Discover Authentic Saudi Arabian Cuisine

Saudi Arabian cuisine is a palate-pleasing experience unlike any other. From rich and fragrant dishes packed with spices, to moreish street food and sweet treats, traditional food in Saudi Arabia is a culinary journey, influenced by the desert landscape, climate and ancient nomadic tribal cultures.

As you taste your way through the finest Arabian food Riyadh has to offer, make your stay in Saudi Arabia one you will never forget with Fraser Suites Riyadh. Enjoy luxury accommodation in the centre of this glittering metropolis, whether you’re visiting for business or leisure. With 95 exquisite furnished apartments to choose from and a range of leisure and recreational facilities to discover, you may find yourself tempted to extend your stay just a little while longer.

Traditional Food in Saudi Arabia

Rich, decedent and undeniably moreish – Arabian food is renowned the world over for its flavour, blending the finest ingredients and indulgent spices to create culinary masterpieces. Here are some of the most popular dishes in Saudi Arabian cuisine 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 a popular traditional food in Saudi Arabia, particularly 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 food in 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.

Saudi street food you need to try

If you’re a first-time visitor to Saudi Arabia, you might be surprised to learn that the best Saudi street food in Riyadh is a glorious mix of various cuisines from different cultures. While in the city, make sure you try the following tasty Arabian food offerings.

• One of the most popular street foods, Yugmish is widely available in the city. The dish is simple, consisting of bread filled with juicy meat. Falafel is another popular Arabian food. The fried chickpea balls are usually served with pickled vegetables, salad, and sauce, or as a filling for flatbread.
• Samboosas are another popular Saudi Arabian food in Riyadh you need to sample. The fried triangular pastry pockets are available with a wide variety of fillings. 
• Manaeesh are not to be missed if you’re a fan of pizza. The bread bases are usually topped with labneh (thick yoghurt and thyme), the popular zaatar spice blend, and/or minced lamb.
• Mantu is a taste of Saudi Arabian cuisine with Asian origins. The delicious bite-sized dumplings contain a mixture of meat and local spices. 
• For Saudi street food in Riyadh with an African origin, look for a stall that sells lahoh. The spongy pancakes are usually served with honey or a yoghurt-based dish.
• Mutabaq is one of the most famous and popular of all traditional food in Saudi Arabia, available in the capital. The dish is of Yemeni origin, and it consists of pancakes filled with onions, tomatoes, eggs, mincemeat, jalapeno chillies, and parsley.
• Middle East meets West in batatis, which are French fries topped with local spice mixes or a favourite Western condiment, namely tomato ketchup.
• For a moreish savoury snack, look for stalls selling baleela, which is chickpeas boiled with salt and garlic, served with your choice of a variety of toppings.

In the mood for something sweet?

The following sweet Arabian food and street snacks available in Riyadh are sure to hit the spot.Luqaimat are the Saudi answer to doughnuts. The fried batter balls contain spices and are served with date syrup or honey. Of Indian origin, kulfi is a thick ice-cream made with full-cream milk and nuts. Kulfi’s one of the tastiest ways to cool down on a hot afternoon.

If you need to quench your thirst, get yourself a glass of sobia. Usually made from bread, barley, or oats, the cold drink is available in various flavours.

Where To Find Traditional Food in Saudi Arabia

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 cuisine. 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.