When it comes to indulging in ‘Broasted Chicken’, there’s a unique and flavourful experience awaiting you in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Broasted chicken, a long enjoyed fare in the kingdom that perfectly balances crispy exteriors with juicy interiors, has garnered immense popularity among locals and visitors alike. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best broasted eateries in the Eastern Province, the hidden gems that offer this scrumptious delight beyond the widely-known name of Al Baik.
The Art of Broasting:
Broasted chicken is more than just fried chicken – it’s a technique that marries the best of frying and pressure cooking. The process involves marinating chicken pieces and then placing them in a specialized broaster machine. This innovative cooking equipment, developed by the ‘Broaster Company‘, uses a combination of pressure and deep frying to produce chicken that’s crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside. The result is a unique and mouthwatering flavour that sets broasted chicken apart from conventional fried chicken.
Wikipedia
Popularity in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia’s love affair with broasted chicken is undeniable. The country’s diverse culinary landscape has welcomed this crispy delight with open arms, making it a staple in households and a favorite for dining out. The combination of rich flavors, tender chicken, and that irresistible crunch has captured the hearts – and taste buds – of Saudis and Expats of all ages.
Challenging the Stereotype: Al Baik and Beyond:
While Al Baik is often associated with broasted chicken in Saudi Arabia, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be explored beyond its familiar name. Don’t get me wrong – Al Baik has earned its place as a Saudi icon, but the Eastern Province is home to several hidden treasures that deserve recognition for their exceptional broasted offerings, some even better than the OG.
‘Kufa’ – Khobar / Dammam
With a legacy spanning over a decade, ‘Kufa’ has earned a special place in the hearts of broasted enthusiasts and my own. Renowned for its fiery and flavoursome spicy broasted, this establishment continues to deliver a memorable dining experience. Prices have gone up over the last few years, but the quality has remained. The texture is slightly different from what Al Baik offers giving it a lot more flavour than one would expect.
‘Fresh Broasted’, Dammam
For those seeking a taste of nostalgia, ‘Fresh Broasted’ is the place to be. Serving their classic broasted recipe for over 40 years, this establishment’s commitment to quality and tradition shines through in every bite. It is quite shocking that is taste’s pretty much the same even to this day.
Fresh Broasted | Dammam – Google Maps
‘Bawanland’ – Khobar, Dhahran, Dammam
‘Bawanland’ offers a slightly pricier broasted experience, presenting both plain and spicy garlic paste variations. The portions are larger, and this is easily one of the moistest chickens that I’ve had recently. In terms of taste, this is quite similar to Al Baik, but better.
P.S – They dropped the price to SR. 17 in March 2024
Bawanland | Dhahran – Google Maps
‘Ibdha Al Khaleej’ – Dammam
Bridging the gap left by the beloved ‘Abu Nawas,’ ‘Ibdha Al Khaleej’ delivers broasted that evokes nostalgia and satisfaction. Accompanied by fries, garlic paste, and kubbus, their broasted promises a journey down memory lane. You might be surprised to find some of the same people that staffed the old Abu Nawas so no surprises where they get their flavour from.
Ibdha Al Khaleej | Dammam – Google Maps
‘Atyab Tazaj’ – Dammam
I personally ranked this a close second to ‘Kufa’ and I would say ‘Atyab Tazaj’ does an exceptional job with their spicy broasted chicken. The Flavors here are bound to leave a lasting impression. The only drawback is that the chicken has definitely gotten smaller.
Atyab Al Tazaj | Dammam – Google Maps
‘Broast Al Basel’ – Dammam
With a unique preparation method that results in a darker, extra crispy exterior, ‘Broast Al Basel’ is a bit of an underdog. Consistency is an issue here and it is slightly drier compared to the others but it’s still packs a lot of flavour. They recently opened a new spot in Rakah making it a bit more convenient for a visit.
‘Heny Broasted’ – Khobar
Though the ‘Spicy Chicken Broasted,’ is slightly overpriced at SR. 23, I rate this a close second only to Kufa’s broasted chicken. The chicken was expertly seasoned, and the spices worked their magic, giving the skin an enticing shade of red. The Thoum too was really good and helped elevate an already flavour packed chicken. Top Notch Stuff!
Heny Broasted | Khobar – Google Maps
Conclusion:
The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is a treasure trove of broasted chicken delights that extend beyond the well-known. While Al Baik holds a special place in the Western Region, exploring local eateries like ‘Kufa,’ ‘Fresh Broasted,’ etc. reveals a world of flavours waiting to be savoured. From nostalgic tastes to the more newer variants, these establishments showcase the diverse and exquisite journey that is broasted chicken. So, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, make sure to embark on this culinary adventure and discover the crunchy, succulent joy that is broasted chicken in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
FOOD WITH SHAYNE 
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