Our Top Recommended Saudi Dishes to Try When Visiting Saudi
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Qahwa/Gahwa
Qahwa/Gahwa
Trade in the concept of the traditional American latte for this perfect pick-me-up to start your day. Qahwa (also often spelled as Gahwa) is Arabica bean coffee, ground and mixed with a medley of spices (think saffron, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom). Besides serving as your morning caffeine fix, Qahwa is also the de facto symbol of hospitality — expect it to be served in any instance where visitors are being greeted. Another note: Because of the strong flavor of the spices, qahwa is served in small cups; there’s no venti here!
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Camel Milk
Camel Milk
Camel milk has been an integral part of the Bedouin lifestyle for millennia. The beverage is nearly tailor-made for the desert landscape — providing a good source of fat, protein and vitamins on top of a surprisingly smoky and nutty flavor.
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Mint Lemonade
Mint Lemonade
A refreshing staple across the Middle East, Saudi restaurants embrace homemade mint lemonade with a variety of twists from the cool frozen mint lemonade to modern twists like sparkling or infused with strawberry, ginger or honey. Not as sweet as American lemonade, this popular drink includes a base of freshly squeezed lemon, mint, sugar and water.
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Mango Mocktail
Mocktails
Although Saudi is a dry country (no alcohol), they make up for it with an abundance of non-alcoholic beers, wines, fresh juices (mango is a favorite) and a mocktail culture that is both delicious and Instagrammable.
Light, refreshing, and cool on a summer day, the popular Saudi Cooler (aka Saudi Champagne) is a delightful mix of apple juice and sparkling water with thin slices of oranges, lemons, apples and sprigs of fresh mint.
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Shakshuka
Shakshuka
Start your day with this hearty (and wholeheartedly loved) breakfast dish. Shakshuka consists of poached eggs cooked in a tomato and onion sauce, as well as a medley of spices like cayenne, chili and cumin. The name “shakshuka” is derived from the Arabic word “shakka” which means to stick together; the name itself is a ringing endorsement for how the ingredients complement each other!
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Murtabak
Murtabak
This is the Saudi Arabian take on pancakes — except they’re filled with flavorful ingredients. Savory options might see flapjacks stuffed with egg, cheese, curry and a variety of herbs, while sweet-aficionados will rejoice at the chance to try pancakes filled with crushed peanuts, chocolate sprinkles or sugar.
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Kabsa
Kabsa
Kabsa sits high on the list of must-try dishes when visiting; you’ll find it on just about all eatery menus. Consisting of spiced rice and meat (or fish) on a large platter, the dish owes its savoriness to the fact that the water used to cook the meat serves double duty to also cook the rice, ultimately imparting its trademark richness. To truly experience kabsa authentically, drop the spoon and eat only with your right hand.
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Saleeg
Saleeg
A staple of Hijaz, Saleeg is a time-tested winter favorite, a prime example of individual ingredients adding up a sum more flavorful than its parts and a dish meant for savoring. Meat (often chicken) is boiled in a bath of spices (black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon), before rice is added to the flavorful broth. The end result is not unlike risotto — incredibly creamy rice accompanied by mouthwatering chicken and dollops of butter or ghee.
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Jareesh/Harees
Jareesh/Harees
Jareesh (Harees in some spellings) holds a special place in many Saudi hearts. It has a distinctive space on the Saudi table, as the national dish of Saudi Arabia and one of the most famous dishes of Ramadan. Comprised of cracked wheat, yogurt and meat (with some regions adding crushed tomatoes), the order of operations is simple if you’d like to give it a try at home: Cracked wheat and yogurt are stirred in a pot on the stove before adding the meat for hours of simmering. Finally, it’s finished with ghee or butter and a dried lemon on top.
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Ma’amoul
Ma’amoul
The go-to celebration treat, ma’amoul are shortbread butter cookies stuffed with various fillings — pistachios, walnuts, almonds, dates and sometimes even date pudding — as well as a healthy helping of cinnamon and cardamom. It pairs perfectly with a cup of qahwa!
Salivating at the idea of trying these delicacies yourself?
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