{"id":86742,"date":"2025-10-16T00:26:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=86742"},"modified":"2025-10-16T19:51:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T08:51:17","slug":"best-saudi-arabia-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/best-saudi-arabia-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Rice, spice and all things nice: Traditional foods to try in Saudi Arabia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>From tender meats cooked in underground ovens to queue-summoning street foods, Jude Blay Yawson takes a look at the Kingdom\u2019s most celebrated plates.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like much of <a href=\"\/saudi-arabia\">Saudi Arabia<\/a>\u2019s culture, the country\u2019s food scene is cloaked in mystery \u2013 at least, to the uninitiated. But with a rich history spanning millennia, born of Bedouin people and spice-selling trade routes, this <a href=\"\/middle-east\">Middle Eastern<\/a> gastronomic tradition is one not to be overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regional variety is rich in Saudi Arabia, from the rice-and-meat-based kabsa dish of the Central Region to the stone-grilled chicken madhbi of the Aseer in the south and the Yemeni-influenced haneeth (slow-roasted lamb), that\u2019s traditionally cooked until it\u2019s tender and falling off the bone in an underground clay oven, or tannour. If that doesn\u2019t get you revisiting your preconceptions about this ever-innovating Kingdom, perhaps a side serving of street-food-style mutabbaq pancakes will\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"\/adventures\/meet-sara-omar-saudi-arabia\/\">One female entrepreneur&#8217;s take on Saudi tourism<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"The brunch dish of shakshuka.\" class=\"wp-image-86763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delaney-van-I-SxrfASwug-unsplash-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The favoured brunch dish of shakshuka brought to Saudi through trade routes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shakshuka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Arabic-style shakshuka isn\u2019t specific to Saudi Arabia, it is one of the country\u2019s most popular brunch dishes and a Middle Eastern favourite, found at every breakfast place from the capital Riyadh to the coastal city of Rabigh. Layering up from a tomato-paste base, it mixes peppers, finely chopped onions, grated garlic cloves and sometimes ginger with softly poached eggs and green chillies to accent the dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brought to Saudi Arabia via historical trade routes between North Africa and the Middle East, its name comes from the Amazigh word \u2018shakshek\u2019 (meaning \u2018all mixed up\u2019) and became popularised due to its low-cost, easy-to-make nature. Today, it\u2019s often served with roti or naan and best sampled over breakfast in Saudi with freshly squeezed juice or an acclimatising tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery alignwide is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:38.96595%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-lunch-2-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-lunch-2-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-lunch-2-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1080&#038;ssl=1 1080w\" alt=\"Sharing food is part of Saudi Arabian hospitality.\" data-height=\"1920\" data-id=\"86758\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86758\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-lunch-2-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-lunch-2-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:61.03405%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1920&#038;ssl=1 1920w\" alt=\"A local street-food seller in Saudi Arabia.\" data-height=\"1080\" data-id=\"86756\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86756\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Hail-traditional-market-vendor-watermelon-happy-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1920&#038;ssl=1 1920w\" alt=\"Local markets in Al-Balad, Jeddah.\" data-height=\"1080\" data-id=\"86757\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86757\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Jeddah-Al-Balad-streets-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mutabbaq<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most popular street foods in Saudi Arabia is mutabbaq, a savoury or sweet stuffed pancake. Mutabbaq comes from the Arabic word for \u2018folded\u2019 as fillings such as egg, minced meat and vegetables, or banana, lemon and sweetened cheese, are folded into a thin crepe-like casing before being pan-fried until crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can try this snack at open-air markets and street corners across the country. But it\u2019s really the star of the show in Jeddah, especially amid the souks and snaking lanes of the historic Al-Balad district, where it\u2019s often prepared fresh on streets that come alive at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"\/adventures\/womens-expedition-saudi-arabia-sara-omar\/\">Inside Intrepid&#8217;s new Women\u2019s Expedition in Saudi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery alignwide is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:38.96595%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-pancakes-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-pancakes-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-pancakes-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1080&#038;ssl=1 1080w\" alt=\"Meeting locals on Intrepid's Women's Expedition.\" data-height=\"1920\" data-id=\"86760\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86760\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-pancakes-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-pancakes-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:61.03405%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1920&#038;ssl=1 1920w\" alt=\"Food on Intrepid's Women's Expedition.\" data-height=\"1080\" data-id=\"86762\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86762\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-dates-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1920&#038;ssl=1 1920w\" alt=\"Locals on Intrepid's Women's Expedition.\" data-height=\"1080\" data-id=\"86761\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86761\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-daughter-inside-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jareesh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Jareesh is another traditional Saudi and Middle Eastern staple. To make the one-pot dish, a cup of washed jareesh \u2013 the name given to the crushed or coarsely ground wheat that forms the base \u2013 is added to simmering chopped onions and garlic, before ladling in chicken or lamb broth and slow stirring, until the dish reaches its creamy porridge-like consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Topped off with shredded meat and spices, and sometimes garnished with oil and herbs, jareesh can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied with yoghurt, a simple salad and bread. As one of the country\u2019s most prided dishes, it&#8217;s eaten at all times, in all places, but especially favoured during religious holidays like Ramadan and Eid and big-group occasions such as weddings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Cardamom flavours the Saudi dish of saleeg.\" class=\"wp-image-86764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/faezeh-taheri-0_q6vsAHXm0-unsplash-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Saudi dish of saleeg is typically spiced with cardamom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saleeg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The white-rice dish of saleeg originates in Saudi\u2019s western Hejaz \u2013 a region that\u2019s home to Jeddah and the twin religious sites of Mecca and Medinah. Cooked with broth, milk and butter, it\u2019s often compared to the Italian risotto for its creamy texture, albeit seasoned with spices such cardamom and black pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This being the Middle East, meat (typically chicken, usually boiled, then roasted) tops off the dish \u2013 before being served on a special tabasi metal platter, fit for sharing at special occasions, such as Shabana \u2013 which marks the lunar month before Ramadan in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery alignwide is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1920&#038;ssl=1 1920w\" alt=\"Flatbreads form a staple of Saudi meals.\" data-height=\"1080\" data-id=\"86765\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86765\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg\" data-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jorge-fernandez-salas-56rFXPzUm1E-unsplash.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1920&#038;ssl=1 1920w\" alt=\"A typical restaurant in Saudi Arabia.\" data-height=\"1080\" data-id=\"86766\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?attachment_id=86766\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg\" data-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-cafe-1.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mandi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another favourite dish, especially in the Kingdom\u2019s southern provinces of Aseer and Al-Bahah, is mandi \u2013 known for its smoky flavour profile. Traditionally cooked underground in a circular fire-warmed tannour pit, it involves roasting a whole lamb or goat, or a whole chicken alternatively, in a tightly sealed pot for up to two hours to retain tenderness in the meat. Indeed, the name \u2018mandi\u2019 originates from the Arabic word \u2018nada\u2019 meaning \u2018dew\u2019, which nods to its moistness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rice typically gets cooked underneath, enabling the classic seasonings of salt and saffron to flavour the meat and drip down to the base, along with those all-important fats. As much as you might like to eat it all to yourself, it\u2019s typically shared and served on a platter as a mark of togetherness, best eaten with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"\/adventures\/hegra-saudi-arabia\/\">How Saudi Arabia defied my expectations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview.jpg\" alt=\"Saudi hospitality on Intrepid's Women's Expedition.\" class=\"wp-image-86767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Intrepid-Travel-Saudi-Arabia-Riyad-lunch-home-visit-Fatima-lunch-interview-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Embrace Saudi hospitality by always being open to second helpings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kabsa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the national dish of Saudi Arabia, kabsa holds a special place in the hearts of local foodies. Similar to mandi (but made on a stove with a pot, rather than underground), fragrant and flavourful kabsa blends broth-cooked aromatic basmati rice with crispy chicken, a spice mix and garnishes of raisins and toasted nuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally emanating from the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, it has now become a staple in restaurants across the country and many Saudi Arabian households \u2013 its recipe handed down and safely guarded from generation to generation. When guests arrive, kabsa acts as a symbol of Saudi hospitality and generosity \u2013 so don\u2019t even think about just having one plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sample the flavours of Saudi Arabia on Intrepid\u2019s <a href=\"\/saudi-arabia\/saudi-arabia-womens-expedition-167866\">Women\u2019s Expedition<\/a>, where you\u2019ll visit a citrus farm, learn recipes with a local cook and experience a traditional Saudi dinner. Or plan your own <a href=\"\/tailor-made\">tailor-made journey<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Uncover the national dish of kabsa, favourite street-food snacks and tender meats cooked in underground tannour ovens. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16399,"featured_media":86755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3106],"tags":[56,3184],"class_list":["post-86742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-good-life","tag-middle-east","tag-saudi-arabia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The best traditional foods to try in Saudi Arabia | The Good Times by Intrepid<\/title>\n<meta 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