Al-Qarmoshi Restaurant

Al-Qarmoshi Restaurant is a local restaurant on Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz Road in the Al Iskan district of east Madinah, Saudi Arabia, serving rice and grilled dishes in the Saudi and Middle Eastern tradition. Prince Abdul Majeed Road is a long commercial artery, and restaurants along it cater to residents of the eastern districts as well as visitors staying in nearby accommodation. The kitchen has no Michelin recognition or chef lineage; it is an everyday local restaurant offering filling, reasonably priced meals. The signature dishes are chicken kabsa, the national rice dish of Saudi Arabia in which chicken is cooked with spiced rice, tomato and dried lime, priced around SAR 25-45 (about $7-12), and the grilled meat plate at roughly SAR 35-65 (about $9-17). Kabsa is usually served with a tomato-chilli sauce and salad, while the grilled plate brings skewers or cuts of meat with rice or bread. The dining room is simple and practical, with tables suited to families and groups and a moderate noise level that rises at meal peaks. Modest everyday dress is appropriate. Alcohol is not served anywhere in Saudi Arabia, so the beverage list consists of tea, juices, soft drinks and water. Reservations are not needed and walk-in is standard, although larger groups may want to call ahead on Fridays or during Ramadan evenings. Expect to spend about SAR 25-60 (about $7-16) per person, estimated, which sits at the affordable end of sit-down options. Al Iskan lies east of the central Haram area and is reached by taxi or ride-hailing. The restaurant is a practical choice for visitors staying on or near Prince Abdul Majeed Road who want a local meal without travelling to the centre, and the kabsa makes a good introduction to the national dish.