Cuisine in Saudi Arabia

Kabsa

The national dish of spiced long-grain rice topped with roasted meat.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Basmati rice, Chicken or lamb, Cardamom, Tomato

Mandi

An aromatic dish of meat and rice slow-cooked in an underground oven.

• Region: Southwest Asir
• Main ingredients: Rice, Lamb, Ghee, Saffron

Shawarma

Street food of thinly sliced rotisserie-cooked meat wrapped in flatbread.

• Main ingredients: Chicken, Lamb, Tahini sauce, Pita bread

Mutabbaq

A light snack of thin dough stuffed with scallions, eggs, and minced meat, then pan-fried.

• Region: Hejaz
• Main ingredients: Wheat dough, Eggs, Minced beef, Scallions

Jareesh

A winter staple porridge-like dish where wheat is cooked down with meat.

• Region: Najd
• Main ingredients: Crushed wheat, Lamb, Cinnamon, Ghee

Harees

A Ramadan staple where wheat and meat are slowly simmered together.

• Main ingredients: Whole wheat, Chicken, Cardamom

Dates and Arabic Coffee

Aromatic coffee and sweet dates served as a welcoming ritual.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Dates, Cardamom-infused coffee

Samboosa

Triangular fried pastries eaten after breaking fast during Ramadan.

• Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Minced meat, Onion, Spices

Fesikh

A Red Sea coastal regional rice dish cooked with salted dried fish.

• Region: Red Sea coast
• Main ingredients: Dried fish, Rice, Black cumin

Malukhiya Salad

A refreshing side dish of chopped molokhia tossed with lime.

• Region: Western region
• Main ingredients: Molokhia, Lime, Olive oil