Saudi Arabia, the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, boasts a rich tapestry of culinary traditions deeply intertwined with its heritage and hospitality. Saudi Arabia Food culture is a vibrant expression of generosity and warmth, where meals are a communal affair, showcasing an array of hearty and flavorful dishes. If you’re eager to explore the authentic tastes of the Middle East, Saudi Arabian cuisine offers an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
From fragrant rice dishes to savory pastries and comforting stews, Saudi Arabia food utilizes a blend of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques. Rice, lamb, chicken, yogurt, and dates are staples, forming the foundation of many iconic meals. Prepare to be captivated by the depth of flavors and the sheer variety that Saudi Arabia food has to offer.
Let’s embark on a delicious exploration of 20 of the most popular foods in Saudi Arabia that you simply must experience.
1. Ruz Al Bukhari: Fragrant Rice with Roasted Chicken
Ruz Al Bukhari, a popular Saudi Arabia food featuring fragrant rice and roasted chicken
Ruz Al Bukhari, also known as Ruz al-Fahm, is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia food. This aromatic rice dish is traditionally served with tender roasted chicken and infused with a symphony of spices like cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, and star anise. Often garnished with sweet raisins and crispy fried onions, Ruz Al Bukhari is accompanied by a zesty and spicy tomato sauce known as salata hara, adding a delightful kick. Some variations elevate the dish further with the addition of crunchy almonds and pine nuts, enhancing both texture and flavor.
The name “Ruz Al Bukhari” translates to Bukhari rice, hinting at its origins from the ancient city of Bukhara, a significant Silk Road hub in Central Asia. This dish beautifully illustrates the historical culinary influences that have shaped Saudi Arabia food.
2. Muttabaq: Savory Folded Bread
Muttabaq, meaning “folded” in Arabic, is a beloved Saudi Arabia food snack, perfect for a quick bite or a light meal. This savory dish features a thin, crispy bread encasing a flavorful filling of minced meat, eggs, leeks, and scallions. Whether shallow-fried to golden perfection or baked in some regions, Muttabaq offers a delightful contrast of textures – crispy on the outside and generously stuffed on the inside.
The dough is meticulously rolled into a large rectangle, layered with the savory minced meat and egg mixture, then skillfully folded into a smaller rectangle. Cut into squares, Muttabaq is typically served with refreshing lemon wedges and fiery whole chilies, allowing diners to customize their experience.
3. Harees: A Ramadan Staple
Harees holds a special place in Saudi Arabia food history as one of the oldest dishes in the Kingdom. It’s a cherished staple, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. While spice variations may differ regionally, cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon are common aromatic additions to Harees.
This hearty dish is made from simple yet nourishing ingredients: coarse ground wheat, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and oil or butter. These are meticulously combined and cooked until they meld into a homogeneous mixture, resembling a thick, comforting oatmeal. Often garnished with fried onions and garlic, Harees is a testament to the wholesome and traditional aspects of Saudi Arabia food.
4. Tamiya (Falafel): Vegetarian Fritters
Tamiya, widely recognized as falafel, is a celebrated vegetarian offering within Saudi Arabia food. These flavorful fritters are crafted from chickpeas, fava beans, or a combination of both, making them a popular and accessible snack throughout the Kingdom.
Enjoy Tamiya on its own as a crispy snack, or experience it as a satisfying sandwich served in khubz (Arabic bread). The sandwich often includes fresh vegetables like eggplant, pickles, and tomatoes, sometimes enhanced with sliced boiled eggs. A creamy garlic-tahini sauce is the perfect accompaniment, either served on the side or generously drizzled inside the sandwich, completing this quintessential Saudi Arabia food experience. Falafel’s popularity extends across the Middle East, highlighting its regional significance in cuisines from Lebanon to Dubai.
5. Ful wa Tameez: Hearty Breakfast Dip
Credits: thegypsymissy
Ful wa Tameez is a warming and satisfying breakfast dish that exemplifies Saudi Arabia food’s focus on hearty and flavorful starts to the day. It consists of a rich, mashed fava bean dip served alongside Tameez, a thick and chewy flatbread. Especially favored during Ramadan, Ful wa Tameez is a common Suhoor (pre-dawn breakfast) choice.
Fava beans are slow-cooked with cloves of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices until tender and flavorful. Served with a generous drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs, and accompanied by warm Tameez bread for dipping, Ful wa Tameez is a comforting and nutritious representation of Saudi Arabia food traditions.
6. Shawarma: Ubiquitous Street Food
Shawarma is undeniably one of the most popular and widely available Saudi Arabia food options. Found on nearly every street corner, shawarma is a staple Arabic dish that has captured hearts worldwide. It features thinly sliced meat, typically chicken, beef, or lamb, stacked in a cone shape and slow-roasted on a rotating spit.
The flavorful meat is then shaved off and stuffed into khubz (Arabic bread) with pickles, crispy french fries, and creamy tahini sauce. Rolled into a satisfying sandwich, shawarma is a quick, delicious, and iconic representation of Saudi Arabia food culture. While chicken shawarma is most prevalent, beef and lamb variations are also readily available, showcasing the diversity within this popular dish.
7. Kibbeh: Saudi Arabian Comfort Food
Kibbeh is often considered the epitome of Saudi Arabia food comfort. Derived from the Arabic word “kubbah,” meaning ball, Kibbeh are deep-fried croquettes made from a fine paste of bulgur wheat and meat, typically lamb or beef. These savory balls are filled with toasted pine nuts and aromatic spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying bite.
To prepare Kibbeh, bulgur wheat and ground meat are meticulously processed into a smooth paste. This paste is then shaped into balls, filled with a spiced mixture of pine nuts and meat, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. Variations include baked or even raw Kibbeh, showcasing the versatility of this beloved Saudi Arabia food.
8. Mandi: Yemeni Delight, Saudi Favorite
Mandi, while originating from Yemen, has become exceptionally popular in Saudi Arabia food and across most Arab countries. This flavorful meat and rice dish is a testament to regional culinary exchange. The meat, often lamb or chicken, is boiled with whole spices, then traditionally cooked in an underground oven pit and smoked over coal, imparting a unique smoky aroma.
The rice, typically basmati, is cooked with a blend of spices, notably turmeric, which gives it its signature yellow hue. Mandi is traditionally served on a large communal platter, designed for sharing, and often garnished with sweet raisins and crispy fried onions, embodying the communal spirit of Saudi Arabia food.
9. Gahwa: Traditional Arabic Coffee
Gahwa is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural cornerstone of Saudi Arabia food and hospitality. For centuries, Gahwa, or Arabic coffee, has been central to welcoming guests and social gatherings. Made from lightly roasted and coarsely ground coffee beans, Gahwa is infused with spices such as cloves and cardamom, creating a distinctive and aromatic brew.
Enjoyed throughout the day and night, Gahwa is typically served with fresh dates or sweets to balance its slightly bitter taste. It is presented in elegant thermoses called Dallah and poured into small, handleless cups. Consumed in small quantities, Gahwa is a symbol of generosity and a quintessential element of Saudi Arabia food traditions.
10. Hummus: Creamy Chickpea Dip
Credits: @lebanese_delicious_dishes
Hummus, a globally recognized Middle Eastern dip, is a staple in Saudi Arabia food. Made from creamy chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), garlic, and lemon juice, hummus is a refreshing and versatile dish. Traditionally, it’s served with a generous drizzle of olive oil and enjoyed with freshly baked khubz for scooping.
In Saudi Arabia, you’ll frequently find Hummus Bil Laham, or hummus with meat. As the name suggests, this variation is generously topped with seasoned ground meat (lamb or beef), pine nuts, olive oil, and fresh parsley. Served with khubz, Hummus Bil Laham elevates the classic dip into a more substantial and flavorful Saudi Arabia food experience.
11. Ferek: Winter Warmer
Credits: @travelsaudiarabia on pinterest
Ferek is a traditional Saudi Arabia food favorite, particularly cherished during the colder winter months. This comforting dish is made from a unique combination of caramelized onions, sugar, spices, and bread, all processed into a fine, rich brown paste.
Ferek offers a delightful interplay of sweet, savory, and hearty flavors, making it a beloved dish across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Its warming nature and complex taste profile make it a standout example of traditional Saudi Arabia food.
12. Saleeg: Creamy Rice Porridge
Saleeg, originating from the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia, is a traditional rice dish known for its creamy, porridge-like consistency. This comforting dish features short-grain rice cooked in a flavorful chicken or meat broth. Saleeg is often prepared for special occasions and during the cooler months, representing a celebratory and warming aspect of Saudi Arabia food.
Made with simple ingredients – rice, roast chicken or beef, milk, olive oil, butter or ghee, and a blend of spices – Saleeg is relatively easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. It is traditionally served on large circular platters (Tabasi), with the chicken or beef placed atop the creamy rice, creating a visually appealing and delicious centerpiece of Saudi Arabia food.
13. Kunafah: Sweet Cheese Pastry
Kunafah, or Kanafeh, is a celebrated sweet pastry throughout the Middle East and a delightful highlight of Saudi Arabia food desserts. Found in numerous shapes and forms across Arab countries, Kunafah is a testament to the region’s rich pastry traditions.
While preparations vary, Kunafah typically consists of a crunchy shell, made from either semolina or shredded phyllo dough, encasing a creamy cheese or custard filling. Generously drizzled with sweet syrup and served warm, Kunafah is a perfect ending to any Saudi Arabia food feast, offering a delightful balance of textures and sweetness.
14. Dajaj Mashwi: Spicy Barbecue Chicken
Credits: terasregatta
Dajaj Mashwi is a flavorful and spicy barbecue chicken dish that showcases the vibrant use of spices in Saudi Arabia food. While chicken breast is commonly used, restaurants often offer various cuts, allowing for different textures and preferences. The chicken is marinated in a robust blend of spices and herbs, including paprika, red chili powder, black pepper, sumac, and za’atar, creating a deeply flavorful experience.
Dajaj Mashwi is typically served with a refreshing mixed salad and garlic sauce, providing a balanced meal. It can also be enjoyed with rice, couscous, or soup, making it a versatile and popular Saudi Arabia food choice.
15. Maamoul: Festive Cookies
Maamoul cookies are delicate shortbread butter cookies filled with an array of delicious fillings, such as dates, walnuts, figs, pistachios, and almonds. Date Maamoul cookies are particularly popular in Saudi Arabia food culture and are traditionally served during holidays and celebrations. Made and shared in large quantities with neighbors and friends, Maamoul cookies embody the spirit of community and festivity.
Shaped into small domes and best enjoyed with a cup of tea or Gahwa, Maamoul cookies feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth semolina dough. These cookies are a sweet and symbolic representation of Saudi Arabia food traditions and hospitality.
16. Fatayer: Savory Pies
Fatayer are savory pies that are a delightful component of Saudi Arabia food, often served as part of a mezze platter. While meat-filled Fatayer are popular, they can also be made with diverse fillings like cheese, labneh, and spinach, catering to various tastes. These delicious pies are frequently served as appetizers alongside hummus and kibbeh, creating a flavorful and diverse spread.
The preparation of Fatayer begins with rolling out dough into various shapes. These dough pieces are then filled with preferred fillings and baked until golden brown, resulting in a flaky and flavorful Saudi Arabia food snack or appetizer.
17. Kabsa: The National Dish
Kabsa is arguably the most famous dish in Saudi Arabia food and is widely considered the national dish of the country. Similar to Ruz Al Bukhari, Kabsa is an aromatic rice and roast chicken dish served on large communal platters, emphasizing the shared dining experience in Saudi culture.
The rice for Kabsa is cooked in the same flavorful broth used to cook the chicken, infused with a blend of spices like ground coriander, cumin, black pepper powder, red chili powder, cloves, and cardamom. Often served with Salata Hara (spicy tomato sauce) and topped with fried onions, raisins, and sometimes pine nuts, Kabsa is a quintessential representation of Saudi Arabia food.
18. Sambusak: Savory Pastries
Sambusak, also known as Sambousa or Samosas, are popular snacks and appetizers not only in Saudi Arabia food but also across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. These savory pastries are similar to hand pies and are filled with a variety of options, with cheese, ground beef, and chicken being the most common choices.
Sambusak is relatively easy to make, involving thin, buttery dough stuffed with a chosen filling and then deep-fried to a golden crisp. These savory pastries are a versatile and widely enjoyed Saudi Arabia food snack.
19. Tharid: Hearty Lamb Stew
Credits: @love_english_with_haneen
Tharid is a hearty and flavorful lamb and vegetable stew served over thin, unleavened bread (regag). This comforting dish is particularly popular during the holy month of Ramadan and holds cultural significance as it is said to have been a favorite of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).
The lamb for Tharid is slow-stewed with a medley of spices and vegetables, typically potatoes, onions, and carrots, until tender and flavorful. Arranged over crispy thin bread and served, Tharid is a nourishing and culturally significant Saudi Arabia food, especially during Ramadan.
20. Arayes: Grilled Pita Sandwiches
Arayes are crispy and flavorful pita bread sandwiches filled with minced lamb meat, spices, and herbs. Traditionally considered snack food, Arayes can be baked, pan-fried, or grilled, offering versatility in preparation.
The filling for Arayes consists of seasoned minced meat, onion, tomatoes, and sometimes pomegranate molasses, adding a touch of sweetness and tang. The stuffed pita bread is typically grilled, resulting in a delightfully crunchy exterior and a soft, savory, meaty interior, making Arayes a satisfying and popular Saudi Arabia food snack.
Saudi Arabia food is a captivating reflection of the Kingdom’s nomadic heritage and its deep-rooted traditions of hospitality. As you’ve discovered, communal platters and shared meals are central to Saudi Arabian food culture, with meat, rice, spices, and bread forming the foundation of many dishes. Exploring Saudi Arabia food is an enriching culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and offer a deeper understanding of this fascinating culture.
Huda Afridi
Huda is a freelance content writer and designer with a passion for food and culture. Born and raised in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, she enjoys sharing her culinary insights and experiences with the world.
