Saudi Arabia boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its diverse cultural influences and traditional flavors. From aromatic spices to sumptuous dishes, the kingdom's food culture is a captivating blend of Middle Eastern traditions and unique local ingredients.
Is all food in Saudi Arabia halal?
In a recent statement, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has reiterated that every food item available in the Kingdom adheres to halal standards, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the purity and compliance of all food products with Islamic dietary laws.
Saudi Arabian food: history
Saudi Arabian cuisine has a rich history deeply rooted in the region's cultural and geographical influences. Historically, the cuisine has been shaped by trade routes connecting Arabia to the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa, resulting in a diverse fusion of flavors. Traditional dishes often feature staple ingredients like dates, wheat, rice, and various meats, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, the use of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom adds a distinctive and flavorful touch to Saudi Arabian culinary traditions. Over time, the historical evolution of Saudi Arabian food has been shaped by Bedouin traditions, Islamic dietary laws, and the availability of resources in the arid landscape, creating a unique and flavorful gastronomic tapestry.
Traditional food in Saudi Arabia
Kabsa Known as the national dish of Saudi Arabia, Kabsa is a fragrant mixed rice dish that encapsulates the diverse culinary influences across the region. With a harmonious blend of basmati rice, meat, vegetables, and an array of spices, Kabsa exemplifies Saudi Arabia's affinity for flavorful and satisfying meals.
Jareesh A traditional dish from the Arabian Peninsula, Jareesh is a cracked wheat stew reminiscent of porridge. Its humble ingredients, primarily wheat and meat, highlight the resourcefulness of Saudi Arabian cuisine in transforming simple staples into a hearty and comforting delicacy.
Mutabbaq Originating from Yemen but embraced as a staple street food in Saudi Arabia, Mutabbaq is a folded pastry showcasing the cultural interactions influencing Saudi cuisine. Its versatility shines through various fillings, including meat, vegetables, or cheese, making it a symbol of culinary adaptability.
Mandi Derived from Bedouin cooking techniques, Mandi stands out as one of Saudi Arabia's cherished dishes. Slow-cooked in a tandoor, the dish's name, meaning 'dew,' reflects the tender texture of the meat. Mandi exemplifies the ingenious adaptation of Saudi cuisine to the challenging desert environment.
Harees With a history deeply embedded in Arabian traditions, Harees is a time-honored dish featuring ground wheat and meat cooked to a smooth porridge-like consistency. This hearty and subtly spiced dish underscores the significance of grains and meat in Saudi cuisine, providing a comforting and filling culinary experience.
What is Saudi Arabia top food?
Ruz Al Bukhari Also known as Al-Fahm, Ruz Al Bukhari is a fragrant rice dish often accompanied by roast chicken. Infused with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, and star anise, the dish is garnished with raisins and fried onions. Variations may include almonds and pine nuts, and it is typically served with a side of spicy tomato sauce known as salata hara. The name, translating to "Bukhari rice," is thought to originate from the historic Silk Road city of Bukhara in Central Asia.
Harees Considered one of the oldest dishes in Saudi Arabia, Harees is a Ramadan staple. Its spices, including cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon, may vary by region. The dish comprises coarse ground wheat, meat, and oil/butter, creating a homogenous mixture resembling oatmeal. Often topped with fried onions and garlic, Harees holds historical significance in the Kingdom..
Ful wa Tameez Ful wa Tameez, a warm breakfast dish, features a mashed fava bean dip served with thick bread, known as Tameez. Particularly favored during Ramadan and consumed during Suhoor, this dish includes fava beans, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and spices, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs.
Kibbeh Considered a quintessential comfort food, Kibbeh is a deep-fried croquette made from a fine paste of bulgur wheat and meat, typically lamb or beef. The paste is shaped into balls, stuffed with a mixture of pine nuts and spiced meat, and fried. Variations include baking or serving raw in certain regions.
Fast food in Saudi Arabia
Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (often chicken) inside flatbread or pita, usually with sauces, vegetables, and herbs.
Falafel: Fried patties made from chickpeas or beans, often served in bread and seasoned with various sauces and vegetables.
Hummus: A paste made from chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, often served with bread or vegetables.
