Saudi, a land rich in history and culture, is fast emerging as a favorite travel destination. With the country’s breathtaking landscapes, profound culture and diverse cuisine, Saudi offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re traveling with family and friends or setting off on a solo adventure, this captivating country offers a wide range of experiences. From its culture to its delicious cuisine, Saudi flavors bear a striking resemblance to Indian cuisine, providing a feeling of comfort in a foreign land, while also delighting your taste buds. There are so many surprising ingredients waiting to be uncovered in Saudi cuisine. curious? keep reading!
Why is Saudi cuisine a must for food lovers?
In Saudi, food is an integral part of hospitality, also known as ‘Saudi welcome’. It’s hearty and rustic, with dishes that have roots deeply rooted in time. Rice dishes, delicious porridge and stews are some of the most common dishes, all offering comfort. Particularly in bread, the culture becomes unique with varieties like paper-thin ragag bread and parathas that are commonly associated with South Asia. If you visit during the holy month of Ramadan, you should not miss to taste Jarish, a traditional wheat and lamb porridge cooked with black pepper, dried black lemon, cinnamon and cloves – delicious and Delicious.
Indians traveling to Saudi? Here’s how you’ll recognize those familiar flavors in Saudi cuisine
The most interesting dimension of Saudi cuisine is that it uses some spices which are also used in Indian cuisine. This is a reflection of the culinary exchanges associated with ancient trade routes. Spices such as turmeric, cumin, cardamom, saffron, coriander, ginger and chilli became essential ingredients in Saudi cuisine, adding depth and richness to dishes. For example, Saudi Kabsa is surprisingly similar to Indian Biryani as they both use fragrant rice and well-cooked meat. However, the favorite breakfast of many people in Saudi, Muttabak, is similar to the Indian stuffed paratha. You will also find some snacks in Saudi kitchens that are similar to Indian samosas and jalebis. For those who like to appreciate a variety of flavors, Saudi cuisine is essentially just that.
From breakfast to dinner: traditional Saudi dishes you must try
They say that to learn the culture of a place you must try the local food. Being in Saudi, there are some traditional dishes that you cannot forget:
Breakfast:
Start your day with Saudi coffee and dates, a simple but satisfying pairing that reflects local tradition.
full madams: A hearty and delicious dish made with fava beans, olive oil, lemon juice and spices. It is a popular breakfast option in Saudi and is often served with bread.
Egg Shakshuka: This North African dish is a popular breakfast option in Saudi. It consists of eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, often served with bread or pita.
Luqaimat: These are deep-fried dough balls soaked in sweet syrup. These are often enjoyed with a cup of Arabic coffee.
Balaleet: A sweet and savory dish made from vermicelli noodles, eggs and sugar syrup. It is a popular breakfast option in Saudi, especially during Ramadan.
kausa mahashi: Zucchini stuffed with a mixture of meat, rice and spices. This is a delicious and healthy breakfast option.
lunch:
Popular dishes include:
kabsa: a delicious rice dish that is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia. It is usually made with rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or camel), vegetables, and various spices.
Machbos: Similar to Kabsa, Machabus is another popular rice dish. It is made from a mixture of rice, meat and spices. It is often served with vegetable side dishes or salad.
tharid: a hearty stew made from meat, vegetables, and bread. It is a popular winter dish in Saudi.
saleg: a rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables and spices. It is often served with a side dish of curd or salad.
Falafel: Crunchy fried balls made of chickpeas and herbs. They are often served with hummus, tahini sauce and pita bread.
dinner
A typical Saudi dinner typically includes:
Mankish: a flatbread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, za’atar or meat. It is a popular street food in Saudi and can be enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Haris: a hearty stew made of wheat, meat and spices. It is often served during special occasions and is a popular winter dish.
Kahwa: a traditional Arabic coffee usually served with dates. This is a strong and flavorful coffee that is perfect for ending a meal.
Konafa: a sweet dessert made from shredded phyllo pastry, cheese and sugar syrup. It is a popular sweet in Saudi and the Middle East.
Umm Ali: A creamy dessert made from bread, milk, sugar, nuts and raisins. It is a popular sweet in Saudi and Egypt.
In addition to these traditional dishes, Saudi also serves a wide range of international cuisine, from Italian and French to Chinese and Japanese. The growing food scene in the country has led to the emergence of many trendy restaurants and cafes that cater to every taste and budget.
