Traditional Saudi Arabian Foods You Must Try

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and curious about what’s on the menu? You’re in for a treat! 

Every dish here is cooked with utmost love and care! What makes Saudi food so special is the use of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking methods that make every bite enjoyable. 

This blog lists some of the best traditional Saudi Arabian foods that you must try. From tasty kebabs and soups to desserts, there’s everything for a foodie in you! 

Tharid

Want healthy and appetising food? Tharid is the dish for you! It is a popular traditional recipe that holds a special place in Saudi Arabian cuisine.

It’s a hearty stew made with tender pieces of meat (often lamb or chicken), a mix of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. The dish is typically served over pieces of flatbread, which soak up the delicious savoury liquid, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

Tharid is especially eaten during the Ramadan festival because it was one of the Prophet Muhammad's favourites. With every bite, one would understand that it comprises healthy ingredients and a classic Saudi taste.

Kabsa

Kabsa is one of the most well-known traditional Saudi dishes that is made of rice and assorted with aromatic spices and enticing flavours. This rice dish is prepared with the usual Indian basmati long rice, marinated meat spices like black lime, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, and meat (mostly lamb, chicken, or beef), and slow-cooked in one-pot style. 

It is often served on a large platter (as shown in the image) which is commonly enjoyed with a side of fresh salad, yoghurt, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. The combination of savoury, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours makes Kabsa a truly satisfying meal. 

Jareesh

Craving something warm and wholesome? One dish that is quite close to the hearts of Saudi People is Jareesh, which is worth trying as it’s both satisfying and has rich flavours.

Jareesh is a savoury buckwheat porridge made from crushed wheat and tender meat (usually chicken or lamb). The dish is spiced up and cooked for long hours until it becomes soft and flavorful. It is often served warm with butter or ghee, making it even more delicious.

Jareesh is one of those meals that can be enjoyed no matter if it is a normal or a festive day in Saudi homes, with every ladle serving to feel both fulfilling and comforting.

Dajaj Mashwi (Grilled Chicken)

This grilled chicken dish brings out the best of Arabic food from Middle Eastern arms. It involves taking chicken pieces except for the legs, which are soaked in a marinade made from herbs and spices, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice for some warmth, then grilled until moist and tasty. 

Dajaj Mashwi is a meal that can be served at family lunches or dinners, during barbecues, and at any other occasions that involve people sitting down together. It is rich with a smoky scent and distinctly catching marinade, which makes it one of the highlights in the Saudi kitchen.

Gursan (Qurşan)

Are you in the mood for something delicious? Try Gursan! It’s a customary meal from Saudi Arabia that is both tasty and filling. It consists of a thin bread soaked in a stew prepared with meat (chicken or lamb) and vegetables and a spice mix. 

The hot, delicious stew brings people together, and the cuisine reflects the warmth and great hospitality of the Saudis, which one can look forward to.

Saleeg (Chicken & Rice Dish)

In the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, Saleeg is one of the signature dishes. It is quite plain, but to say the least, it is very tasty. To make the dish, some rice is cooked with milk, and either chicken or lamb is poured into it. Lastly, some salt and pepper are added for taste. 

In fact, the texture of the dish is closer to a thinned-out porridge with very few lumps. In some cases, Saleeg is often enjoyed with a side of fresh salad or vegetables and sometimes garnished with a sprinkle of ghee or butter for added richness.

Kleeja (Cookies)

Kleeja is a traditional Saudi Arabian sweet treat which is usually served with Arabic coffee or tea. These round and spiced cookies are made using strong flour, butter, and sugar and are mostly flavoured with cardamom and saffron, which makes them distinct. 

Kleeja is mostly made during celebrations like Eid or weddings and is normally given out as a sign of generosity. It is slightly hard on the edges and soft and aromatic in the middle, which makes it attractive and part of the rich Saudi cooking pot.

Kozi Samak

Kozi Samak is a coastal Saudi dish that features fish as its main ingredient. It is especially known for its aromatic spices and delicious flavours, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Typically served as a main course, Kozi Samak is often accompanied by a side of rice, such as Kabsa or Bukhari rice, and fresh vegetables or salad. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing touch to the dish.

If you are craving seafood, this traditional Saudi Arabian delicacy is one of the best dishes to try in Saudi Arabia, especially in the coastal areas around the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

Harees (Combination of Wheat & Meat)

Harees is another traditional dish in Saudi Arabia which is particularly enjoyed during Ramadan and other festive occasions. This dish combines wheat and meat, creating a hearty and comforting meal that has been cherished for generations.

Simple spices flavour the dish, which is mixed with ghee or butter. It is easy to prepare, nourishing, and satisfying, so it is consumed to break the fast during Ramadan. 

Ma’amoul

A proper meal is incomplete without a dessert. We got it! This delicious cookie, Maamoul, is sure to hit a chord with any food lover. It is intricate, small in size, and stuffed with healthy-sweet fillers like dates/nuts or figs, surrounded by beautiful shapes that hail from classic Arab baked goods. 

They are flaky yet melt in the mouth. Each Ma’amoul cookie is often enhanced with spices and is vibrant in flavour, which tends to be a nag during the ‘Eid’. 

Overall, We can say

Overall, traditional Saudi Arabian foods are a paradise for food lovers! From hearty dishes like Kabsa and Tharid to comforting Jareesh and sweet treats like Ma’amoul, the country serves a culinary adventure with every meal. 

Whether you want to enjoy fragrant rice, tasty meats, or fine cookies, Saudi Arabian food offers something for every traveller. It's a great place to visit for anyone wanting to try real and delicious dishes.