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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East is home to some of the best food in the world. The country’s rich heritage and customs heavily influence the gastronomic delights found in the country. Food plays a vital role along with generosity, warmth and sharing which are the hallmarks of Arabian hospitality. We list the 10 best gastronomic delights from Saudi Arabia that you must savour!
Top 10 Food In Saudi Arabia
Muttabaq
The delicious snack is among the best food in Saudi Arabia that you can try for breakfast in Jeddah. This Saudi street-style paratha consists of delicious meat and egg filling. The spicy, full of flavour cute pocket-sized meal is made with all-purpose flour and rolled thin. The fillings of cooked meat, eggs, chopped tomatoes and lots of green onions make this among the best food in the world. Pick it up from a Bukhari restaurant near you for a delightful meal that pairs well with Karak chai or Arabic tea.
Kabsa
Kabsa is a rice dish that is enjoyed throughout the Arabian Peninsula. The long-grain rice is blended perfectly with flavours and spices. The dish is made with meat, fish, shrimp or chicken which usually goes on top of the rice. It is popularly eaten at restaurants in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar among others. Al Romansiah, Al Saddah and a few others are some of the best restaurants in Jeddah to taste the traditional dish.
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Jareesh
This humble dish is a hearty porridge dish made with coarsely ground wheat, choice of meat and tomatoes (or other ingredients depending on one’s choice). The Najd Village is by far the oldest and most popular restaurant serving Najd cuisine in Riyadh. It is one of the best restaurants in Riyadh that promises an authentic ambience with heritage vibes. The delicious food that evokes a feeling of nostalgia is among the best gastronomic delights of Saudi Arabia.
Shawarma
Mama Noura is among the best restaurants in Riyadh that serve Shawarma, a delicious Middle Eastern snack. This popular Saudi food is made with either lamb, chicken, beef, turkey or with a mix of different meats. It is slow-cooked for hours to bring out the flavourful juices and fat of the meat. The real secret of shawarma is in its marinade. The tasty dish pairs well with Amba and Zhoug, a traditional Arabic sauce and condiment.
Hininy
The vegetable dish is popular in Najd and is among the best food in the world, especially in the Middle East region. Taste the delicious brown bread consisting of dates and butter. It is flavoured with saffron and cardamom and is a speciality of Najd Village, especially during winter. The unique mix of ingredients is a must-try while in Saudi Arabia. Hininy Saudi Arabia is among the top 10 traditional dishes you must try.
Mast Biryani
Relish Mast Biryani, one of the best foods in the world and a favourite dish in the Al Khobar region of Saudi Arabia. Memon Biryani Al Khobar branch, Shalimar Restaurant and more are among the best restaurants in Khobar to try the traditional dish. Arabic Biryani is very different from the popular Indian and South Asian dishes. Savour the flavoured rice cooked with chicken meat and served mostly at elaborate dinner parties in honour of guests. It is cooked in different textures and combined with the spices that makes it a burst of flavours on one’s palate.
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Kibbeh
Kibbeh is a favourite Saudi comfort food that uses a fine paste of bulgur wheat. It is deep fried and consists of pine nuts and spices. Kibbeh comes from an Arabic word called kubbah which means ball. The bulgur wheat and ground meat are processed together into balls and stuffed with pine nuts, meat and then fried. You can also taste them as baked or served raw in some places. Crunch into the deep-fried croquettes, a crispy Middle Eastern treat.
Hummus
This is among the best food in the world and is a famous Middle Eastern dish. Traditionally hummus pairs along with a generous serving of olive oil and consists of chickpeas, garlic, tahini and lemon juice. You will also find the best restaurants in Jeddah that serve hummus bil laham or hummus with meat. This hummus goes with a serving of pan fry lamb or beef, fresh parsley, pine nuts and olive oil on the top and is best with khubz, Arabic flat bread.
Saleeg
This traditional rice dish is among the top 10 best gastronomic delights from Saudi Arabia. It consists of short-grain rice cooked in chicken or meat broth. Saleeg is a dish that hails from the Hijaz region in Saudi Arabia. It is generally eaten during special occasions and especially during the winter months. The creamy porridge-like dish is among the best food in the world and is relatively easy to make. It is served on large platters called tabasi with either chicken or beef sitting directly on top of the dish.
Ful wa Tameez
Looking for a favourite meal for breakfast in Jeddah, then try the Ful wa Tameez. The appetizing dish uses mashed fava bean dip and thick bread. This dish is especially popular during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. It is generally eaten during Suhoor or as a pre-dawn breakfast. Fava beans are cooked with cloves of garlic, onion, tomatoes and spices. You can eat it with tameez or flatbread and relish it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It is a favourite among locals in Saudi Arabia.
