Najd Village — Restaurant in Municipality of Al Shamal

A Culinary Journey Through Tradition

Tucked away in the heart of Riyadh, Nadj Village offers more than just a meal—it’s a cultural immersion into the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia. From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported to another era, where authenticity and warmth define the dining experience.

The restaurant’s architecture is a love letter to the Najd region, with its mud-brick walls, wooden doors, and traditional majlis seating. Every detail, from the intricate lanterns to the scent of burning oud in the air, creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and hospitality.

But the true highlight of Nadj Village is, without a doubt, the food. The menu is a tribute to Saudi culinary traditions, featuring dishes that have been passed down through generations. Jareesh, a slow-cooked crushed wheat dish infused with rich spices, was a revelation—comforting, hearty, and bursting with depth. The Kabbsa, Saudi Arabia’s national dish, was equally impressive, with perfectly seasoned rice, tender lamb, and a balance of aromatic spices that made each bite a delight.

One dish that truly stood out was Matazeez, a lesser-known yet remarkable traditional dish. Handmade dumpling-like pieces of dough were slow-cooked in a flavourful tomato-based stew with succulent meat, creating a wholesome and deeply satisfying dish. The Marqooq, another Najdi specialty, was equally captivating—paper-thin layers of bread cooked in a rich, meaty broth that melted in the mouth.

To complete the experience, I indulged in a glass of Saudi Qahwa (Arabic coffee), accompanied by fresh dates. The coffee’s subtle bitterness, infused with cardamom, perfectly balanced the sweetness of the dates, making it a fitting end to a truly remarkable meal.

Beyond the food, what made Nadj Village unforgettable was the service. The staff’s warm hospitality and deep knowledge of Saudi culinary traditions made me feel genuinely welcomed. They were eager to explain the history behind each dish, adding a layer of appreciation to every bite.

Dining at Nadj Village is not just about eating—it’s about experiencing the heart and soul of Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this restaurant offers a taste of tradition in its purest form. It’s a place where food tells a story, where every dish carries centuries of heritage, and where hospitality is not just a gesture but a way of life.

For anyone looking to embark on a truly authentic Saudi culinary journey, Nadj Village is an...

Najd or the Najd Highlands is the region located in the middle of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and where the capital Riyadh is located. Its borders extend from the mountains of Hayel to the north to the Empty Quarter to the south, and from the desert of Nafud to the east to the Hijaz Mountains to the west. It has been a fertile land rich with pastures, wild birds and animals such as ostriches, deer and rabbits, and with many oasis and palm farms. It was also home to a number of Arab tribes and many of the old poets wrote poetry about Najd and mentioned by many orientalists. The region is characterized by its delicious dishes, which rely heavily on wheat, dates and dairy products. It is characterized by a unique architectural style that combines the beauty of architecture with its simplicity and suitability to the prevailing climate in the region to provide a comfortable natural atmosphere.

From such rooted history, our philosophy at Najd village is based on providing you with a convenient place that is rich with history and heritage and with delicious traditional Najd meals prepared by experienced chefs under the direct supervision of specialists in the authentic Najd cuisine.

Najd Village Mission To continue to have pride in our history while remembering the old Najd lifestyle and Arab cuisine in an environment that combines the uniqueness of the heritage and its architecture and antiques with the warmth of hospitality and generosity and quality of service, and above all .. the taste of excellence by relying on our long experience

Call our Customer Support for Bookings or Information at 920017373

Takhasusi Branch Al Waha Branch King Abdulaziz Road Branch Working Hours

Daily from 12pm to 12:30am Friday from...

We attend an event called "Celebration of Saudi", offering a mix of cultural and culinairy highlights of the country. Overall an enjoyable evenening where even long term residents will find and learn some new things about KSA. The prgram starts with a "dress like a Saudi" item, dressing men in the traditional headgear and woman in bedouin jewellery. This part feels a bit forced, without long practice it inevitable feels like a mess on your head and makes people look foolish. Perhaps better skipped. The program continues with a challenge to identify 15 spices, a fun and surprisingly difficult activity followed by blending your own preferred blend of Douga. Sitting down for dinner is a bit of a challenge, we're not used to sit on the floor while eating. While the dinner covers a lot of different dishes, including goat, camel and chicken dishes along with bread and veggies, the way it is served means it neither very warm nor refined. Desert is pancakes with a selection of local honey to sample from. The evening finished with a short section about Arabic coffee, Oud burning and brewing of blue tea from local flowers. Overall experience sort of...