With a focus on hearty dishes, delectable sweet treats and very generous portions, you won’t go hungry eating in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabian cuisine shares many familiar elements of Middle Eastern food, as well as distinct flavours and regional specialties all its own. And although hearty meat and rice dishes feature prominently on Saudi Arabian menus, there is more variety than one might expect.
With food and meal times playing an important role in Saudi Arabian culture, we wanted to share our insight into the local food scene. Read on to learn more about the Kingdom’s best dishes, culinary culture and a special Jeddah food tour led by EXO travel consultant, Wed.
A look at some of Saudi Arabia’s most popular dishes
Kabasa
The national dish of Saudi, a huge platter of aromatic, spiced rice cooked in chicken broth and served with roast chicken, raisins and nuts. A dish made for sharing, Kabsa is as much a staple at home as it is in the best restaurants.
Tharid
Toted as Prophet Muhammed’s favourite dish, Tharid is a succulent lamb and vegetable stew served with flatbread. Many families will come together to enjoy this dish when they break their daily fast during Ramadan.
Ful Medames
Pronounced ‘fool’, this dish made with stewed fava beans and bread, usually eaten at breakfast. While meat and rice dishes form the base of many meals, you will find a few vegetarian options like Ful that are also distinctly and deliciously Saudi.
Mutabaaq
Known as the Arabic pancake, this delicious dish is layers of pastry and fillings such as ground meat, cheese, vegetables or egg. Mutabbaq is a popular lunch or afternoon snack served in the souks of Saudi Arabia!
Mamool
If you are lucky to be invited into someone’s home for Arabic coffee, or Qawah, you will likely also be served Mamool. These mouth-watering cookies are stuffed with dates and nuts – one is never enough!
Hummus and Tamiya
In addition to Ful and Mutabaaq, these vegetarian dishes are commonly served in Saudi Arabia. Tamiya and Hummus are made from chickpeas- the former deep fried (similar to a falafel) and the latter blended into a spread. They are served with Arab-style flatbread, yoghurt-based dips and often accompanied by sliced. raaw vegetables.
Join us on a food tour of Jeddah
Want to learn more about these delectable dishes? Join us on a food tour through Jeddah’s Salamah district!
Narrated by EXO Saudi Arabia travel consultant, Wed, this video follows our team as they sample an array of savoury dishes, sweet treats, juices, and so much more.
This mouth-watering adventure highlights the diversity of Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene!
5 Things to know
about Saudi Arabian culinary culture before visiting
- Chicken and lamb are the most popular meats in Saudi Arabia. Beef is eaten less commonly, and pork is prohibited for religious reasons. Fresh seafood is common- and delicious- in Jeddha and along the Red Sea coast.
- Saudi Arabian people enjoy Arabic Coffee at any time of day. Camel milk is also a classic Saudi drink! Bottled water and international brands of soft drinks are readily available, however no alcohol is allowed in the country- even for visitors.
- The holy month of Ramadan is observed in Saudi Arabia, where Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset. However many restaurants remain open during the day, serving as usual for those who are not fasting.
- Food is at the heart of all social interactions, and most meals are eaten communally, rather than each person having their own plate of food.
- You will likely recognise many dishes that are also popular in other middle-eastern countries, such as Shawarma, Falafel, Hummus and Baklava.
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