Saudi Arabian cuisine

Saudi Arabian cuisine (Arabic: المطبخ العربي السعودي) encompasses the cuisines and foods of Saudi Arabia. In spite of the existence of many common dishes, Saudi Arabian dishes vary between regions as the culture itself varies.

Traditional cuisine

Foods and dishes

Dish name	Image	Description
Mufattah		It is a name for a method of serving a roasted lamb on rice. This method is considered a symbol of generosity and hospitality, and it is one of the main techniques used to serve feasts during major occasions and celebrations.
Kabsa		One of the most famous Saudi dishes found in most regions of the Kingdom is typically made with rice, vegetables, spices, herbs and either chicken, lamb, camel, or beef. Spices are considered the main ingredient in any Kabsa since they, alongside herbs, give it its distinctive and delicious flavor. Among the mix of spices added to Kabsa, we have black pepper, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, cloves, dried lemon, and bay leaves, while the cooking sauce (kushnah) made from caramelized onions and tomatoes.
Matazeez		Matazeez is one of the most famous dishes in Central region. It is a rich and filling main dish. Its origin and etymology are unclear as it is not found in Arabic dictionaries. It is believed that the word may be a combination of two words: mata, meaning to press or compress, referring to the dough that shrinks when cooked with meat and vegetables. On the other hand, some believe that the word's origin is mataqiq, as the dough produces a cracking sound when kneaded, assuming that the letter q was gradually replaced with the letter z. This dish is popular throughout Saudi Arabia and is called by different names in various regions, such as Marasi', al-Quraysat, al-Masabieh, or al-Dahalis. Often consumed during the winter season for its ability to provide warmth, this dish is highly favored during Ramadan. The Matazeez dough is made of whole wheat produced locally in Qassim. It is then cut into relatively thick round shapes called mathayel. It is then dipped into a meat and vegetable marinade. The water level must be concentrated for the food to acquire a thick and rich taste and texture.
Jareesh		It is a popular Saudi dish famous in the Central region, consisting of crushed wheat, which is why it is called Jareesh. It is cooked with yogurt, chicken, or other meat and served with fried onion kushnah. In the beginning of the year 2023, it was chosen as a national dish.
Qursan		Thin bread discs soaked in meat and vegetable broth.
Margoog		It is prepared from whole wheat flour (wheat bran), salt, and water. The ingredients are kneaded together and left until the meat is partially cooked. Then, the vegetables are added, and the dough is spread thinly over the same pot on top of the broth until it becomes soft.
Kleja		It is a famous dessert in the Qassim region, made of wheat flour, sugar, honey, and some spices.
Hanini		It consists of mashed dates mixed with bread made from wheat flour.
Kabeba		It consists of grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice.
Maqshush		Maqshush is famous in the Hail region and some northern regions of Saudi Arabia. It is particularly consumed during the winter season. Maqshush is made from brown flour, white flour, eggs, yeast, and milk. After preparation, it is topped with honey or ghee. Maqshush was chosen as the national dessert of Saudi Arabia in early 2023.
Sha'atha		It is a mixture of dates, hard dry laban (Iqt), and ghee. It is popular among the people of al-'Aridh and Sudair, and although the presentation may vary between them, the ingredients remain the same.
Harees		It is prepared from meat, wheat, ghee, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt.
Saleeg		It is a dish of cooked white rice with broth (chicken or meat) to which milk is added. It is one of the dishes of the Western region.
Fermoza		Meat- stuffed pastries baked in the oven.
Debyaza		This dish originates from Mecca, and it is called Khushaf, or mixed nut, dates and Apricot Compote. It is a traditional dish that is always present during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This dish has a dense consistency similar to jam, which helps preserve it for up to 6 months. It is made from dried apricots, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried dates and sugar. It is then left to soak for half an hour until it thickens before adding roasted nuts to it. It can be served cold or hot in decorative bowls called Tutuah during the first few days of Eid. Some people enjoy dipping bread or Shuraik in the Debyaza.
Bukhari Rice		This is one of the most popular dishes in the Kingdom, which is equally widespread as Kabsa. It is prepared by cutting the meat into medium-sized portions and lightly frying it in ghee or clarified butter. Ground chickpeas and finely chopped onions, known as Kushnah, are added to it. Tomato juice, black pepper and cumin are also added. When the meat is nearly cooked, sliced carrots are added, followed by rice. It is then left to absorb the water and cook until done.
Mutabbaq		Mutabbaq is one of the famous and everyday snacks, especially in the western part of Saudi Arabia. Especially during Ramadan or during Hajj and Umrah, it is a special discovery for many visitors in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. A square-shaped fried (baked in some regions) thin layer of bread stuffed mainly with minced meat (boiled with garlic), beaten eggs, chopped leeks, and green onion.  Once cooked, it is cut further into smaller squares and is eaten with lemon and green chili.
Tharid		This dish dates back to the pre-Islamic Arab period and is called Mashrubiyah. It is said to be one of the favorite dishes of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is primarily made with meat and vegetables or bread (or both) which is then formed into small pieces to be dipped into a deep meat broth dish.
Talbina		This is a porridge made from barley flour and its bran. A cup of water is added and then it is cooked over a low heat for 5 minutes. Then, a cup of milk and a tablespoon of honey are added. It is garnished with cinnamon or shredded almonds. In his famous Hadith on Talbina, the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) recommended it when sad events happen for its effect on soothing hearts and relieving sadness.
Areekah		It consists of a liquid dough grilled on the griddle, then served in a dish with the addition of ghee and honey in the middle of the dish. Finally, it is decorated with dates on the side.

