If you are craving an authentic shawaya experience in Kannur, then Saudi Shawaya is definitely worth visiting. What began as a small setup with one grill machine has transformed into a restaurant that has made its mark across three districts—Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kozhikode. Their popularity is not the result of some coincidence. Saudi Shawaya established its name among the customers through delicious shawaya, filling rice combos, and a local flavor that simply cannot be matched.
As soon as you step into Saudi Shawaya, you sense the buzz around this joint. An empty table is hard to find here; even on a weekday afternoon or late evening, some regulars are always there. Such consistent demand has resulted in huge expansion of its capacity from the original single grill to five machines that operate simultaneously on both sides. This place became so popular that it created such high demand so that most of the time, you would be waiting for a table. But trust me, wait is well worth it.
First Impressions and Ambiance
The evolution of Saudi Shawaya from a three-room shop to a spacious, bustling dining hall tells enough about its growth. The current setup offers ample seating and parking to meet the increasing influx of diners who visit this place every day. Even with the enlarged space, do not expect a calm, relaxing experience at ease. Saudi Shawaya is primarily hot activity, energy, and admittedly slightly chaotic sometimes.
The dining area is plain, but it is warm and welcoming. If you find yourself eating in the central hall, prepare to sweat a little—this space gets hot, especially when crowded. True, this is a minor irritation for some diners; however, it is also part of the character of any busy, popular neighborhood eatery. Should you be lucky enough to secure a table in one of the smaller rooms, you would find it much more comfortable than the overheated main dining area.
The Menu – Shawaya and Rice Combos Steal the Show
The star of Saudi Shawaya’s menu is obviously the shawaya and rice combos. It’s this dish that has gathered the restaurant’s loyal clientele. Shawaya is a grilled chicken style, very simple but mouth-wateringly flavorful with a balanced blend of spices. At Saudi Shawaya, every piece is cooked to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior while the meat remains juicy and tender.
What makes their shawaya special is the consistency—they’ve clearly mastered the art of grilling chicken. Each bite bursts with flavor, and it’s evident that they use fresh ingredients and carefully crafted spice blends. Their rice combos come with two types of rice: a fragrant Afghani rice, which is slightly sweet and infused with subtle spices, and a traditional plain rice option. Both pair beautifully with the shawaya, but the Afghani rice is a standout and adds a unique touch to the meal.
One of the most attractive aspects of the meal is that the rice is unlimited. So, when you order a shawaya with a rice combo, you can request refills on the rice as much as you want. It may seem like such a small detail, but it pretty much changes everything, especially for groups or families looking to have a filling meal together. It clearly shows that Saudi Shawaya aims to ensure that his customers go out fully satisfied with generous portions.
Other Dishes and Additions
While the main offering of shawaya and rice combos takes center stage, there are a few other dishes offered by the restaurant, primarily available in the afternoon. Although these are not as popular as the signature combo, they introduce some variety to the menu and provide a decent alternative for regular customers who wish to sample something different.
To top off the meal, Saud Shawaya also offers as a refreshment an energy booster drink which is indeed a nice touch. This drink serves pretty well as a refreshing addition especially after such a rich flavorful meal. It helps clean the palate and provides a quick pick-me-up before you head out.
Customer Service – Efficient but Sometimes Overwhelmed
A quick remark on Saudi Shawaya, it is perpetually packed. The staff do a commendable job marshalling the masses, but there are occasions when the number of customers begins to impact on service. Most days, service is pleasant and attentive — but some wait times may be longer during popular times. The staff are working hard to serve every table, but with high demand comes some confusion.
During busy periods, you are likely to find orders getting mixed up or customers waiting a little longer for a top-up of rice or drinks; for example. But that is not the fault of neglect but rather because it is hard to manage such a massive crowd. The team behind Saudi Shawaya seem genuinely interested in offering a good experience and will accommodate requests or remedy complaints whenever possible. Patience is a virtue and in our experience, the majority of customers understand that 253 might keep them waiting too long for food you can’t find anywhere else.
The Waiting Game – Be Prepared to Queue
The one thing that is a reminder of the popularity of Saudi Shawaya — and thus the need to await your turn. No reservations here, just a case of first come, first served. If you come in for lunch or dinner hours, it can result in a wait. Those lines can be longer on weekends and holidays which is why it may be best to show up early to skip the line.
The wait has become part of the experience in a way, so interestingly (to) go 0–80 will be kinda cool. You often see groups seated outside socially basking each other to wait for the food serve whilst talking about how much they are looking forward to eating/beating. Perhaps, all this waiting only heightens the excitement and you are beyond prepared to tackle a plate of shawaya and rice by the time, you get to your spot.
Expansion to Kozhikode and Future Growth
The enormous popularity of Saudi Shawaya in Kannur has forced them to open a new branch in Kozhikode. Expansion into new territories is the proof required of the success and acceptance that this restaurant has achieved in conquering a loyal customer base throughout the region. It’s been a brief span since they operated out of a three-room basic setup, and now they have branches across various bustling towns and cities, drawing crowds from everywhere.
Success of Saudi Shawaya is not simply as good food; it is a tale of commitment, community, and evolution. Their ability to keep an impression of authenticity and simplicity that appeals to people while adjusting according to the needs of a larger clientele has worked wonders. The Kozhikode outlet has begun drawing its share of loyal customers, and it will be interesting to see how Saudi Shawaya evolves in the years to come.
Like any other eatery, Saudi Shawaya has its pros and cons. Here’s a brief guide to help you determine whether it would be suitable for you. On the plus side, the restaurant specializes in incredible combinations of shawaya and rice with juicy, palatable shawaya paired with outstanding Afghani rice. Also, unlimited refills of rice make it quite convenient for larger appetites or groups since they do serve good portions. Prices are indeed reasonable; hence one could have an enjoyable meal without paying too dearly, which makes it quite a popular spot. The atmosphere is friendly, with a community feel coupled with an energetic ambiance to enhance the experience. There are still some cons to consider after making this rough analysis. About Table wait is longer during peak hours as well. Besides that, main hall noise levels rise quite fast along with crowding and warmth inside dining areas.
Final Verdict – A Culinary Gem in Kannur
Even with the increase of restaurants in Kannur, Saudi Shawaya will never get washed away from our memories. It is known as the place where people come together to meet, families unite and everyone gets to relish a warm and delicious food. Sure, it comes with its challenges — like the hours of waiting and typical service industry blunders — but that is all a minor cost for some killer food and ambiance.
If you are into grilled chicken, local flavours, and eating where people get together for the sake of being with each other, Saudi Shawaya is definitely worth a stop. Now with their new location in Kozhikode, many more can indulge at what this little restaurant provides.
But if you are a tourist visiting Kannur, or non-tourist who loves food and can afford to wait in line then head over the Saudi Shawaya. You know a place is the bomb if they start being talked about for their food Expect to line up for a meal here worth the wait — show up early, come hungry. For a casual restaurant or if you simply want to have an unforgettable meal, Saudi Shawaya would never let you down while roaming around in the city or just out of home. The wait is worth it with each bite.
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