Eco food in Saudi Arabia
Mansaf: Mansaf is a traditional dish that includes lamb chunks cooked with fermented yogurt and rice. It is considered one of the national dishes of the region. Mansaf is usually served on a large piece of thin bread called "shrak" and garnished with nuts and parsley.
Hummus: Hummus is a paste made from boiled chickpeas blended with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is commonly served as an appetizer with bread or vegetables.
Ful: Ful is a dish made from boiled fava beans, often mixed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Served with a type of flatbread called "tamees" and typically drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs.
Chinese food in Saudi Arabia
Sweet and Sour Chicken: Chinese cuisine has found a popular place in Saudi Arabia, with dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken being a favorite among locals. This dish features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a delightful sweet and tangy sauce, complemented by the addition of colorful bell peppers and pineapple. It offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Kung Pao Chicken: Another beloved Chinese dish available in Saudi Arabia is Kung Pao Chicken. This flavorful and spicy dish consists of diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The combination of heat, crunch, and savory notes makes it a go-to choice for those seeking a bold culinary experience.
Beef with Broccoli: Sliced beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that has made its way to dining tables in Saudi Arabia. The savory brown sauce that coats the beef and broccoli adds a rich and satisfying flavor to this simple yet delicious meal, often served over a bed of steamed rice.
General Tso's Chicken: General Tso's Chicken is a popular option for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness and spice. Deep-fried chicken is glazed with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, creating a dish that's both indulgent and flavorful. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it's a visually appealing choice.
Shrimp Fried Rice: Shrimp Fried Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is widely enjoyed in Saudi Arabia. This dish features fried rice combined with succulent shrimp, vegetables, and scrambled eggs, all seasoned with soy sauce. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a sought-after option.
American foods in Saudi Arabia
Burgers and Fast Food: American-style burgers and fast food have become a staple in Saudi Arabia's culinary scene. Global fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC are well-established, offering classic American-style burgers, crispy fried chicken, and a variety of fast-food favorites.
Steakhouse Cuisine: American-style steakhouses have gained popularity, catering to those who enjoy hearty, grilled meats. These establishments in Saudi Arabia serve up a variety of steaks, ribs, and meat-centric dishes, often accompanied by classic sides such as mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.
Pizza: Pizza, a beloved American comfort food, has found a welcoming audience in Saudi Arabia. Both international pizza chains and local pizzerias offer a diverse range of pizzas with different toppings and crust styles to suit various tastes.
Barbecue (BBQ): The rich flavors of American-style barbecue are appreciated in Saudi Arabia. Specialized barbecue joints provide slow-cooked and smoked meats, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and other flavorful options.
Buffalo Wings: Buffalo wings, a popular American appetizer, have made their mark in Saudi Arabia's culinary landscape. These chicken wings, coated in spicy buffalo sauce, are often served with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing, capturing the essence of American finger foods.
Food cost in Saudi Arabia
The cost of living in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding food expenses, can be outlined as follows:
A basic lunchtime menu in the business district, including a drink, typically costs around ﷼ 40 (€9).
For a combo meal in a fast-food restaurant, such as a Big Mac Meal, the average price is ﷼ 23 (€5.45).
The cost of boneless chicken breast is approximately ﷼ 14 (€3.40) per 500 grams (1 lb.).
Whole fat milk, priced at ﷼ 4.80 (€1.13) per liter (1 qt.).
A dozen large eggs are priced at ﷼ 8 (€1.94).
Tomatoes are generally priced at ﷼ 5.49 (€1.29) per kilogram (2 lb.).
Local cheese, 500 grams (16 oz.), costs around ﷼ 14 (€3.23).
Apples are priced at ﷼ 7 (€1.63) per kilogram (2 lb.).
Potatoes cost approximately ﷼ 3.54 (€0.83) per kilogram (2 lb.).
A 0.5-liter (16 oz.) domestic beer in the supermarket and a bottle of good-quality red table wine are not specified.
Two liters of Coca-Cola are priced at ﷼ 7 (€1.63).
Bread for two people for one day is approximately ﷼ 1.94 (€0.46).
Is there cheap food in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, grocery prices typically align with those in European countries, with comparable overall costs. However, variations may occur for specific items, particularly those that are imported, leading to potential differences in individual product expenses.