Kleeja, a cardamom cookie also known in Iraq

Beverages

See also: Arabic coffee

Traditional coffeehouses (maqha) used to be ubiquitous, but are now being displaced by food-hall-style cafes. According to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, "serving Gahwah (Coffee) in Saudi Arabia is a sign of hospitality and generosity". Traditionally, the coffee beans were roasted, cooled and ground in front of the guests using a mortar and pestle. The host would then add cardamom pods to the coffee beans during the grinding process. Once the coffee was brewed, it would be poured for the guests. Today though, gahwah is not prepared in front of the guests; instead it is elegantly served in a dallah and poured into small cups called finjan.

Yoghurt is normally made into a drink called laban.

Sobia is a cold drink usually made in the Hijaz but now available all over Saudi Arabia, especially during Ramadan. It is made from a light fermented mixture of barley/brown bread, date palm sap, herbs and spices. It may be either white or colored depending on the flavor.

Fast-food and chain restaurants

Chain restaurants have been slow to gain ground in Saudi Arabia, yet are steadily becoming a part of the local cuisine. Although chain restaurants only account for 25% of sales in the service industry, chains have seen far more growth than independent players in recent years. Al Baik, a chain focused on the sale of broasted fried chicken, has led the charge as far as Saudi-owned chains go, and has expanded operations into several neighboring gulf states.

Islamic dietary laws

Islamic dietary laws forbid the eating of pork and the drinking of alcoholic beverages. This law is enforced throughout Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic law, animals must be butchered in a halal way and blessed before they can be eaten.

According to the Saudi Arabian cultural mission,

"guests are served hot coffee and dates as a symbol of generosity and hospitality. The same practice is carried out in the month of Ramadan. Muslims in Saudi Arabia break their fast with dates, water and Arabian coffee. The caffeine in the coffee and the carbohydrates and iron in dates nourishes the fasting person with a lot of energy. This helps them perform the Tarawih held in the evenings during Ramadan."

See also

• Arab cuisine

Further reading

• Davies, Catriona. "Saudi foodies ditch fast food for fine dining." CNN. Wednesday March 28, 2012.

External links

• Saudi Cooking