Enjoy the fun, funky and family-friendly concept.
There are no prizes for guessing what the KO in KO Asian Kitchen stands for. Located on Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi Street in Riyadh, the concept is neighboured by notable culinary destinations, including COYA, MYAZŪ, and ROKA. Since opening at the end of 2025, it has already proved popular, carving out a niche in the market as an affordable East Asian restaurant.
Stepping out onto the streets and into the heat of Riyadh can be stressful, especially when you’re pacing back and forth to find a restaurant entrance. I squint at the building, but a smiling member of staff cheerfully waves to me from the window and points in the right direction. It’s a small gesture, but one that sets the tone for what turns out to be a warm and welcoming lunch.
KO Asian Kitchen looks as though it has leapt straight out of a comic book. Bold design choices include neon-lit words, low-hanging lights, cascading plants, and chefs wearing hachimakis. Diners can choose between the conservatory-style space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street or the main restaurant near the open kitchen, where you can hear the chopping and sizzling and smell the aromas wafting into the dining room.
The concept behind KO Asian Kitchen is ambitious yet clear: to let you enjoy the full power of Asian cuisine in one place. It’s casual, contemporary dining with confidence, offering comfort alongside creativity. The restaurant has proven popular in both Colombia and Peru, before making the jump from South America to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The menu is divided into sections with names full of personality that immediately grab your attention: Power Bites, Dim Sum, Heads Will Roll, Poke and Greens, Hot and Spice, Rice and Noodles, and Desserts.
Service is fun and friendly, with our waiter, Loko, brimming with enthusiasm. Even though we are dining solo, we feel like the staff are conversational company. We are surrounded by a range of people, from groups of girls to families with young children. As the afternoon goes on, the tables fill up, and it becomes clear — thanks to its price point — that this is an audience who return again and again, as we overhear them discussing their favourite drinks and dishes.
We begin with tacos, an unexpected but welcome fusion. The Sesame Salmon Taco stands out, delivering a nutty depth complemented by creamy avocado. The Chilli Beef Dumplings are served with chilli sauce and coriander. While the beef could be more tender, it strikes the right balance of saltiness and spice.
The highlight of the meal is the Smokey Ramen. The rich, spicy miso broth is soothing and comforting, feeling like a hug in a bowl. With two perfectly cooked eggs, crispy chicken pieces, and springy noodles, it is both hearty and satisfying.
Dessert offers a comforting finale – a word we find ourselves using throughout the experience. The options include Banana Rolls, Lassy Pudding, and Matcha S’More. The Vietnamese Hot Chocolate combines hot and cold textures beautifully: rich hot chocolate mousse, ginger caramel ice cream, and roasted Brazil nuts. The result is comforting yet complex – a dessert worth visiting the restaurant for on its own.
Drinks are varied, with popular choices including flavoured iced teas and milky teas. The Citrus Gulub is a fragrant sip, blending cardamom, hibiscus, tangerine, and rose, cleansing the palate and offering a lighter, aromatic sweetness after the bold main courses.
KO Asian Kitchen: it’s not just about knockout food, but a whole comforting experience.
GO: Visit https://koasiankitchen.com/riyadh for more information.