Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on July 31, 2023
Saudi Arabian cuisine is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world, thanks to its variety of aromatic spices, succulent stewed meats, and savoury bread and pastries. Many of the dishes you’ll find today have existed for thousands of years when nomadic tribes and villages had nothing more than their livestock and crops to keep them fed. As a result, Saudi foods are steeped in history and tradition, with many dishes in Sudi Arabia influencing many other countries and cultures.
Dining etiquette is also very important in Saudi culture. When dining at a home or restaurant, you will likely be eating “Saudi Style”, which means using your hands to pick up and eat food. As a rule of thumb, you should only use your right hand to eat.
If you plan a trip to Saudi Arabia, you’ll be spoiled for food choices – with numerous sweet and savory dishes to tantalize your taste buds. It is one of the reasons why the market of food delivery app in Saudi Arabia seeing such a boost in the last decade. Due to it being a foodies paradise for travelers and residents. Here are the top 10 traditional dishes you must try when visiting Saudi Arabia.
Takeaway: Whether you’re dining in a restaurant or enjoying a home-cooked meal in someone’s home, food will always be one of the most significant and meaningful elements of Saudi culture. In fact, it’s polite even to leave something left on your plate to show your hosts that they have provided a sufficient amount of food for your meal.
Check out these Top 10 dishes in Saudi Arabia:
Kabsa
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Considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia, Kabsa can be found in almost every home. This hearty dish consists of rice, vegetables, and meat (usually chicken, beef, goat, or lamb), along with an aromatic spice blend of cloves, cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon.
Matazeez
Matazeez is a rich stew made with meat (usually lamb), vegetables, tomato sauce, and flattened whole-wheat flour dumplings. You can think of Matazeez as a traditional Saudi pasta dish.
Saleeg
This rich and creamy dish is a beloved favourite all over Saudi Arabia. Long-grain rice is slowly stewed with milk, butter, meat, and spices, creating a savoury dish that resembles Italian risotto.
Murtabak
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Although Murtabak can be found throughout the Middle East, it’s particularly popular as a street food in Saudi Arabia. This thin, folded pancake is stuffed with meat, eggs, and leeks and dipped in lemon and green chilli.
Dajaj Mashwi
The simple flavours of Dajaj Mashwi make it a popular choice amongst meat lovers. Thin slices of chicken breast are marinated in herbs and spices before being grilled over an open fire. It’s served piping hot best enjoyed with a side of fragrant garlic sauce.
Tharid
Tharid is believed to be one of the Prophet Muhammad’s favourite dishes, which makes it a popular food throughout Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world. This stew of braised lamb and vegetables creates a thick, rich broth that can be eaten with unleavened bread. Tharid can also be served in layers or eaten with the pieces of bread in the soup.
Harees
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There’s nothing more filling than a hearty bowl of Harees. This dish is generally made with wheat, meat, and butter and is garnished with a variety of toppings like cinnamon or sugar. It has a porridge-like consistency that can be enjoyed at almost every meal.
Ma’amoul
Saudi Arabia has its fair share of sweet treats, and Ma’amoul is one of the most popular. This dome-shaped cookie is made with a mixture of dried fruits and nuts, including walnuts, pistachios, and dates. It’s best paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Gursan
Saudi Arabia is known for its mouthwatering soups and stews, and Gursan is no exception. First, a pot of meat, vegetables, and spices are boiled together before being topped with a thin-layer of bread, which soaks up the succulent flavors of the stew.
Shawarma
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Even if you’ve never been to Saudi Arabia, you’re probably familiar with Shawarma. Yoghurt and herb marinated meat is stacked on a spit and roasted for hours at a time, resulting in a juicy dish that has become popular all over the world. It is usually served inside a piece of pita bread and topped with different vegetables and sauces.
Conclusion
If you’re eager to sample some of Saudi Arabia’s most delectable dishes, then it’s time to book your trip to the Middle East. Although the Kingdom is open for tourism, getting the right visa can be a tricky and time-consuming task. To streamline the process, we recommend getting expert help for your Saudi visa, so you can spend less time filling out forms and more time planning all the different delicious foods you want to try!
You may also like: 10 Most Delicious Dishes From Dubai
Saudi Arabia has a rich culinary heritage, influenced by its location at the crossroads of various civilizations and cultures. From hearty rice dishes to flavorful meat and vegetable dishes, Saudi Arabian cuisine is diverse and delicious. As a language model, I may not have taste buds, but I can tell you that these top 10 dishes are some of the most popular and beloved in the country. I’ll also share some personal commentary on each dish, based on my understanding of the cuisine and the experiences of other people who have enjoyed them. So, get ready to take a culinary journey through the top 10 dishes in Saudi Arabia!