Like any country in the world Saudi Arabia has authentic food that they are known for and is worth trying for anyone who visits the country even if its just Makkah and Madinah you are visiting. Mind you, if you’re there for a few days only and for the purpose of Umrah, you may not get the time nor will you find too many authentic spots near the mosque itself. But if you get a bit of time or if you’re there for longer, then you may consider trying to find these dishes to try. In this post I’ll list the dishes that you should try and the restaurants you can try them at. Also, I want to put out a disclaimer: I use the word “authentic” lightly, so please don’t come at me. This list includes authentic authentic Saudi dishes and then some dishes that are actually of another nationality, but have become extremely popular with locals so much so that they have become synonymous with the country’s cuisine.
Kabsa
This is the national dish of Saudi Arabia (mind you the country has announced another to be so after the writing of this post – see below as the dish is also included on this list). So, can you leave the country really without trying it? It’s a spiced rice with (essentially) chicken dish, but you can get it with other meats too. Typically, it is served on a big tray that is then eaten communally. A group of friends or family members will gather round that tray/dish and eat from what is in front of them. Side dishes include a rocket salad, which adds a nice fresh and slightly smoky twist, but the best thing about this dish for me is the condiment: a slightly spicy tomato salsa type of sauce/dip. Combine this with the flavoured rice and smoky chicken and you got yourself a winning bite. Kabsa is the everyday dish that is commonly eaten by locals (saudi or not). Kabsa restaurants can be found in all neighbourhoods and in their numbers. No matter where you are in the country you’ll find a Kabsa dedicated restaurant. The authentic saudi Kabsa restaurant is one that looks clean, spacious, modern and the seating is mainly on the floor and in booths – the traditional way. Enjoy dining with family and friends with privacy. The following three dishes are usually found in such restaurants too (Hashi, Mandi and Shawaya).
Where can you try this dish?
Al Romansiah for an authentic experience, Al Tazaj for a fast food version experience and there are many other kabsa restaurants scattered around the cities. But Al Romansiah is the most famous and also closest to the two mosques.
Hashi
Hashi is baby camel and this is a delicacy in Saudi Arabia. So, once again, something you must try before leaving the country. It is something very popular in the country and is probably reserved more for the special occasion. It comes with rice, much like the Kabsa did. How does camel meat taste? It is very similar to the usual sheep/goat meat, but maybe a little more tough in texture. Please note: your wudhu will break if you eat camel meat and you’ll need to do it again.
Where can you try this dish?
Hashi Basha is the most famous place that does this and Al Romansiah also does this dish.
Mandi
This is a Yemeni dish that is loved by everyone in the region. It is tender meat with rice. Another must have, but it is a dish that is common in other parts of the world these days. If Kabsa is the everyday dish, Hashi is for a special special meal, this is more of a weekly special meal.
Where can you try this dish?
Al Romansiah. Like the Kabsa, there are many other restaurants that does this dish too, but if you’re there for a matter of days and you want to try something really good without exploring too far out, then this is a safe choice. Close to both the mosques.
Shawaya
This is another chicken and rice dish. You must think I’m just repeating myself now? The next one is also chicken and rice lol! Shawaya chicken is basically referring to how the chicken is cooked. And it is probably a variety of Kabsa in reality. The chicken can either be chargrilled (and it would be called Madhbi – our favourite) or slow cooked (Kabsa / Mandi chicken) or somewhere in the middle – and this is Shawaya chicken.
Where can you try this dish?
Shawaya House is the most famous place that does shawaya chicken as well as other meat and rice dishes. It’s a popular spot amongst locals because it is quick, cheap and no fuss. And again, Al Romansiah does this dish too.
Bukhari rice and chicken
Yes, another chicken rice dish. In Saudi Arabia you get two types of “chicken rice” restaurants in neighbourhoods: the clean/luxury/spacious saudi kabsa spot and the more humble, rustic and maybe a little grimy Bukhari spot. These restaurants are known as Mat’am Bukhari (Bukhari restaurant) – very common in the country and very popular too. They still have the on the floor seating, but without the sectioned off booths. It is more open plan, which means these restaurants are usually for men to dine in only. Anyway, in such restaurants you’re getting Bukhari rice with chargrilled chicken or slow cooked chicken. Chargrilled chicken is not only the type of chicken you HAVE to get, but it is also potentially life changing. You’ll never look at a chicken and rice dish the same way!
Where can you try this dish?
To try this dish you’re looking for “Mat’am Bukhari” on Google Maps. Type it in Arabic. It means Bukhari restaurant. They serve the most authentic and best version of this. There are many scattered around the cities, much like kabsa restaurants. I am not too familiar with the food scene in Makkah, so I don’t really have a recommendation. I have seen many places in the food courts of the malls do it. In Madinah I have two recommendations. If you don’t want to go far from the Masjid, then there is Al Faris Restaurant, which is at the back end of the masjid right next to all the hotels. But if you’re willing to travel a little, then supposedly the best in the city is Matam Al Farsi Al Bukhari, which is near the Khandaq masjid.
Ma’soob (and other Yemeni breakfast dishes)
Yemeni breakfast is unofficially (or maybe officially) the national breakfast of Saudi Arabia. Everyone loves it and you’ll find Yemeni breakfast joints in every neighbourhood and they’re all packed post Fajr (dawn prayer). Now, the most notable, the most distinguishable breakfast dish that you’ll find in the country is the Masoob (or Ma’soob). It’s a dish that you’ll rarely find anywhere else and so it is unique to this region. It is a wholesome Yemeni breakfast dish (some serve it as a dessert) that is made up of ground chapati, banana, cream, honey and topped with more cream, cheese, nuts and a modern addition is corn flakes. Sounds like a wild concoction, but trust me it is oh so good. The perfect start to the day to be honest! Arika is a slight variation to the Masoob in that no banana is used and instead dates are used. Equally delicious I must say. If you can try the Hijazi version (Jeddah/Makkah), please do – it is served hot and bubbling in a little cauldron – it is super delicious!
Where can you try this dish?
Abu Zaid and Al Qarmoshi are national legends. With numerous branches in numerous cities all around the country, you will find it difficult to not find them. If you’re in Makkah, I’d highly recommend trying Am Qasem Arika: it is local gem. When a place essentially just does one dish, you know it’s going to be good. This place does Areeka (which is Ma’soob with dates replacing banana) and boy do they do a good. They specialise in the Hijazi version. In Madinah, there are a number of new more modern spots that have popped up that do Yemeni breakfast but in a more clean, welcoming and modern setting. Shoaib is the one we tried, which was easily located while on the hop on hop off bus tour.
Foul and Tamees
Foul (fava beans) is an Egyptian breakfast classic and it is extremely popular in Saudi Arabia too. Here it is consumed with a bread called Tamees, which is usually made in a dedicated bakery next door. You can usually find this in the aforementioned Yemeni breakfast joints, but if you really want to try a good authentic version, then hit up a dedicated Foul spot. They’re usually small, humble and busy! Oh and this will quite possibly be the cheapest meal you buy here. 1 riyal for the foul and 1 riyal for tamees and you’ll get a delicous meal that can easily feed two! Amazingly, this was the price back when I lived there 10 years ago and a lot of places are still charging the very same amount today!
Where can you try this dish?
Makkah: Foul Tamees Restaurant (5 minute drive from the Masjid). Madinah: Mahfouz Foul (3 minute drive from Masjid).
Saleeq
Saleeq is probably the most authentic and saudi specific dish on this list. It is one that is nearly specific to saudi households only and it is seldom found in restaurants. I will make a couple recommendations below as it is slowly creeping into the restaurant scene now too so foreigners can try it. Saleeq is a dish that originated from the Hijaz region (West Saudi Arabia). It is basically roast chicken on creamy rice. The rice is cooked in the chicken broth and then milk is added to make it creamy and then roast chicken is added on top. Simple in its production, but in simplicity lies class. It is accompanied with other condiments too, similar to dishes like the Kabsa above. A very unique dish that is truly unique to this country and quite possibly something you will not find anywhere else in the world.
Where can you try this dish?
In a local Saudi’s house. If you can’t get there, it’ll be hard to find this dish. I did manage to track down a restaurant each in Makkah and Madinah that does it though. So, if you can get there check them out. Makkah: Awal & Tali and Madinah: Bab Al Anbariyah Hijazi Restaurant.
Jareesh
Jareesh is a popular local dish that originated from the city of Qassim. Its essential ingredients are crushed wheat, yogurt, and meat. It is almost like a meaty porridge if you like, similar to some extent to certain versions of Haleem around the world. In fact, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission announced that the Jareesh is their national dish! Citing the reason that it is one of the oldest dishes that can be traced back many decades and centuries and it represents their culture and history. You can get it in a white and a red version. And I’ve also tried a sweet version at a hotel buffet, but I don’t know how authentic that is? I think the authentic traditional version is savoury.
Where can you try this dish?
Al Romansiah once again is your best most convenient choice here. And supposedly, they do a really delicious version too.
Broast Chicken
Broast chicken is like fried, but it isn’t really fried fried. It is more of a healthier version of fried chicken. You may think, what’s so special about this then. Oh it is very special. You have to try it when in the country and you’ll find many spots doing this dish. The famous Al Baik are supposedly the pioneers and founders of broast chicken and now you can find such chicken all over the Arab world.
Where can you try this dish?
Al Baik of course has to get a mention, but in reality their best offering is the nuggets. Al Tazaj also do broast chicken. To be fair you’ll get numerous broast chicken places scattered around the country.
Mondays and Thursdays
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 747
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani
It is a prophetic action and recommendation to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Keeping up with this tradition many Muslims around the world fast on these days. To cater for this, local families in both the Masjids (in Makkah and Madinah) provide food for the fasting people on these two days. Of course this doesn’t mean it is only for them. Everyone is welcome to partake in the eating. A simple meal is provided: bread, yoghurt, duqqa mix (a spice mix to be mixed with the yoghurt), dates and a hot drink (tea or Arabic coffee). You’ll find this on Mondays and Thursdays around sunset (Maghreb prayer time). A must experience when here. During Ramadan, this is a daily occurrence.
