Food in Saudi Arabia: Delve in the Authentic Spices of Traditional Dishes

Food is not just a means of survival but it is more than the truest emotions in one's life. Talking about the Arabian Gulf, it is believed that food is the symbol of hospitality that reflects the rich traditions and culture. With an enigmatic fusion and combination, the food in Saudi Arabia has been a wonder with amalgamation of different influences. Let’s dive deeper into the traditional food in Saudi Arabia for a culinary voyage.

Best Food in Saudi Arabia for an Unforgettable Vacation

Saudi Arabia is a country that is historically, culturally and traditionally enriched. Food reflects the traditions of the regions, so in order to discover that one must explore the national and traditional food in Saudi Arabia. Here is the list of all the dishes in Saudi Arabia that must be tasted while you are on the trip to the country.

Kabsa: Very Popular Rice Dish

One of the most popular rice dishes, popular throughout the Gulf states of Arabian Peninsula. The dish is influenced by Persian and Indian taste, and is often referred to as Machboos. This traditional Arabian delicacy is made of re-using water that is used to cook fish and meat. The spiced rice cooked to blend the flavors and spices along with the chicken, lamb, camel meat, fish or even shrimp. It is a staple in the Arab nations and served on a large platter and eaten with hands. The dish originally came from Yemen, and traditional dish is very popular and is also considered as the national food in Saudi Arabia.

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Jalamah: Royal Combination of Spices

Jalamah is a succulent meat-based dish consist of young lamb prepared with onion, Arabic spices, cardamom and black pepper. Eaten with rice or flatbread, this delicacy is generally cooked on special occasion such as Eid Al Adha. It is one of the most famous foods in Saudi Arabia, and every one stepping into the country desires to try it. If you are planning to relish this you reach out to any restaurant in Saudi Arabia that serves authentic food. Planning to explore the traditions and culture? Do not skip in the food and beverages that are served locally.

Gursan: Most Relished Broth

The cooking procedure of this dish is very different from rest of the traditional dishes in Saudi. It is made by placing dry, thin sheet of bread in the broth of vegetable and meat until the sheets are completely soaked in the gravy. Looking for things to do in Saudi Arabia that will inscribe on your memory? Where what could be better than trying the astonishing dishes originated from different regions that come together to form one succulent cuisines popular worldwide. Talking about the Gursan, it comes out as a thick and nourishing dish that render a mix of hearty flavors in every bite.

Mutabbaq: Combination of 3 Gems

Saudi Arabia is a paradise for foodies, who crave for a mix of flavors. Travellers not only come here to explore the stunning tourist destination is Saudi Arabia but also make sure that they relish the authentic food as much as they can. One such traditional food in Saudi Arabia that is quite popular among the locals and visitor is Mutabbaq. The dish is served across the worldwide in India, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. The dish is made by combining Kabsa, Jereesh and Gursan. Mutabbaq is such a versatile dish that it can be included in different forms in a meal. If you are in a hurry or if small hunger pangs are hutting you hard you can get your hands on this dish for little snacking.

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Tharıd: The Spicey Treat

Craving for something spicy? Try Tharid a flavorful lamb stew prepared with barley. Yet another most important reason for the popularity of the Tharid is mentioned in Hadith. The reason is, that this authentic food in Saudi Arabia, was one of the favorites of prophet Muhammad. The dish is prepared with a variety of meat, that is halal of course! The dish is extremely popular in Islamic countries as it is an integral part of al’iiftar, the first meal at sunset after Ramadan fast. Every morsel is heavenly, and the dish is no less than an ambrosia due to its rich taste and texture.

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Dajaj Mashwi: Relish the Authentic Chicken

Yet another most loved dish in Saudi Arabia, that will captivate you with its flavours and aroma. Dajaj Mashwi is made with chicken breast marinated with the mixture of most aromatic ingredients. A mixture of chili powder, ginger, garlic lime juices and other ingredient is prepared to marinate the chicken. Get your hands on the dish and enjoy its ingredients and tenderness. There are many restaurants and cafes in Saudi Arabia that serve this dish, so it is very easily accessible.

Shawarma: The Middle Eastern Street Food

Shawarma is a delicious meat popularly served worldwide. Its origin is traced from the ottoman period. The chicken is marinated and split roasted on the skewers gradually. The meat used in preparing this traditional food in Saudi Arabia be of lamb, turkey, chicken or mix of more than one. There are many places that serve mouthwatering Shawarmas in Riyadh, if you are in the city, it is highly recommended to the live the opportunity enjoying hot shawarma rolls.

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Ma'amoul: Stuffed Cookies

Searching for something sweet? Here you go Ma’amoul is an ancient cookie filled with fruits and nuts. There are many shapes and sizes to differentiate the cookies based on their stuffing. Those filled with date are in dome shaped flattened at the top, the elongated one are pistachio flavored. There are many flavors and stuffing available but date walnut and pistachios are the most popular ones. The cookies are powdered with sugar powder and served with tea and coffee and are charted under the traditional deserts in Saudi Arabia.

Saleeg: Flavourful Porridge

Cooked in the broth of meat which is used as the main ingredient, Saleeg is Saudi Arabia's traditional food quite popular among the locals and travelers.  It is a porridge that is cooked in boiling water, milk, ghee and butter until desired consistency is attained. Served in Tabasi accompanied by meat on the top you can celebrate every bite of it on each of your taste bud. This soul satisfying food is a must have if you are visiting the country. It is loved by all irrespective of their age, the perfect blend of ingredient wakes all the senses of everyone trying the delicacy.

So, if you are someone who likes to experiment with your tastes and craving to try these lip smacking dishes, the wait no more. The traditional and authentic food in Saudi Arabia is one of the must try food all over the world. There are plenty of Saudi dishes that famous around the globe like Shawarma, Dajaj Mashwi, Tharıd, Gursan, and more. A true globe trotter wouldn’t wait any further and take the advantage of the Saudi Arabia tour packages to relish in the sumptuous flavors and delight of these traditional and authentic dishes.

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