Traditional Saudi Dishes Every Traveler Should Try

The rich culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia is a centuries-old tradition, culture, and hospitality. The core of the Arabian Peninsula is not only the land of amazing deserts, ancient architecture, and new cities, but also, it is the land of food enthusiasts ready to enjoy the flavors of something unique and new. You can find Traditional Saudi Dishes whether you are strolling in the surrounding labyrinth of the souks in Riyadh, watching the sea in Jeddah, or visiting the heritage villages of AlUla and them all narrate the history and people of this country.

In case you are trying to dive into the world of the stereotypical Saudis, it is impossible not to taste local delicacies as a part of your adventure. Food in Saudi Arabia is not only about filling the stomach but also about sharing, bonding and feast. All of the dishes, prepared using spices, rice, meat, and love, are an expression of Arabian hospitality. And in case you are going in UAE, then planning a Book Saudi Arabia tour Packages from Dubai is now simpler than ever before leading to a taste adventure that leaves your taste buds aching.

Here are the Traditional Saudi Dishes

1. Cultural Significance of Saudi Food

One should know the reason why food is so important in Saudi culture before delving into certain delicacies. The family values, generosity and religion are entwined in the traditional Saudi meals. Coffee and dates are the commonly used food to welcome guests, and it signifies respect and warmness. Whenever there is a festival such as Ramadan and Eid, families sit together around huge dishes of rice, meat and sweets in order to share the good times.

The cuisine of Saudi also depends on the region, with the Hejaz region (including Makkah and Jeddah) being cosmopolitan in influences due to centuries of trade, and Najd (the region of Riyadh) being able to offer spicy and meat-based cuisine that suits desert climates. At the same time, the Eastern Province which borders the Gulf adds seafood and dates to its menu.

When you make your Saudi Arabia tour in Dubai, visiting these regional differences will provide you with a in-depth examination of the various culinary identity of the country.

2. Kabsa -The Saudi National Dish

A Traditional Saudi Dishes list will never be complete without Kabsa, which is the national dish of this country. Kabsa is a rice and meat dish that is beautifully spiced and served with lamb, chicken or camel meat. What is special is the combination of spices- cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves and black lime, which make the dish have its special smell.

Kabsa is usually eaten in family meetings and celebrations. It is placed on huge sharing dishes, which symbolize community and welcome. Kabsa is a unique experience that one will have whenever they visit Saudi Arabia because of its tender meat, fluffy rice, and tomato sauce with a tangy flavor.

In case you are travelling with Go Kite Travel, do not forget to add a food tour to your list to taste the real Kabsa that has been cooked by Saudi families or in traditional restaurants.

3. Jareesh -The Flavour of Ancient Saudi Cuisine

Jareesh is among the traditional Saudi Dishes that are prepared using crushed wheat, meat and spices. It has the feel of porridge, but has hearty savory tastes. Bedouins used this dish as their meal, and it provided them with warmth and nourishment in the deserts.

It is cooked several hours long, which gives time to the combination of flavor of meat, yogurt and spices. Jareesh is usually accompanied by caramelized onions on top of it, which adds a rich flavor to it. This dish is available in the households of Saudi, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.

4. Mandi – The Smoky Delight

Although Mandi is a Yemeni dish, it is now a favorite of Saudi cuisine. This is an aromatic food that is made with basmati rice, which is then cooked with meat that is traditionally smoked underground hence it has a certain flavor. Mandi is one of the Traditional Saudi Dishes that is simple and cannot be resisted because of its great taste.

Mandi is another dish that must be tried by the lovers of food because it is served with a side of spicy tomato sauce referred to as sahawiq or dakkous. It can be served at the fine restaurants of Riyadh or at roadside eateries of Abha, but in any way that you choose, this dish is the epitome of the Arabian cuisine.

5. Mutabbaq — The Street Food Favorite

Mutabbaq, which translates to folded in Arabic, is a stuffed pancake or pastry that is stuffed with spiced minced meat, eggs and vegetables. It is a savory snack, which is usually available in the markets and the stalls of the Saudi Arabia.

Among the Traditional Saudi Dishes, none can match the impact that South Asian and Yemeni cuisines have on the traditional food preparation, which is an indication of the history of trading in the Kingdom. Fried in the outside and soft on the inside, it is the ideal take away meal as you traverse the activities-driven souks in Saudi.

6. Saleeg - Hejaz Comfort Food

Saleeg is a white rice dish that is compared to risotto. As a product of the Hejaz territory, it is prepared using milk, butter, and tender chicken or lamb. It has a smooth and white texture which is a symbol of purity and simplicity.

The dish is usually served during any special occasion or to a guest as a sign of honor. Saleeg is enhanced with golden fried onions and ghee, and it is a heart-warming meal, best suited to people who love medium foods that are rich in taste.

7. Harees — The Ramadan Essential

Another classic meal is Harees which is made by boiling smashed wheat and meat into a porridge like consistency. It is a typical meal at Ramadan since it is simple to digest and warming after a day of starvation.

Harees are available in a variety of Gulf nations, although the Saudiian one is slightly enhanced with cardamom and cinnamon. It is one of the most appetizing Traditional Saudi Dishes, and it indicates the generosity of the Saudi culture as well as spirituality.

