Traditional Breakfast in Saudi Arabia
Breakfast in Saudi Arabia is often a simple affair. A typical spread consists of bread, cheese, and jam, with date jam being the most common choice. For those looking for something a bit more elaborate, there are options like shakshuka, which is eggs poached in a flavorful spiced tomato sauce, and banana masoub, a type of bread pudding.
Eating in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan
Visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan is a unique experience, both culturally and culinarily. It’s important to remember that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and many of the same rules apply here as when visiting any Muslim country during Ramadan. Ramadan is a month-long period in the spring that is considered the most sacred month of the year for Muslims. During this time, followers fast from dawn to sunset, focusing on spiritual discipline and contemplation. Smoking and engaging in sexual activity are also strictly prohibited.
Businesses and schools may reduce their hours or close completely during the day, and special prayers are recited in the early morning and at night. For visitors, it’s important to be aware that many restaurants will be closed during Ramadan, so dining options may be limited. It’s also considered extremely rude to eat or drink in public during Ramadan, so meals should be consumed in private. However, if you’re interested in experiencing a traditional Ramadan meal, sharing a midnight feast with Saudi friends can be a memorable experience. After fasting all day, people break their fast with a large meal after sundown. One popular Ramadan evening meal is thareed, a spicy lamb stew eaten with thin flatbread, which was reportedly one of Prophet Mohammed’s favorite dishes.
Food restrictions outside of Ramadan
Outside of Ramadan, there are food restrictions that should be observed in Saudi Arabia. Eating pork is forbidden year-round, as is drinking alcohol. These rules are rooted in Islam, and foreigners are expected to abide by them.
The Best Foods to Try in Saudi Arabia
While shakshuka, and thareed are classic Saudi dishes, there are many other delicious foods to try in the country. One popular street food is matabaq, which is made with thinly rolled dough folded into a square and filled with minced meat, eggs, vegetables, lemon, chiles, and spices before being fried. The filling can vary depending on the place, with different types of meat, spices, or even sweet varieties with fruit and cream.
Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia and a staple of Saudi cuisine. Kabsa is made by cooking meat, often chicken, in water with rice and spices. The dish is typically served on a large platter alongside a salad. The spices, including clove, cinnamon, black pepper, saffron, and black lime, give Kabsa its unique flavor.
Mandi is another traditional dish originating from the Arabian Peninsula, specifically Yemen. It is a rice and meat dish that is cooked inside a pit, usually a clay oven. The meat is boiled with whole spices while suspended inside the oven above the rice, allowing it to cook slowly for up to eight hours. The result is a flavorful and tender dish that requires patience but is well worth the wait.
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that can be found all over Saudi Arabia. It is a pita wrap filled with marinated meat, tomatoes, vegetables, lettuce, pickles, and sauce. The meat can be lamb, chicken, beef, veal, turkey, or mutton, and is spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Shawarma is cooked on a spit, slowly turning in front of a fire or heat source before being sliced off.
For those with a sweet tooth, ka’ak is a popular Middle Eastern dessert. It is a variety of biscuits that are often baked with sesame seeds and filled with ingredients like ground walnuts, dates, and pistachios. Ka’ak is commonly eaten as a street food.
Jallab is a sweet fruit syrup drink made with dates, grape molasses, grenadine syrup, rose water, and carob. It is often smoked with Arabic incense to enhance its aroma and flavor. Jallab is popular not only in Saudi Arabia but also in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabian cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes to try. From traditional breakfast spreads to flavorsome Ramadan meals, there is something to suit every palate. Whether you’re enjoying street food like matabaq or indulging in national dishes like kabsa, the culinary experiences in Saudi Arabia are sure to be memorable.