Where to eat in Saudi – Every food lover must visit there
1. Riyadh: The pulse of Saudi
The capital city, Riyadh, is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. It is a place where you can explore ancient history through markets, museums and historic architecture, against the backdrop of modern dynamism characterized by tall buildings and a dynamic art scene. Riyadh is also a paradise for food lovers. Stop at Najd Village Restaurant for local cuisine or check out the many restaurants across the city, including international favorites like Carbone and Gymkhana. A guided tour through a Bedouin desert camp offers a traditional Bedouin experience, including the chance to enjoy Saudi coffee under a starry sky.
2. Abha: Culinary splendor in the Asir region
Abha is located in the Sarawat mountains, where there are beautiful landscapes and cool temperatures – very different from the rest of the Kingdom. The region preserves its traditional dishes and culinary methods, earning the title of “World Culinary Region” by IGCAT, which will be officially recognized in 2024. The most popular ingredients in Aura are honey, coffee, lamb and whole wheat flour. A guided tour begins with a visit to a local honey farm, where you can learn about the production process and taste some of Saudi’s most delicious honey.
3. Jeddah: A coastal gastronomic adventure
Jeddah is a city that combines history and adventure. Ideal for water sports lovers, it offers snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear waters. Jeddah is also a favorite among food lovers, with traditional bakeries like Saudi Bakery and modern fine dining options. A visit to Al Balad, historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you down memory lane as you witness the city’s heritage. Consider going on a guided city tour – including lunch – to explore the culture, arts and history of Jeddah while enjoying authentic Saudi food at a local restaurant.
4. Taif: City of Roses
Taif, known as the City of Roses for its more than 700 rose farms, is located on the eastern slopes of the Sarawat Mountains at an altitude of 1,700 metres. The cooler weather provides a chance to visit heritage buildings and monuments. The city has many monuments, museums, modern markets and cozy cafes. A guided tour in Taif will take you to a local home, where you can experience the hospitality of the Taif people, enjoy traditional Saudi coffee and cuisine, wear traditional women’s clothing and have a delicious dinner prepared from local ingredients. Can enjoy.
Farm Tour: Understand and experience food and wine production in Saudi
Saudi takes culinary travel to new heights with agriculture-based food and drink experiences. These activities come with overnight options and can be included in any itinerary.
1. Strawberry Farm in Taif
Located in Al Hada area, this strawberry farm is an attractive destination that attracts tourists throughout the year. The farm also has a bird garden, a small lake with ducks and turtles, and kiosks selling strawberry-related delicacies and souvenirs such as juices and pastries.
2. Vineyard in Abha
The tourist grape farm in Abha is an iconic destination in the Aseer region. Here, you can strike a balance between fun and entertainment while learning some farming practices. The farm has various crops like oranges, lemons, olives and of course grapes. There is also a restaurant, café and a shop selling organic products.
3. Wadi Al Ain Coffee Farm in Jazan
Wadi Al Ain Farms is located in the Governorate of Al Diar in the Jazan region, nestled between mountains and with a warm climate. It is considered one of the world’s leading coffee producers. Al Khawlani coffee, grown on this farm 1,800 meters above sea level, has gained worldwide recognition. Visitors can enjoy the entire coffee making process and taste a cup of this treasured beverage.
4. Al Arak Farm near Jeddah
Slightly north of Jeddah, Al Arak Farms is one of the most interesting agricultural sites, where traditional farming is practiced. Tours are available to enjoy fresh Saudi coffee, chai embers tea and locally grown dates, as well as learn about the cultivation of arak trees, considered sacred in Islam.
Useful for planning your trip to Saudi
Things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Saudi:
dress decentlyAlthough hijab is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to wear modest clothing especially in religious places. Appropriate attire includes loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders, cleavage and legs.
Weekend Plan: Weekends in Saudi fall on Friday and Saturday. Plan non-shopping activities on this day.
Security:
In September 2024, Saudi was named among the safest countries in the world in a global security report by polling organization Gallup. Ranked #32, Saudi Arabia is safest for travelers including women. A girls’ trip is totally possible with so many female-friendly activities and destinations.
Experience Saudi heritage, landscapes and delicious cuisine. Be sure to add Saudi to your travel list and discover what this incredible destination has to offer.
