For many people in Saudi Arabia, Al Baik isn't just a fast-food chain — it's a pilgrimage stop. The brand began in Jeddah in 1974, when Shakour Abu Ghazalah — a Palestinian entrepreneur who arrived in Saudi Arabia as a refugee — set out to serve affordable, freshly made meals quickly. Over time, Al Baik became known for its pressure-fried "broast" chicken, an 18-spice-blend marinade developed by Ghazalah's sons, and a garlic sauce that's as famous in Saudi Arabia as Chick-fil-A's sauce is in the US. The loyalty Al Baik inspires is often compared to Chick-fil-A, not because the menus match, but because the fan following does. Both fast-food chains built their reputations on fried chicken, distinctive sauces, and deliberate expansion. Chick-fil-A is much bigger, with more than 3,000 locations, yet it has no presence in the Middle East. On a recent visit to the mall food court, Priyanka Rajput tried three popular items from Al Baik's menu to see whether they lived up to the hype. See ...