Saudi Arabia has a rich culinary heritage with delicious traditional dishes. Here are 10 foods you must try when visiting:
1. Kabsa 🍛
The national dish of Saudi Arabia, Kabsa is a fragrant rice dish made with spiced meat (chicken, lamb, or camel), nuts, and raisins.
2. Mandi 🍗
Similar to Kabsa, Mandi is a slow-cooked rice dish where meat is cooked underground, giving it a smoky flavor.
3. Jareesh 🥣
A traditional porridge-like dish made from crushed wheat, cooked with meat and spices.
4. Saleeg 🍚
A creamy rice dish cooked with milk and chicken broth, resembling a Middle Eastern risotto.
5. Mutabbaq 🥟
A crispy stuffed pancake filled with a mixture of meat, onions, and spices.
6. Samboosa 🥠
Saudi-style samosas filled with minced meat, vegetables, or cheese, usually eaten during Ramadan.
7. Madfoon 🍖
Meat (chicken, lamb, or goat) is buried underground with hot coals and slow-cooked for hours, making it tender and flavorful.
8. Harees 🌾
A Ramadan favorite, made from crushed wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a smooth consistency.
9. Areeka 🍯
A sweet dish made of mashed bread, honey, dates, and ghee, topped with nuts.
10. Ma’amoul 🍪
Delicious shortbread cookies stuffed with dates, nuts, or figs, perfect for tea time.
