Our first couple months in Saudi, we would constantly get the question, “Have you tried Al Baik yet?”
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Al Baik is a greasy, fried chicken chain with a major cult following. It gets hyped up similar to Chick-fil-A or In-N-Out Burger in the US – but let’s be clear that it’s more of a KFC quality (although they do have KFC here too). Al Baik mainly serves fried chicken, shrimp, and fish, and has a “secret ingredient” 18 herb-and-spice blend. Their garlic dipping sauce is pretty bomb. It’s the kind of food you crave, indulge in, and immediately regret. 
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The restaurant began in Jeddah in the 1970s and they claim to have pioneered the concept of “broasted” chicken in Saudi. They remained a western fixture for almost 40 years, only expanding to Mecca and Medina. Saudis from other parts of the country would order a bunch of Al Baik before getting on the plane back to Riyadh or Dammam so they could take it to their families. That had to smell great. 
Now those cities each have several Al Baik branches, thank goodness.
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Admittedly, I’ve only tried Al Baik twice since moving here, but now that I’m writing about it…I’m thinking another visit is in order. 
Our Journey through the Land of Midian in Saudi
When I was a child, learning about Moses in Sunday school and watching VeggieTales and The Prince of Egypt, I thought of places like the
“Praise be to the God and Fat
