At Nora, there is no fuss and no frills, only burgers. The small takeaway joint in Riyadh’s Al Malqa district (the one we visited for this review) focuses entirely on one thing: serving excellent smashed burgers as quickly as possible.
There are no tables or chairs inside, only the sound of sizzling beef and the rhythmic clatter of spatulas hitting the grill. You can eat your burger in your car, take it home or while walking down the street, leaving you with a little nostalgia for simpler days. For us, Nora is best enjoyed fresh from the griddle, standing outside with the smell of sizzling beef still in the air.
Straight to the Point
The setup is efficient. Most of the space is dedicated to the kitchen and counter, with an app available for quick pick-up. The menu mirrors that simplicity. There are just two options: a double cheeseburger (SAR 23) or a triple cheeseburger (SAR 30). Each comes with wagyu-blended beef patties smashed thin and crisp, layered with American cheese, fresh chopped onions, house made pickles, ketchup and mustard, all tucked inside a soft golden bun. You can add extra cheese or jalapenos as well to your burger.
For those unfamiliar (and looking at reviews on Google it seems some may indeed be), a smash burger gets its flavour from pressing the patty onto a hot griddle, sealing in juices while creating a charred crust. The result is a very thin crispy patty – this is not a thick, meaty burger. The smash burger has gone global, with one popular British spot, Supernova, even expanding to Riyadh earlier this year.
Nora nails the smash burger technique – something not many local joints in Saudi Arabia have managed to achieve so far.
The burgers have a satisfying crunch from the edges of the patty, giving each bite a mix of caramelised crisp and juicy centre. The flavour is nostalgic, reminiscent of classic diner-style burgers. The pickles lean a little sharp, and the patty could use a touch more seasoning, but the balance still works. It is messy, satisfying, and quick to disappear.
The potato fries are simple but stellar. Think McDonald’s fries if they were always perfect. At SAR 12, they are golden, crisp, and seasoned just enough that they do not need any sauce. They complement the burger perfectly and are worth adding to your order every time.
A Local Success Story
Since opening in late 2023, Nora has expanded beyond its first Al Malqa location, with new branches in Al Takhassusi, Jeddah’s Ar Rawdah, and Madinah. That growth speaks for itself. The brand’s focus on quality ingredients and efficiency has helped it carve a niche in Saudi Arabia’s still-growing smash burger scene.
Nora is not trying to reinvent the wheel. It is a place built for people who want a great smash burger without a long wait or the gimmicks. In a city increasingly filled with gourmet burger joints and international imports, Nora’s charm lies in its simplicity and precision.
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