8. Tharid Favorite Preparation of the Prophet

Tharid has a sacred religious status in Saudi Arabia. It is said that it is the favorite meal of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Tharid is prepared with bread and meat broth and is combined with vegetables, which provide a unique texture and flavor.

This meal is the ideal symbol of Saudi tradition simple, tasty and significant. When you are touring the local restaurants in Saudi Arabia, do not forget to ask Tharid to have a close relationship with the Islamic culture.

9. Margoog — A traditional hearty stew

One of the favourite Traditional Saudi Dishes in Najd region is Margoog. It is a hearty stew prepared using vegetables such as zucchini, carrots and egg plant as well as meat and dough slices of whole wheat.

The stew is mixed with the dough, which takes up all the flavour of the stew and makes a delicious meal that is nice during lunch or dinner. In family get-togethers, Saudis enjoy making Margoog, it is a real comfort food made at home.

10. Samboosa The Iftar Essential

Samboosa is a pastry of triangular shape that is stuffed with minced meat, potatoes, cheese, or lentils. Samboosa is a staple dish during the Ramadan iftar meals which has Indian roots, but it is now a favorite Saudi snack.

Samboosa is fried to a golden crunch that leaves one with a pleasing crunch with each bite. And you will find differences all over the nation--some hot, some cold,--but all equally good.

11. Ma’amoul. Sweet Bristles at All Times

A Saudi meal would not be complete without dessert, and Ma’amoul is on the first place of the list. These are fine cookies filled with dates which are served in Eid and special family events.

Ma’amoul is a sweet made of semolina or wheat flour, and filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, symbolizing sweetness and the celebration and tradition. The elaborate patterns on every cookie are done through wooden molds and it reflects Saudi handiwork.

12. Gursan – The Farmer’s Favorite

Another comfort food in the central part of Saudi Arabia is gursan. It is made of thin layers of bread with the mixture of vegetable and meat stew. It is also full of texture, like Margoog, and is well suited to big appetites.

It is a Traditional Saudi Dish that usually served at the countryside houses and is made with love and served to families.

13. Saudi Coffee (Gahwa) and Dates The Spirit of Hospitality

The Saudi coffee is a drink called Gahwa but it is also more of a ritual. It is brewed using coffee beans that have been slightly roasted, combined with cardamom and served always with fresh dates.

Serving coffee to the guests is a necessary element of Saudi hospitality as it is associated with respect and generosity. In your Dubai to Saudi Arabia tour, do not forget to have a traditional coffee ceremony- the experience is in touch with the essence of Arabian culture.

14. Balilah – The Healthy Snack

Balilah is another very basic but tasty dish which is a boiled chickpea mingled with spices, lemon juice and salt. It is lightweight, healthy, and it is usually sold by street traders in Jeddah and Medina.

Balilah provides a tasty and healthy introduction to the culture of Saudi street foods to the traveler who wants to sample local fast foods.

15. Dates and Halwa - Arabian Traditional Sweets

The dates are part of the Saudi identity not only in the form of a snack but also as a food of spirituality. Between the sweet Ajwa of Medina and the Khudri of Riyadh, each of the varieties presents a variation in the flavor profile.

Another favorite Saudi dish, halwa is prepared using sugar, butter, saffron and nuts. These snacks are usually offered in special occasions and as such, they are treats, which dessert lovers must not leave out.

The Place to Get Traditional Saudi Cuisine

Since there are already heritage restaurants within Riyadh and there are open-air food stalls within Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has many opportunities to enjoy traditional cuisine. Among the most good places are:

Najd Village, Riyadh- Kabsa and Margoog.

Al Romansiah, Jeddah, Famous with Mandi and saleeg.

Al Khodariyah, Dammam - Traditional seafood that offers the traditional Eastern Province.

To have a smooth visit experience, go to gokite travel and check out customized culinary tours in Saudi Arabia which include sightseeing and local dinner.

Food tips: coming to Saudi Arabia as a food lover.

Observing local eating behaviors Eat with your right hand and don't eat before the host asks you to eat.

Wear decently when eating in the traditional places.

Go to local markets and get the freshest dates, spices, and honey.

Get locals to give suggestions to you, the Saudis will always feel to offer their food culture.

Reserve in advance during Ramadan, it is the time when restaurants are the busiest.

Conclusion

The cuisine of Saudi Arabia is as different as the geography and traditions of the country. The Kabsa has a wonderful smell, and the Saleeg is very soothing, each of them is a story of family, religion and taste. To eat not only these Traditional Saudi Dishes but also to be a part of the culture that prides itself so much on the hospitality.

Therefore, be it a food lover, or a cultural adventurer, or just a person seeking the new experiences, you need to have a taste of these delights on your agenda. And when you happen to be in the UAE, you can never have an easier time making plans to do your Saudi Arabia tour in Dubai with professional advice of Go Kite Travel -Best travel agency in Dubai. Go on the go to visit gokite travel to explore customized packages that will allow you to explore the unbelievable destinations in Saudi Arabia and the memorable culinary delights. Through the spices of Riyadh to the sweetness of Medina, with the Saudi tastes, you are going to remember your tour forever.