Where we are going today: ‘Lubian’ delicious shawaya chicken

Nada Hameed

Located on Qassim Zeinah Street in Jeddah, Lubian specializes in wood-smoked meats, including a particularly delicious shawaya chicken.

Shawaya refers to the style of grilled or barbecued chicken popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Lebanon. The process involves marinating chicken pieces in a mix of spices, herbs and sometimes yogurt or other ingredients, then grilling them over an open flame or charcoal until they have a charred, smoky exterior.

Lubian sources its meat directly from its own farms and the prime cuts are grilled over wood for up to six hours.

As well as its signature smoked meats, the restaurant offers diners a tantalizing selection of sides and sauces, including fragrant rice, grilled vegetables, a rich potato gravy, green and cucumber yogurt salads, tahini and hot sauce.

What sets Lubian apart is the huge choice of smoked chicken on offer. From the classic dish served with tahini and hot sauce to the saadia, which comes with rice and potatoes, there is something for all tastes and palates.

The star of the show for me was the saadia, as the chicken had a spicy, tangy profile and perfectly crispy skin. I had it with Lubian’s special rice for a perfect sahoor meal.

As well as the classic rice, the restaurant offers basmati smoked white rice and bukhari, a flavorful and aromatic rice dish cooked with fragrant spices and herbs.