Verified Facts
When visiting Saudi Arabia, be sure to try the country's unique and flavorful cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its Middle Eastern and Islamic heritage, with must-try dishes including Kabsa, Shawarma, and Gormeh Sabzi.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Saudi Arabian cuisine is defined by its rich flavors, aromas, and spices, which reflect the country's strategic location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Islamic traditions, with a focus on halal ingredients and cooking methods. Regional variations exist, with the Hijaz region in western Saudi Arabia being known for its seafood dishes, while the Najd region in central Saudi Arabia is famous for its Kabsa and Mandi. The cuisine is also shaped by the country's Bedouin heritage, with many dishes featuring dates, lamb, and yogurt.
The country's cuisine has been shaped by its history, geography, and culture, with the Islamic faith playing a significant role in shaping the country's dietary laws and traditions. The cuisine is also influenced by the country's trade relationships with other countries, with spices, herbs, and other ingredients being imported from around the world. Saudi Arabian cuisine is known for its hospitality, with food playing a central role in social gatherings and celebrations.
Saudi Arabian cuisine is also characterized by its use of fragrant spices, aromatic herbs, and pungent ingredients, such as cardamom, cumin, and sumac. The cuisine is also known for its rich desserts, such as Baklava and Kunafeh, which are often served at special occasions and celebrations. Overall, Saudi Arabian cuisine is a unique and flavorful reflection of the country's rich history, culture, and traditions.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kabsa | Main Course | mixed rice dish made with lamb, chicken, or fish, and a blend of spices | traditional restaurants in Riyadh and Jeddah |
| Shawarma | Street Food | thinly sliced meat, usually lamb or chicken, served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce | street food stalls in major cities |
| Gormeh Sabzi | Stew | herb-based stew made with lamb, beef, or chicken, and a blend of spices | traditional restaurants in Najran and Abha |
| Mandi | Main Course | slow-cooked meat, usually lamb or chicken, served with rice and a blend of spices | traditional restaurants in Jeddah and Mecca |
| Falafel | Appetizer | crispy, deep-fried chickpea patties, often served with tahini sauce | street food stalls in major cities |
| Mutabbal | Side Dish | eggplant dip made with roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice | traditional restaurants in Riyadh and Jeddah |
| Luqaimat | Dessert | sweet dumplings filled with dates, nuts, and spices, often served with cardamom coffee | traditional cafes in major cities |
| Umm Ali | Dessert | puff pastry dessert filled with nuts, coconut, and sweetened cream, often served with cardamom coffee | traditional cafes in major cities |
| Jareesh | Main Course | wheat-based dish made with lamb or chicken, and a blend of spices | traditional restaurants in Najran and Abha |
| Saleeg | Main Course | rice-based dish made with chicken or fish, and a blend of spices | traditional restaurants in Jeddah and Mecca |
Street Food & Snacks
- Shawarma: a popular street food made with thinly sliced meat, usually lamb or chicken, served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce, typically costing around $2-$3 USD
- Falafel: crispy, deep-fried chickpea patties, often served with tahini sauce, typically costing around $1-$2 USD
- Samosas: fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions, typically costing around $1-$2 USD
- Kibbeh: fried or baked balls made with ground meat and bulgur, typically costing around $2-$3 USD
- Luqaimat: sweet dumplings filled with dates, nuts, and spices, often served with cardamom coffee, typically costing around $3-$5 USD
- Ka'ak: sesame seed crackers, often served with cheese or za'atar, typically costing around $1-$2 USD
- Balah El Sham | sweet, flaky pastry filled with dates or nuts, typically costing around $2-$3 USD
- Ghoriba | sweet, crumbly cookies made with semolina flour and sugar, typically costing around $1-$2 USD
Drinks
- Cardamom coffee: a traditional coffee drink made with cardamom pods and served in small cups, typically costing around $1-$2 USD
- Jallab: a sweet, molasses-based drink made with dates and rose water, typically costing around $2-$3 USD
- Sharbat: a sweet, fruit-based drink made with rose water and sugar, typically costing around $2-$3 USD
- Mango juice: a popular fruit juice made with fresh mangoes and sugar, typically costing around $3-$5 USD
- Sahlab: a warm, milky drink made with orchid root and sugar, typically costing around $2-$3 USD
- Karkade: a sweet, caffeine-free drink made with hibiscus flowers and sugar, typically costing around $1-$2 USD
Dining Customs
- It is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean
- Guests are often served first, and it is polite to wait for the host to start eating before beginning
- It is customary to try a little of each dish, as this shows appreciation for the host's hospitality
- Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, and dining customs may vary during this time, with many restaurants and cafes closing during the day
- It is polite to dress modestly when dining in traditional restaurants or homes, with men and women covering their shoulders and knees
- Reservations are not always necessary, but it is recommended to book in advance for popular restaurants, especially during peak hours
Where to Eat
- Traditional restaurants: serve traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, often with a focus on Kabsa and Mandi, and can be found in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah
- Food courts: offer a variety of international and local cuisine, often with a focus on fast food and street food, and can be found in major shopping malls
- Street food stalls: offer a variety of traditional Saudi Arabian street food, such as Shawarma and Falafel, and can be found in major cities and towns
- Cafes: serve traditional Saudi Arabian coffee and desserts, such as Cardamom coffee and Luqaimat, and can be found in major cities and towns
- Markets: offer a variety of fresh produce, spices, and other ingredients, and can be found in major cities and towns
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Souk Al-Alia in Riyadh: a traditional market offering a variety of fresh produce, spices, and other ingredients
- Jeddah Corniche in Jeddah: a waterfront area offering a variety of street food and restaurants, with stunning views of the Red Sea
- Makkah Food Festival in Mecca: an annual food festival offering a variety of traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine and drinks
- Najran Fort in Najran: a historic fort offering traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine and drinks, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape
- Abha Market in Abha: a traditional market offering a variety of fresh produce, spices, and other ingredients, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains