A Tasty Journey: The Definitive Guide to Food in Saudi Arabia
If you’re about to embark on an epicurean exploration of Saudi Arabia, you’ve come to the right place. Brace yourself for a culinary tour that’s rich, diverse, and steeped in tradition. Let’s dive into the rich tapestry of flavours that the Saudi Arabian cuisine has to offer.
A Little Backstory: The Culinary Heritage of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian food is a splendid reflection of the country’s history and its generous hospitality. Centuries of trade routes and Bedouin life have shaped what you see (and taste) today. A medley of spices from the spice route, hearty grains, and meats to endure desert travels – all these components come together to create an inviting and unique cuisine.
Saudi Cuisine: A Celebration of Flavours and Traditions
Signature Dishes to Try
You can’t speak of Saudi Arabian cuisine without mentioning Kabsa. This tantalising one-pot dish is traditionally made with long-grain rice (usually basmati), a mixture of spices, and meat – typically chicken, goat, lamb, camel, or sometimes seafood on the coastal areas. Every region, every family, has its own variant, each just as delicious as the last.
Other must-try dishes include Jareesh (a type of cracked wheat porridge), Mutabbaq (a stuffed pancake), and Saleeg (a creamy rice dish usually served with chicken). If you’re on the coast, don’t miss out on the freshly caught and expertly prepared seafood, like Sayadiyah (rice with fish).
Saudi Arabian Breads
No meal is complete without bread, and Saudi Arabia offers a wide array. Tamees is a popular bread baked in a tandoor, while Kuboos (also known as Khubz) is an Arabian pita bread traditionally baked in a special oven. These breads are versatile, pairing perfectly with rich stews, grilled meats, or simply with a spread of local cheese or honey.
Desert Desserts and Snacks
Save room for dessert because Saudi Arabian sweets are not to be missed. Kleija, a cardamom-infused date-filled cookie, is a staple during holidays but can be enjoyed anytime. And then there’s Umm Ali, a deliciously decadent bread pudding.
For a lighter snack, try the popular dates with Arabic coffee – a customary form of hospitality in any Saudi home. The dates are naturally sweet, and the coffee, infused with cardamom, is a wonderful counterpoint.
A Journey through the Regions
Riyadh: A Culinary Capital
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a culinary melting pot. Here, you can find everything from the traditional Kabsa to international cuisines. Be sure to visit the bustling food markets, where you can try out the traditional Najdi Kabsa, a variant of Kabsa popular in this region.
Jeddah: Coastal Delights
The coastal city of Jeddah brings the bountiful Red Sea onto the plate. Fresh fish and seafood are prepared in a multitude of ways, with spices that reflect the city’s trading history. Don’t miss out on the local favourite, Sayadieh, a spiced fish and rice dish that tells the story of Jeddah’s long-standing relationship with the sea.
Al Khobar: Eastern Flavours
Al Khobar, a city on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, is a must-visit for food lovers. Explore the city’s restaurants to taste the local versions of Mandi and Kabsa, as well as freshly caught and cooked seafood from the Arabian Gulf.
Eating Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
Understanding and respecting the local dining etiquette is a crucial part of the gastronomic journey. In Saudi Arabia, always use your right hand when eating or accepting food. Remember that many meals are shared family-style, so only take what you can eat to avoid wastage. And if you’re invited to a Saudi home, accept the invitation graciously—it’s the highest form of compliment and a fantastic opportunity to experience Saudi hospitality at its finest.
Diving Deeper into the Saudi Food Scene
A Taste of Street Food
No culinary adventure is complete without sampling the street food. In Saudi Arabia, the street food scene is as vibrant and diverse as its traditional cuisine. Mutabbaq, a stuffed, pan-fried bread, is a street food classic you’ll find all across the country. Sambusas (deep-fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables) are another popular bite-sized delight, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Spice Markets: A Riot of Flavours and Colours
Exploring local markets is a surefire way to get to know the food culture of a country. In Saudi Arabia, the spice souks are a sensory overload, brimming with colours, scents, and textures. The spice markets of Riyadh and Jeddah, in particular, offer a cornucopia of traditional spices, herbs, and blends. Here, you’ll find everything from za’atar and sumac to more familiar spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
Experiencing Saudi Tea Culture
Tea in Saudi Arabia is more than just a drink—it’s a social institution. Whether it’s at the beginning of a business meeting, during social visits, or as part of the daily routine, tea plays an integral role. Saudi tea is typically black and strong, often flavoured with mint, saffron, or cardamom and served with dates or sweets.
Embrace the Saudi Arabian Culinary Adventure
Join a Cooking Class
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a country’s culinary culture than by learning to cook its food. Joining a local cooking class in Saudi Arabia can be a delightful experience. Not only do you learn about ingredients and cooking techniques, but it’s also a fantastic way to understand Saudi customs and traditions better.
Dining Out in Saudi Arabia: From Traditional to Modern
Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is a fascinating blend of old and new. Traditional restaurants offer authentic Saudi dishes, often in settings designed to resemble Bedouin tents or old-style Saudi houses. On the other end of the spectrum, modern, upscale restaurants in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah offer contemporary takes on Saudi cuisine, combining local ingredients and traditional flavours with international cooking techniques.
Special Dietary Needs
For those with special dietary needs, fear not! Many restaurants in Saudi Arabia cater to a variety of dietary requirements. Vegetarian options are plentiful thanks to the array of vegetable-based mezze and salads, and you’ll find many dishes are naturally gluten-free. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask—most places are more than willing to accommodate you.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Saudi Arabia through its food is a journey filled with rich flavours, ancient traditions, and generous hospitality. As you traverse from bustling city centres to quiet coastal towns, remember that each bite tells a story—a story of a vibrant culture, a resilient people, and a land that has witnessed the passage of time. So, take your time, savour every bite, and let the food of Saudi Arabia captivate your senses. Sahtain, or double health—as they say in Saudi Arabia—to a fulfilling gastronomic adventure!