BY REINA TEJANO-BERINA
Turki Square is an elegant new addition to the growing number of plazas capturing the Riyadh scene. Conveniently located at the corner of Turki Al Awal Street and Makkad Road, it is now home to two new restaurants that are finally more accessible to DQ residents: enter Nando’s KSA and Zafran Indian Bistro.
Spicy, fiery, lovely Nando’s is a famous restaurant chain that serves up grilled chicken marinated in their iconic PERi-PERi sauce recipe. It’s a flavor that’s rich in history, from the lands of Southeast Africa where the African Bird’s Eye Chili originated to the hands of the Portugese who crafted the sauce with other herbs, lemon and garlic to the plates of food that we enjoy today. As of date, they have developed seven variations of the PERi-PERi sauce from mild to extreme spiciness.
Their starters are fondly called “appeteasers” and the Chicken Livers and Portugese Roll are a must-try. They currently have a seasonal offer of Chicken and Pineapple Skewers which were fun and easy to eat. One of the exciting discoveries on their salad menu is the Nando’s Quinoa Salad. It is filled with rocket leaves, quinoa, sweet potato, avocado slices, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and pumpkin seeds. You may have chicken added to it on top and voila, an altogether vibrant and healthy option!
Of course, the highlight of Nando’s is their PERi-PERi chicken dishes. You may choose among whole, halved or quartered grilled chicken and pick the sauce you’d like for it to come with. There is also the Espetada Carnival, composed of skewered chicken thighs stuffed with feta cheese for added nuance. Their Grilled Chicken Cataplana is another menu item that has a touch of Portugal, with the cataplana being a famous cookware from the Algarve region. It is made of copper and is clasped together like a clam, keeping the food warm. Inside is a bed of spicy rice, PERi-PERi chicken thighs, and grilled vegetables.
Nando’s is a nod to the Portugese culture, and they have put PERi-PERi on the food map for generations to enjoy. Their unique taste keeps them different from other grilled chicken restaurants and with their flame-grilled cooking style, it’s definitely a healthy choice.
Aromatic, complex, flavorful Named after the most expensive spice in the world, Zafran Indian Bistro serves a fusion of Indian dishes that’s inspired mostly from North West India. Its trendy looking interiors complement the casual dining style that helps elevate its ambiance. With their first branch being at Rubeen Plaza, Zafran is now nearer for DQ residents to experience at Turki Square.
A medley of chutneys arrive with their complementary plate of papadums, a thin and crispy, fried dough that you can dip in either the Hari (Coriander), Imli (Tamarind) or their other seasonal chutneys. For appetizers, we ordered the crunchy Fish Fry with tomato chutney and Dahee Kebab – dumplings made of yogurt and coriander that are deep fried to perfection. Its recipe is derived from a popular Indian snack called Dahi Vada.
Their main menu is extensive, with bestsellers that include the Prawn Tandoori Masala, Butter Chicken, Dal Zafran (slow cooked beans), Rogan Josh (lamb) and Chicken Biryani. However for our particular visit, we decided to try their limited offering of the Big BBQ Feast, which is a selection of kebabs served on your table complete with the mini barbecue rack, skewered meats and a touch of smoky charcoal for presentation. The portions are meant for sharing and is also available with vegetarian options. Their soft couches and al fresco dining area are also conducive for staying longer with friends and family. With such a wide array of menu items to choose from, let Zafran Indian Bistro introduce you to the countless flavors that India has to offer.
Truly, Turki Square is one of the best places to eat dishes that romance spices and bring flavors to the forefront. Both Nando’s and Zafran restaurants are accessible and convenient to go to from the DQ when looking for hearty and delicious food. Which taste are you craving for today?
Nandos KSA
Zafran Indian Bistro
5802 Makkah Al Mukarramah Branch Road
Umm Al Hammam Al Sharqi Riyadh 12321
Social Media: @ksanandos @zafranindianbistro
