Malbriz Biriyani — Restaurant in Riyadh Region

Last evening I visited Malbariz (also spelled Malbriz) in Malaz, drawn by word of its Malabar cuisine and the unique banana-leaf serving. The experience offered some real highs along with a few minor caveats. Here’s how it went:

Ambience & First Impressions

The restaurant has a warm, casual feel — not overly fancy, but comfortable and welcoming. The staff greeted us attentively, and there’s enough parking around. (Many reviewers note the ambience is pleasant and recommend the place for its authentic touches.) 

One of the most striking touches is how they serve certain dishes on a banana leaf. It immediately evokes a traditional South-Indian or Malabar dining experience and adds to the sensory delight — the leaf’s fragrance, the visual contrast with the food — it all feels more “rooted” and special.

The Dishes

Desi Chicken Biryani This version of the biryani was aromatic and well layered. The chicken pieces were tender and infused with the spice mix, and the rice was neither undercooked nor overly mushy. It had a good balance of heat, fragrance (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon), and the occasional subtle coconut or curry leaf note — typical of a Malabar style. On the downside, in moments the dish could have used a touch more moisture (a drizzle of ghee or light sauce) to bring it fully alive. But overall, satisfying and quite enjoyable.

Beef Biryani The beef biryani is one of the highlights. The beef chunks were juicy and soft, with the marination penetrating deeply. The rice again held its texture well, and the intensity of spices complemented — rather than overwhelmed — the meat. Many reviews also single out the beef biryani at Malbriz as among the best. 

Palli (Banana-stem) Curry / Beef Pallicurry One of the more adventurous and delightful side dishes was the beef pallicurry — a traditional South Indian style curry where beef is cooked with raw banana (plantain / banana stem or chunks) and spices. According to the menu, this is a specialty offering. 

The pallicurry came with soft, melded flavors of meat and banana (or “palli”) bits, interwoven with coconut notes and spice-heat. The banana pieces provided a gentle starchy, slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory beef. Because it’s a curry rather than a dry fry, it lends moisture to the rice and is great as a companion to biryani. If I had a quibble, I wished it were a bit more generous in sauce (for mopping up) — but that’s a minor point.

Banana Leaf Serving

Serving dishes — or at least portions — on banana leaf is a special touch. The leaf imparts a subtle aroma, elevates the visual presentation, and gives a sense of authenticity and tradition. It also encourages a more tactile, communal dining style (e.g. scooping rice, mixing curries). It’s a delightful touch that not many restaurants in Riyadh adopt, and it helps differentiate the experience here.

Service & Value

Service was generally prompt and courteous. The staff seemed responsive when asked for refills or extra sides. During peak hours there might be a slight wait, which is understandable given the popularity. 

In terms of pricing, the biryanis and curries are reasonably placed (for Riyadh standards). According to the delivery menu, dum chicken biryani is 24.75 SAR, beef biryani 29.5 SAR, and beef pallicurry (large) ~ 38.5 SAR. 

Given the quality of ingredients, flavors, and presentation, I found it to deliver good value.

Final Thoughts

Malbariz / Malbriz stands out as a go-to place in Malaz for lovers of South Indian / Malabar cuisine. The combination of well-made biryanis, a flavorful palli curry, and the special banana leaf presentation makes it more than just “another biryani joint.” If you like your food with authenticity and a touch of tradition, this place will likely impress.

If I return, I’d love to try more of their regional specialties or other curries to see how consistent the menu is. Also, in future visits, I’d ask them to pair extra sauce or ghee with the biryanis for those of us who like things a...

From Disappointment to Delight – A True Turnaround at Malabariz Biryani, Riyadh

Dear Malabariz Team,

I’m writing this review based on two back-to-back visits to your Riyadh branch—each showing a very different side of your restaurant.

On our first visit (last week), we had a disappointing experience. One of the staff members behaved rudely, asking us to eat quickly and even saying, “If you want to talk, go outside.” It was embarrassing and disrespectful, forcing us to parcel our food and leave early. We were genuinely upset, especially because Malabariz had always been one of our favourite spots.

Fast forward to this Friday night, we returned—not for the food alone, but to see if that incident was just a one-time slip.

And honestly, we were pleasantly surprised.

The staff member who caused the issue wasn't there, and the supervisor (the same gentleman with black glasses) personally came to us, apologised again for what had happened, and ensured we were treated with full respect throughout. He even took time to talk about mistakes, how they learned from them, and the steps they’re taking to improve. That level of maturity, accountability, and customer-first attitude was impressive.

The food this time was also top-notch—flavorful and well-prepared, reminding us why we loved Malabariz in the first place.

What truly stood out wasn’t just the food, but the clear effort to correct past mistakes. That’s what builds trust and loyalty.

My message to the team: Keep treating every customer with equal care, learn from feedback, and never compromise on hospitality. What you did this Friday night shows that Malabariz is capable of not just great biryani, but also great...

Malbriz Biriyani

Taste: The biryani at Malbriz stands out with its exceptional taste. Each bite is packed with rich flavors and well-balanced spices, making it a delightful experience for any biryani lover. The quality of the ingredients shines through, offering an authentic and satisfying meal.

Ambiance and Vibes: Malbriz creates a welcoming atmosphere with good vibes that enhance the dining experience. The decor, lighting, and overall setup contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable environment, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or casual outings.

Service: The service at Malbriz is commendable, starting with a warm welcome drink that sets a positive tone for the meal. The attention to detail continues through to the end, with a serving of payasam, which leaves a sweet impression. The staff is polite, attentive, and ensures that guests feel well cared for throughout their visit.

Pricing: While the prices are slightly on the higher side, the quality and overall experience justify the cost. For those seeking a premium biryani experience, Malbriz delivers on its promise of quality and flavor.

Overall Experience: Malbriz offers more than just food; it provides a complete dining experience. From the welcoming drinks to the flavorful biryani and the sweet touch of payasam, everything is thoughtfully curated. While the price may be a bit steep, the excellent service, delicious food, and positive vibes make it worth the visit.

Recommendation: If you’re a fan of premium biryani and don’t mind paying a little extra for quality, Malbriz is definitely worth trying. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re looking to treat yourself to a...