If you fancy something a little bit different from the pizzazz of the larger restaurants in Jeddah, “Relax” restaurant in the Sharifiya district is a great place to stop and unwind.
You may have trouble getting there by car though; the district is notorious for its narrow streets and market stalls. Despite this, it’s definitely worth a visit, not only for the magnificent aromas that float across the street in the early evenings but also for its fantastic Indian dishes.
The interior decor of Relax feels like a street café and its simplicity is rather charming. The minimalism is more than made up for by the quality of the dishes that the cook serves up, and if that's not enough, both the portions and the prices will almost definitely leave you with a smile on your face.
The kitchen opens out on to the street, a nice touch, allowing customers to view the pots of curries bubbling away while they wait for their paratha (Indian bread made with whole wheat flour, pan fried in ghee) to be freshly cooked alongside the chicken tikka grilling over hot coals.
The food here is spicy, so watch out! But if you think you can take it, the masala dosa is a great way to spice up your day, and the butter chicken is one of the best we’ve tried and at SR15 it is a fraction of the price elsewhere in town.
Another of their famous dishes is the chicken tikka available at SR7 per piece; this appears to be one of the more popular dishes at Relax, along with the “kadukka masala” and translates to “shell masala” in Malayalam. This is a pungent curry that has an unusual flavor that will be very popular with shell-fish lovers.
I left room for more butter chicken and the freshly made parathas which are a bargain at SR1 for two. Most of the dishes at Relax are those found in south Kerala. When you order a curry, you also get some complimentary rotis (traditional Indian bread) and a free jug of the boiled “jeeragam” made with cumin seeds, a bright yellow drink which is said to be very good for health.
Be prepared for some great food and an all hands affair! Most of the regulars seem happy to eat with their hands, and washing facilities are conveniently located at the entrance. Cutlery, however, is provided for those who would like it.
Visit after Maghreb prayer for the widest selection from the menu and the chance to fully appreciate the hustle and bustle and nightlife of the district which is known as “Little India” by Jeddah locals.
Address: Not far from the Badr Al Tamam Clinic, Relax is located opposite a fishmonger and “Best Door to Door” Courier on Suhayb Al Roumi Street (which is just off Ras Tannourah Street).
There is no landline, but you can reach the cashier, Anwar, on the following number:
Tel: 0561232941
(Rashed Islam is a food critic who hosts Jeddahfood.com)
