What should I order at Ayam Zaman?
Ayam Zaman
Grilled Meats and BBQ
Highly praised across multiple reviews for being juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Includes meat and chicken kababs, skewered meat and chicken, shrimp, and mixed grills. Considered one of the best BBQ spots in the Eastern Province with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Hummus
Mentioned several times as a fresh and flavorful appetizer that pairs well with the grills. Recommended for its authentic taste.
Meat Flatbread
Noted in one review for being cooked to perfection and full of authentic flavor, making it a standout dish.
Barbecue Awsal Chicken
Specifically highlighted for its perfect cooking and authentic flavor, contributing to the overall excellent BBQ experience.
Kabab Kufta
Mentioned alongside other grilled items as being full of authentic flavor and cooked perfectly.
Akawi Cheese Safiha
Recommended for its generous cheese amount and best enjoyed hot to experience the melting cheese, making it a unique and delicious option.
Fresh Juices
Frequently mentioned as a refreshing and delicious complement to the meal, with specific mention of carrot and apple mix.
Appetizers (e.g., Mutabel, Fattoush, Salads)
Enjoyed as fresh starters that complement the grilled dishes well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Hours
| Monday | 12 PM to 12:30 AM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 PM to 12:30 AM |
| Wednesday | 12 PM to 12:30 AM |
| Thursday | 12 PM to 12:30 AM |
| Friday | 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM |
| Saturday | 12 PM to 12:30 AM |
| Sunday | 12 PM to 12:30 AM |
About Ayam Zaman
Ayam Zaman is a barbecue restaurant in Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia, known for grilled meats, méchoui, shish tawook, grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, meat skewers, and hummus. Reviewers consistently praise the authentic Middle Eastern flavors, fresh food, and the nostalgic, traditional decor that feels like a step back in time. It is described as cozy, quiet, and family-friendly, with dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering available. The restaurant is also noted for affordable pricing in the $$ range and for being popular at lunch and dinner.
Amenities & services
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great tea selection
- Rooftop seating
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Ayam Zaman known for?
Ayam Zaman is best known for méchoui and grilled meats, especially shish tawook, meat skewers, and grilled shrimp. Reviews repeatedly mention the authentic flavor, juicy texture, and fresh preparation, along with hummus and other appetizers that pair well with the grills.
What dishes are most recommended at Ayam Zaman?
Reviewers most often recommend the méchoui, shish tawook, grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, and meat skewers, plus hummus and meat flatbread. Some also call out kabab kufta, mutabel, fattoush, safiha, and fresh flatbread as strong picks with the barbecue.
What is the atmosphere like at Ayam Zaman?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, historic, and traditional, with a nostalgic old-style interior that some reviewers compare to a museum or the Saudi Arabia of the 1980s. It suits families, groups, and solo diners, and the separate family seating area is a concrete plus for people who want a more private setup.
Is Ayam Zaman good value for the price?
Yes, many reviewers say the $$ pricing feels affordable for the quality and quantity, especially for grilled platters and catering. Comments about great value, budget-friendly family meals, and free tea reinforce that it offers strong value in Al Qatif.
How busy does Ayam Zaman get, and when should you go?
It can get crowded, and reviews mention a long Friday wait of about 20 minutes, with reservations recommended for lunch and dinner. If you want a smoother visit, going outside peak weekend times is the safest bet, since the food is popular enough that wait times are common.
Is parking available at Ayam Zaman?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Ayam Zaman kid-friendly?
Yes, Ayam Zaman is good for kids.
Restaurants like Ayam Zaman in Al Qatif
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