Exploring Saudi Arabian Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Exploring Saudi Arabian Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a country known for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and of course, its delicious cuisine. Saudi Arabian cuisine, also known as Najdi cuisine, is a fusion of Arabian, Persian, and Indian flavors, resulting in an exciting culinary experience. From aromatic spices to succulent meats, Saudi Arabian cuisine has something to offer to every palate.

Traditional Saudi Arabian Dishes

1. Kabsa: Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia and a must-try for any food enthusiast. It consists of fragrant, spiced rice cooked with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or goat), vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron. Kabsa is often garnished with nuts and served with a side of yogurt or a tangy tomato sauce.

2. Shawarma: Shawarma, a popular street food in Saudi Arabia, is made by marinating thinly sliced pieces of chicken, lamb, or beef in a flavorful blend of spices, then grilling them on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is usually wrapped in a warm pita bread and served with pickles, tahini sauce, and fresh herbs.

3. Mutabbaq: Mutabbaq is a savory pastry filled with a mixture of meat (usually minced lamb or beef), onions, and spices. The pastry is then folded and fried until golden and crispy. Mutabbaq is the perfect snack to enjoy with a cup of Arabic coffee.

4. Falafel: Although falafel has its roots in the Middle East, it has become a popular street food in Saudi Arabia. These deep-fried balls or patties are made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices. They are often served in a flatbread or pita pocket with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.

5. Jareesh: Jareesh is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish made from cracked wheat cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb), vegetables, and a flavorful combination of spices. The dish has a porridge-like consistency and is often topped with ghee or clarified butter.

Popular Saudi Arabian Restaurants

Here are some popular restaurants in Saudi Arabia where you can sample authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine:

Al-Najdiyat

Located in Riyadh, Al-Najdiyat offers a wide range of traditional Saudi Arabian dishes. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular choice among locals and visitors.

Al-Baik

No visit to Saudi Arabia is complete without trying Al-Baik, a fast-food chain famous for its crispy fried chicken and delicious sauces. With branches across the country, you can easily satisfy your cravings for a quick bite.

Al-Mashaweer

If you are in Jeddah, be sure to visit Al-Mashaweer, a restaurant known for its mouthwatering Arabian dishes. From tender kebabs to flavorful rice dishes, the menu is sure to delight your taste buds.

Saudi Arabian Recipes to Try at Home

Here are a couple of Saudi Arabian recipes that you can try in the comfort of your own kitchen:

Mandi Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of basmati rice
• 1.5 kg of chicken or lamb, cut into pieces
• 4 tablespoons of Mandi spice mix (a blend of coriander, cumin, black lime, and other spices)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the chicken or lamb pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the Mandi spice mix and salt to the pot, and stir well to coat the meat evenly.
4. Add enough water to cover the meat, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
5. While the meat is cooking, wash the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice.
6. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Add the drained rice and cook until it is almost done.
7. Drain the rice and layer it on top of the cooked meat in the pot.
8. Cover the pot tightly and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
9. Serve the Mandi with the meat and rice arranged on a platter. Enjoy!

Harees Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of wheat grains
• 500g of chicken or lamb, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Wash the wheat grains and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the grains.
2. In a large pot, add the soaked wheat grains, chicken or lamb pieces, ghee, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the wheat grains and meat are tender.
4. Using a blender or a food processor, blend the cooked wheat and meat mixture until it forms a smooth paste.
5. Return the paste to the pot, and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
6. Serve the Harees hot, drizzled with ghee or clarified butter and sprinkled with ground cinnamon. Enjoy!

Now that you have some insight into Saudi Arabian cuisine, it's time to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the flavors of this captivating country. Whether you choose to visit a local restaurant or try your hand at a traditional recipe, Saudi Arabian cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds.