Discover Saudi Arabia’s Authentic Cuisine

One of the best ways to truly experience the magic of a region or country is through its authentic cuisine. The desert landscape, arid climate, and ancient nomadic tribal cultures of the kingdom’s different tribes have all contributed to the distinctive flavours of Saudi Arabian cuisine.

Traditional dishes vary from region to region, just as the different cultures that comprise the kingdom vary, although you will find many common ingredients and foods, such as chicken, lamb, potatoes, rice, seafood, wheat, and yoghurt in dishes throughout the nation. Discover the traditional Saudi Arabian food you can enjoy during your stay in Riyadh.

Traditional Saudi Arabian Food

Here are some of the most popular Saudi Arabian foods that you should try when visiting the kingdom.

Kabsa

Considered a national dish of Saudi Arabia, kabsa is eaten with gusto throughout the Arabian Peninsula’s Gulf states. The dish originated in Yemen and was heavily influenced by Indian and Persian biryanis.

Kabsa usually is made with chicken, fish, lamb, or camel meat, although some Saudis enjoy using duck, shrimps, or even truffles. Other ingredients include long-grain rice, red onion, vegetable oil, and herbs and spices like parsley, cinnamon, and cloves. The meat is first cooked in water which is then re-used to cook the rice with the spices. When served, the meat is placed on top of the rice on a large platter.

Traditionally, the dish is shared and eaten by hand. You’ll find an array of regional variations that use bay leaves, black lime, cardamom, and saffron, as well as almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, and sultanas.

Jareesh

Also known as harees, jareesh is especially popular during the month of Ramadan, at festivals like Eid ul-Fitr, and celebrations such as weddings. This centuries-old dish may have originated in Armenia or Saudi Arabia and has spread throughout the Middle East and as far as India.

The basic ingredients of this Saudi food include crushed or ground wheat, meat, butter or sheep tail fat, water, and cardamom. The wheat is soaked in water overnight and then simmered with the meat, butter or fat, and spices in water. Any remaining liquid in the pot is strained before the mixture is beaten and seasoned. Jareesh may be garnished with cinnamon, clarified butter, and sugar or parsley before serving.  

Gursan

Gursan, another national food of Saudi Arabia, is a speciality of the Najd region. Gursan has become popular throughout the kingdom and in other Arab countries, so you’ll find numerous regional variations.

Some versions of this comforting, hearty dish contain chicken or boned lamb, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, potato, pumpkin, green beans, and onion, and spices and seasonings such as garlic paste, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chilli, salt, and honey. The meat and vegetables are cooked in a broth. Before serving, dried gursan bread is placed over the meat and vegetables to soak up the delicious juices. Alternatively, the cook may create layers of gursan bread, meat and vegetables in a serving dish.

Dajaj Mashwi

One of the popular dishes in Saudi Arabian cuisine, dajaj mashwi is a barbecue speciality that’s enjoyed throughout the kingdom and further afield. Boneless chicken breasts are pounded and marinated before being grilled and served with a tasty garlic dipping sauce and a mixed salad, Arabian pilaf, or couscous.The main ingredients in dajaj mashwi include chicken, red chilli powder, paprika, ginger, garlic, onion, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Some variations use butterflied chicken or thigh-and-leg portions instead of boneless chicken breast.

Ma'amoul

Ma’amoul is a traditional Saudi Arabian food which no visit to the kingdom is complete without trying. These delicious cookies are usually served with Arabian coffee or tea, at celebrations and festivals, and all sorts of other occasions.

Typically shaped into balls or domes with round or flat tops, Ma’amoul are filled with fruit and dates, pistachios, or walnuts. They may also be flavoured with rose water and/or cinnamon and may be dusted with powdered sugar.

Where To Find Authentic Saudi Arabian Food

One of the best things about staying at Fraser Suites Riyadh is that you do not need to look far to find authentic Saudi Arabian food. Our all-day dining restaurant serves authentic Saudi food made with the freshest ingredients every day.When you stay at our hotel in the city’s Olaya district, you’ll also be conveniently close to a number of top restaurants, which is great if you’re in the mood to do some foodie exploring. A few restaurants we recommend visiting during your time with us include:

• Najd Village: Enjoy authentic Najd cuisine in a traditional setting at Najd Village, Al Olaya, Riyadh.
  
• Suhail: Choose from elevated home-style Saudi food at Suhail, Northern Ring Road, An Nakheel, Riyadh.
• Takya: Takya is all about serving up traditional Saudi Arabian food with a modern twist. Takya, King Faisal Road, Al Bujairi, Riyadh.

Discover the delicious national dishes of Saudi Arabia when you stay at Fraser Suites Riyadh.