Influenced by ancient Arab and Bedouin culture, as well as spices from Middle Eastern trade routes, Saudi Arabian cuisine offers a unique and memorable culinary experience for tourists.
From grilled meat dishes and aromatic rice dishes to signature date-based drinks, Saudi Arabian cuisine is a must-try on any visit to the country.
Here’s a list of popular and highly recommended Saudi Arabian dishes!
1. Kabsa
Spiced rice cooked with spices such as cardamom, cloves, saffron, cinnamon, and pepper, meat.
2. Mandi Rice
Spiced rice cooked with spices such as cardamom, cloves, saffron, cinnamon, and pepper, and meat. Mandi uses traditional cooking techniques in the ground using hot coals.
3. Mutabbaq
Folded bread stuffed with minced meat, onions and eggs.
4. Shawarma
Bread with sliced grilled meat, vegetables, and tahini sauce or garlic sauce
5. Jareesh
Wheat cooked with meat until it becomes porridge.
6. Luqaimat
Sweet snacks in the form of small balls, fried until crispy and then drizzled with sugar syrup or honey.
7. Kunafa
Thin bread vermicelli and cheese, then baked and topped with sweet syrup.
Saudi Arabian cuisine is not only mouth-watering, but also reflects the culture, history, and traditions of its people. Whether you’re a fan of gahwa coffee, a connoisseur of aromatic rice dishes, or a lover of Middle Eastern desserts, Saudi Arabia is a destination that offers unforgettable taste experiences.
