Food in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a land steeped in history and tradition, invites tourists to experience its rich culinary heritage. Saudi cuisine, influenced by the flavors of the Middle East, is an integral part of the cultural landscape, offering an array of dishes that are as flavorful as they are symbolic. As visitors traverse the vast deserts, modern cities, and ancient sites, they also have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of traditional foods that tell the story of the nation's past and present. This article guides you through the must-try dishes and the cultural significance behind them, ensuring a gastronomic experience that will enhance your visit to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian Dishes

Kabsa

Kabsa is arguably the national dish of Saudi Arabia, a flavorful mixed rice dish that combines basmati rice, vegetables, and an array of spices such as cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, black lime, bay leaves, and nutmeg. It is typically served with meat, which can be chicken, lamb, camel, beef, or fish, cooked in a tomato-based sauce and often garnished with nuts and raisins.

Mandi

Mandi is a traditional dish originating from Yemen but extremely popular in Saudi Arabia. It's made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a unique blend of spices including saffron and turmeric, which give the dish its distinctive flavor and color. The meat is slow-cooked in a tandoor, which makes it exceptionally tender. Mandi is often served during special occasions and family gatherings.

Al Harees

Al Harees is a simple yet satisfying dish made with only a few ingredients: wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt. The ingredients are combined and slow-cooked in a clay pot for hours until they form a porridge-like consistency. It is especially popular during the month of Ramadan and Eid festivals.

Al Kabsa

Al Kabsa, often simply referred to as Kabsa, is similar to Mandi but with a richer array of seasonings. It is one of the most common dishes in Saudi Arabian cuisine and is considered a staple in every household. The dish is often accompanied by a hot sauce called 'shattah'.

Jareesh

Jareesh is a traditional wheat-based dish, sometimes compared to oatmeal or porridge. Crushed wheat is cooked with milk or water and then mixed with meat, onions, and an assortment of spices. It's a hearty dish that offers a taste of Saudi home cooking.

Saleeg

Saleeg is a white rice dish, cooked in a flavorful broth and milk to give it a creamy consistency, similar to a risotto. It is usually served with chicken that has been cooked in a red sauce and garnished with fried onions.

Mutabbaq

Mutabbaq is a popular street food that originated in Yemen but is widely enjoyed in Saudi Arabia. It is a stuffed pancake or bread filled with a mixture of seasoned ground meat, onions, eggs, and green onions. It is pan-fried until crispy and typically cut into squares before serving.

Ful Medames

Ful Medames is a staple dish across the Middle East, and in Saudi Arabia, it is commonly eaten for breakfast. Made from fava beans, it is seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil and often served with a variety of accompaniments such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables.

Saudi Arabian Desserts

Maamoul

Maamoul are small shortbread pastries filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts. These sweet treats are often shaped in decorative molds and are a staple during religious festivals such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

Basbousa

Basbousa is a sweet cake made from semolina soaked in simple syrup. Often topped with almonds, it has a slightly chewy texture and is a popular dessert throughout Saudi Arabia.

Kleicha

Kleicha is a national cookie of Saudi Arabia, which comes in various shapes and fillings, the most common being dates. These cookies are traditionally baked during Eid and other celebrations and are known for their delicate, flaky texture.

Lugaimat

Lugaimat are small, round dumplings that are deep-fried and then soaked in honey or syrup. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are a beloved dessert, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

Aish El-Saraya

Aish El-Saraya is a bread pudding dessert that is particularly popular in the Levant region and in Saudi Arabia. It is made with layers of bread soaked in syrup, topped with a creamy mixture, and garnished with pistachios.

Qatayef

Qatayef is a type of Arabic pancake that is commonly eaten during the month of Ramadan. These pancakes are filled with sweet cheese or nuts, folded into a half-moon shape, and then fried or baked. They are often drizzled with syrup or sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving.