Tiếng ViệtWhat to eat in Saudi Arabia is a question that every traveler is interested in when visiting Saudi Arabia. In addition to accommodation options and choosing tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, what to eat in Saudi Arabia, the local cuisine and specialty drinks in Saudi Arabia are impressive to many tourists. Exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of flavors and culinary experiences for travelers to enjoy.
General introduction to Saudi Arabia Cuisine
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a sovereign nation in the Western Asia region, occupying the majority of the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia is the fifth largest country in Asia and the second largest in the Arab world (after Algeria). Most of Saudi Arabia’s terrain consists of dry deserts or rugged landscapes.
The discovery of oil in this country on March 3, 1938, followed by a series of other major discoveries in the Eastern region, led Saudi Arabia to become the world’s largest producer and exporter of oil, with the second-largest oil reserves and the sixth-largest natural gas reserves globally. What to eat in Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in its economy and culture. The country’s cuisine reflects its rich heritage and diverse influences, offering a wide range of culinary experiences for both locals and visitors alike.
This kingdom allocates 8% of its GDP to military spending (the second highest in the world after Oman), making Saudi Arabia the third-largest military spender globally after the United States and China. The economy of Saudi Arabia is the largest in the Middle East and the 19th largest in the world. Exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia not only provides insight into its culinary traditions but also showcases the country’s economic diversity. Saudi Arabia also has one of the youngest populations in the world, with approximately 50% of its 34.2 million people under the age of 25.
The cuisine of Saudi Arabia, influenced by Turkish, Indian, Persian, and African cuisine, offers a diverse range of culinary experiences for visitors to explore what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Islamic dietary laws are strictly adhered to, making pork illegal and requiring proper slaughter methods for other animals.
A traditional dish of this country is khūzī, which consists of young lamb meat, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia and providing an excellent option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Kebabs, such as shāwarmā (shawarma), are also popular choices when deciding what to eat in Saudi Arabia, offering a flavorful and satisfying dining experience. Additionally, rice with fish or shrimp, known as machbūs (kabsa), is a common dish to consider when exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Flatbread, unleavened, is a staple in nearly every meal, serving as a versatile accompaniment to various dishes and providing a satisfying option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Alongside dates and fruit juices, it complements the meal and adds to the culinary experience of what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Turkish-style coffee, a traditional beverage, offers a delightful conclusion to a meal and is worth trying when exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
What to Eat in Saudi Arabia
Traveling to Saudi Arabia offers a plethora of delicious dishes, which are specialties of the country, such as Shawarmas, Hummus, Kabsa, Shish tawook, Fata, and Saudi Arabian fried rice.
Shawarmas
The Shawarmas sandwich is truly an enticing and visually appealing dish of the Arab people, favored not only by locals but also by tourists visiting the region who are exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia. This dish is made from a layer of white bread on the outside and various fillings on the inside, such as finely chopped chicken or lamb mixed with aromatic spices, or even fresh vegetables made into a salad rolled inside the bread, offering a delightful option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Arab people often enjoy Shawarmas in a similar manner to how the Japanese enjoy sushi, by cutting it into small portions and savoring it with the characteristic tahini sauce, which is a must-try when considering what to eat in Saudi Arabia. This dish provides diners with a unique sensation from the combination of the softness of the bread and the rich, savory flavor of the meat filling or the freshness of the vegetables, making it irresistible to indulge in when deciding what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Hummus
Hummus sauce is one of the famous specialties of Arab culinary culture, widely used in dishes across the region, making it a popular choice for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. To make hummus sauce, chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini sauce, and garlic are used, providing a delightful option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. All of these ingredients are cooked thoroughly and blended to create a creamy mixture, adding to the variety of options for what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
This sauce is often enjoyed with bread and grilled potatoes, creating a wonderful flavor combination for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the delicious specialties of Saudi Arabia that you should not miss when exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Kabsa
Kabsa is one of the most distinctive and complex dishes of Arab cuisine, offering a unique option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. This complexity not only provides the dish with numerous nutrients but also makes it a valuable source of protein for health, making it a recommended choice for what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Kabsa consists of rice and various meats, combined with spices such as black pepper, cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, and lime, creating a distinctive and appealing flavor profile, adding to the diversity of options for what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Shish tawook
Shish tawook is a traditional dish widely beloved in the culinary culture of the Arab people, offering a delightful option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Simple yet enticing, Shish tawook consists of white bread paired with delicious grilled chicken, making it a must-try when considering what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
The slices of white bread are cut into small pieces and topped with a layer of tomato sauce along with grilled potatoes, onions, and cucumbers, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal for those exploring what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Shish tawook is considered one of the tastiest and most appealing dishes in the Saudi Arabian region, adding to the culinary delights of what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabian fried rice
At first glance, you might find this dish reminiscent of what to eat in Saudi Arabia, a Vietnamese mixed fried rice; however, upon tasting it, you will discover its delicious and enticing flavor, offering a delightful option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Arabian fried rice is typically heavily seasoned, especially with spices that add heat, creating a distinctive aroma and rich spiciness that adds to the culinary experience of what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
Fata
Fata is a unique combination of various vegetables and finely minced meat, offering a delightful option for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. First, the potatoes and eggplants are thoroughly washed, then cut into rounds and fried until golden in olive oil, providing a tasty choice for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Onions and meat are cooked together in a pan, seasoned, and tomato sauce is poured in, enriching the culinary experience of what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
After simmering for a few minutes, the heat is turned off, and the eggplants and potatoes are added, enhancing the variety of options for what to eat in Saudi Arabia. Yogurt, garlic, and lime juice are combined and mixed into the dish, adding to the flavors of what to eat in Saudi Arabia. The result is a delicious Fata dish, one of the dishes not to be missed when enjoying Saudi Arabian cuisine.
Read More: What to Buy in Saudi Arabia: Best Saudi Arabia Souvenirs
Best Places to Eat in Saudi Arabia
Prominent dining destinations when traveling to Saudi Arabia, offering a taste of what to eat in Saudi Arabia, that tourists should visit include Al Sayed, Ashjar Cafe, Baker & Spice, Circolo, Em Sherif, Harrat at Banyan Tree AlUla, Il Baretto, Kumar, Maraya Social, Myazu, Najd Village, OKTO, Pink Camel, Saffron at Banyan Tree AlUla, Somewhere, Tama, and Wacafe.
- Al Sayed: Al Sayyad is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Saudi Arabia, renowned for its fish fillet dish.
- Ashjar Cafe: An ideal stop to enjoy coffee and pastries, offering a glimpse of what to eat in Saudi Arabia.
- Baker & Spice: Baker & Spice is an award-winning restaurant along with other branches across the Middle East.
- Circolo: Circolo serves Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta in a modern setting.
- Em Sherif: Em Sherif has officially opened in Riyadh, serving classic dishes including meat and fish.
- Harrat at Banyan Tree AlUla: Harrat at Banyan Tree AlUla offers a diverse range of dishes from Middle Eastern to pasta, seafood, and grilled meats.
- Il Baretto: Il Baretto is a renowned restaurant in Riyadh, serving Italian cuisine.
- Kumar: Located next to the Shirvan Hotel, this restaurant serves typical Indian cuisine.
- Maraya Social: Maraya Social is a restaurant designed by chef Jason Atherton with ingredients from local farms.
- Myazu: Ranked 18th on the list of the 50 best restaurants in the Middle East and Africa in 2022, specializing in Japanese cuisine.
- Najd Village: No need to dine at a local’s home, Najd Village offers a great experience of Saudi Arabian traditional culture and cuisine.
- OKTO: OKTO is located atop Harrat Uwayrid. This restaurant serves Greek cuisine.
- Pink Camel: Pink Camel is an appealing spot for late breakfast, lunch, or a quick break.
- Saffron at Banyan Tree AlUla: Providing modern, authentic Thai cuisine prepared by Thai chef.
- Somewhere: Nestled within a farm in AlUla, Somewhere combines Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Wacafe: Serving pastries and coffee, this café is conveniently located near the entrance to the Old Town.
Read More: Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia: When is the best time to travel to Saudi Arabia?
TravelTiptip.com
