving, most of these are available on the food delivery apps I use regularly.

I am always looking for new places to try.  If you know any other authentic Asian restaurants in Riyadh that I missed, please let me know in the comments below!