Food In Saudi Arabia: Best Dishes To Gorge On Your Next Trip

Saudi Arabia is one of the best countries in the Middle East to witness rich culture and historical wonders. Also, one can relish food in Saudi Arabia to witness a burst of flavors as Saudi cuisine is full of delectable dishes which have been inspired from other cuisines. From scrumptious taste of saleeg to sweetness of Ma’amoul, Saudi Arabia is known for its different dishes, desserts and drinks. From famous restaurants to streets in Saudi Arabia, you will find these dishes almost everywhere in the country. So, check out this blog to find out what all you should try in Saudi on your next trip.

Top 9 Saudi Food To Relish For A Burst Of Exotic Flavors

Saudi Arabia is a country which is widely known for its culture and scrumptious food. One must definitely try out these 9 best Saudi dishes on their next trip to the country.

1. Saleeg

Saleeg is Saudi Arabia’s traditional food that is loved by most of the local people and is served to guests as a gesture of hospitality. It is like a rice porridge cooked in milk, having a thick consistency and is served with your choice of meat especially chicken. The rice is boiled in hot water in a special broth and then the boiled rice is mixed with milk, ghee or butter until it reaches a desired consistency. Saleeg is usually served in a traditional plate called tabasi and on the top of the dish is placed a piece of meat.

Main Ingredients: Milk, Rice, Chicken, Ghee, Butter, Onion, Cinnamon

Where to Try:  Al Khayam, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2. Martabak

One of the most popular Saudi food, Martabak is a pancake like dish which can be stuffed with different ingredients like grounded meat, vegetables, curry, garlic, onion, pepper or egg depending on the location or preferences. Martabak is famous with different names like muttabak, matabbak, metabbak, mutabbaq and is also quite famous in other destinations as well like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen and Kuwait. The final dish is then seasoned with coriander and mint for extra aroma and flavors. It needs expertise to prepare Martabak as the roti needs to be very thin.

Main Ingredients: Grounded meat, vegetables, curry, garlic, onion, pepper or egg, flour, onion, ghee

Where to Try: Al Nakheel Restaurant, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Suggested Read: Shopping In Saudi Arabia: Top Souvenirs And Gifts Worth Buying In The Country

3. Shawarma

Shawarma, a dish that originated from the Levantine cuisine is now served in almost every country of the Middle East including Saudi Arabia. Shawarma is usually made with lamb or mutton but can also be made with chicken, beef, or turkey which is cooked in a vertical rotisserie for hours until it is fully cooked and then it is marinated in different ingredients. Shawarma can be found at different places in Saudi Arabia including the streets, fancy and local restaurants. Saudi cuisine is incomplete without adding shawarma to the list of best dishes to try in the country.

Main Ingredients: Choice of meat, lavash, cinnamon, vegetables, clove, spices

Where to Try: Mahboob, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4. Harees

Harees is one of the most famous Saudi traditional food that is especially consumed during the Ramadan month. The dish was originated in Saudi Arabia but soon became popular and a favorite dish in all the Middle Eastern countries. Harees is made of wheat which have been soaked overnight, mixed with different Arabian spices and meat. Its consistency is generally thick but not very thick, somewhere between porridge and a dumpling. Harees dates back to the Armenian period and is a favorite among the local people of all the Arab countries. Every country has their unique style to prepare Harees with choice of ingredients.

Main Ingredients: Wheat, Arabic spices, meat, cinnamon, sugar

Where to Try: Al Nakheel Restaurant, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Suggested Read: Beaches In Kuwait Known For Their Hidden Beauty

5. Kabsa

The national food of Saudi Arabia, Kabsa is a rice dish that is prepared with lamb, chicken, fish or shrimps and is cooked in different Arabic spices nutmeg, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon and others to enhance its flavors. Rice is soaked in water that was used to cook meat or fish which blends all the ingredients well and gives an aromatic touch to the dish. Though, Kabsa was originated in Yemen, it became quite popular in Saudi Arabia and also a national food of the country. It is served in a large plate and is usually eaten with hands.

Main Ingredients: Rice, Lamb, chicken, fish or shrimps, Arabic spices

Where to Try: Najd Village, Riyadh

Suggested Read: Top Restaurants In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia To Relish Rich & Authentic Flavors

6. Tharid

The origin of Tharid is said to have been before the pre-Islamic times and it is said that it was Prophet Muhammad’s favorite dish. It is a famous food in Saudi Arabia which is made from lamb stew, vegetables and Arabic spices and served on barley bread. This dish is served during the holy month of Ramadan and also in the evening after the daily prayer. The best way to consume tharid is to dip the barley bread in the broth of meat and vegetables.

Main Ingredients: Lamb stew, barley bread, vegetables, spices

Where to Try: Al Nakheel, Jeddah

7. Falafel

Falafel which is said to be originated in Egypt, is one of the best Saudi Arabia dishes that is loved by natives of gulf counties. Falafel are chickpea balls which are made mixing onions, beans, chickpeas, herbs and spices together, deep-fried and served with hummus, garlic dip or tahini dip. It is topped with pickled vegetables and is served in pita sandwich that enhances its flavors even more. Falafel being a popular dish in Saudi Arabia is served at almost all the restaurants and also on the streets. It is very easy to prepare falafel as it is prepared with every day ingredients and can be eaten at any time of the day.

Main Ingredients: Chickpea, beans, onions, flour, garlic

Where to Try: At any restaurant or street in Saudi Arabia

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Riyadh For A Unique Adventure In Saudi Arabia

8. Ma’amoul

One of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia is trying out the desserts served in the country. One of the well-known Saudi sweets is Ma’amoul which is a crunchy and buttery sort of a dessert that comes in different shapes and sizes. These shapes are given by placing the semolina flour batter in a mould with a filling of pistachios, almonds, dates or walnuts along with cardamom and cinnamon. Ma’amoul are made a few days before Eid and also during the time of Eater celebrations.

Main Ingredients: Semolina flour, cinnamon, pistachios, cardamom, almonds, dates or walnuts

Where to Try: At any bakery in Saudi Arabia

Suggested Read: Best Places To Stay In Saudi Arabia: Finest Hotels From The Country’s Top Five Cities

9. Shakshouka

If you are looking for best food in Saudi Arabia, then shakshuka should definitely be in your bucket list. People of Saudi Arabia like to have shakshouka during the breakfast time. It is prepared by poaching eggs in a mixture of tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, peppers and different spices like nutmeg, cumin, cloves, paprika and others. The dish dates back to the Ottoman period when it was cooked with vegetables and minced meat but today it is cooked with egg and tomatoes. Tabasco sauce can also be used for its preparation to make it even spicier.

Main Ingredients: Poached eggs, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, peppers

Where to Try: At any Middle Eastern restaurant

Suggested Read: Jeddah Beaches, Saudi Arabia To Relax Your Soul

We know going through this blog must have mouth watered you. So, you should not wait further and book your air tickets to Saudi Arabia to relish the authentic flavors. With so much to offer on the plate, we are sure you won’t be disappointed with the culinary delights offered here. Food in Saudi Arabia is full of spices, flavors and also has health benefits. From trying out tharid to national dish of the country, kabsa, there is no dearth of delectable dishes here. So, get ready to on a gastronomic voyage in Saudi Arabia on your next trip.

FAQs