15 Best Saudi Dishes You Must Try

Famous Saudi Dishes

Rooted in Bedouin culture, Saudi dishes are built around generous portions of rice, meat, wheat, and aromatic spices that fill every meal with warmth and authenticity. From the bustling bazaars of Jeddah to the modern dining streets of Riyadh, food in Saudi Arabia reflects centuries of trade, migration, and celebration — a true highlight for anyone planning a Saudi Arabia trip.

Every region of the kingdom contributes something unique to its cuisine, with Hejaz offering creamy comfort dishes like Saleeg. Asir brings the smoky flavours of Haneeth, and Najd specialises in hearty stews, such as Gursan. These time-honoured recipes not only nourish but also embody the spirit of unity that defines Saudi culture. Modern restaurants across the country have elevated these classics, pairing age-old recipes with fine dining presentation. For travellers exploring the country, discovering some of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia often goes hand in hand with experiencing its rich culinary diversity.

Whether you’re sampling a plate of Kabsa, the national dish of Saudi Arabia, or indulging in sweet Maamoul cookies during Eid, every bite connects you to the region’s culinary traditions. Saudi Arabia’s dining scene has also evolved from luxury restaurants and heritage eateries to contemporary cafes and 5-star hotels, offering authenticity and innovation.

From exploring local food to discovering other things to do in Saudi Arabia, each experience offers a deeper connection to the kingdom’s culture and heritage. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Saudi dishes to try, the stories behind them, and where to find the most delicious plates across the country.

Quick Guide to the Best Saudi Dishes

Kabsa: Saudi Arabia’s national dish, made with spiced rice and tender meat, symbolises hospitality and celebration.
Saleeg: A creamy rice and milk dish from Hejaz, loved for its comforting texture and subtle flavour.
Mandi: Fragrant rice cooked with marinated meat over coal, known for its smoky aroma and Yemeni roots.
Shawarma: Served in bread or wraps with sauces and layers of seasoned meat that have been roasted on a vertical spit.
Murtabak: A stuffed, pan-fried bread filled with minced meat or egg, popular as a quick street snack.

Best Dishes To Try In Saudi

01

Kabsa

Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia and a centrepiece of the Kingdom’s culinary identity. This aromatic rice dish combines long-grain basmati rice with tender meat, usually lamb, chicken, or goat. It is cooked slowly with a rich blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. It is often garnished with toasted nuts and raisins, giving it a balance of savoury and sweet flavours.

Traditionally prepared in one pot, Kabsa represents the warmth and generosity of Saudi hospitality and is a must-try during family gatherings, Eid feasts, or weddings. Its welcoming aroma fills local homes and restaurants across the country, making it an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors seeking authentic Saudi flavours.

Best places to Eat:

Najd Village, Riyadh
Aseeb Restaurant, Riyadh
Al Romansiah, multiple locations across Saudi Arabia
Al-Orjouan Restaurant, Riyadh
Mama Noura

02

Saleeg

Originating from the Hejaz region, Saleeg is a creamy and comforting rice dish that stands out for its simplicity and flavour. Cooked with milk, butter, and a touch of cardamom, the rice develops a smooth, porridge-like texture that melts in your mouth. It is traditionally served with roasted chicken or lamb on top, dripped with clarified butter and accompanied by a light tomato sauce for contrast.

Known as one of the most famous dish of Saudi Arabia, Saleeg is often enjoyed during cold evenings and festive family gatherings. The dish is mild, hearty, and deeply satisfying, a perfect representation of Hejazi warmth and homely hospitality.

Best places to Eat:

Al Khodariyah Restaurant, Makkah
Aseeb Restaurant, Riyadh
Bayt Al Saleeg, Jeddah

03

Mandi

Mandi is a fragrant rice and meat dish that shares cultural roots with Yemen but has become a beloved staple across Saudi Arabia. It is prepared by slow-cooking marinated lamb or chicken in an underground clay oven known as a tandoor or taboon. This traditional cooking method infuses the meat with a smoky aroma while keeping it tender and juicy.

The rice, cooked in the same pot with spices like cloves, cardamom, and bay leaves, absorbs the rich flavours of the meat drippings, creating a deeply layered taste. Mandi is especially popular during family feasts, weddings, and other festive occasions. Served on large platters for communal sharing, it perfectly captures the Saudi spirit of togetherness and generosity.

Best places to Eat:

Al Romansiah, across Saudi Arabia
Yemeni Mandi House, Riyadh, Jeddah
Al Nafoura Restaurant, Jeddah
Hadramout Restaurant

04

Shawarma

Shawarma is one of the most popular and accessible Saudi Arabia dishes for locals and tourists alike. Thin slices of marinated meat, usually chicken, beef, or lamb, are stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-roasted for hours. As the outer layer crisps, it’s shaved off and wrapped in soft pita bread or saj, topped with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.

The flavour is smoky, juicy, and irresistibly spiced, making shawarma a go-to meal at any time of the day. It is loved for its convenience, affordability, and satisfying taste, found in both humble food stalls and upscale restaurants throughout the Kingdom.

Best places to Eat:

Shawarma House, Riyadh, Jeddah
Al Baik, multiple cities
Shawarmer, a nationwide chain
Mama Noura, Riyadh
Kudu

05

Mutabbaq

Mutabbaq is a beloved Saudi street food that perfectly combines flavours, textures, and traditions. This stuffed, pan-fried bread is usually filled with minced meat, eggs, onions, and aromatic spices, then folded into thin layers and cooked on a hot griddle until crisp and golden brown.

Its origins trace back to Yemen and India, but it has become a popular snack across Saudi Arabia, especially during Ramadan evenings and food markets. The outer layer is flaky, and the filling bursts with savoury spices, making it a satisfying meal for both locals and travellers. Whether eaten on the go or shared with friends, Mutabbaq reflects the lively street food culture that thrives in the region’s cities.

Best places to Eat:

Al Romansiah, Riyadh
Tamatim Restaurant, Makkah
Al Baik, multiple locations
Street vendors, Al-Balad

06

Maamoul

Maamoul is a sweet, buttery shortbread cookie filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, a true symbol of Saudi festivity and family tradition. These delicately patterned cookies are made using wooden moulds, which give them their signature floral designs. They are most commonly prepared during Eid and special occasions and offered to guests alongside Arabic coffee or tea as a gesture of hospitality.

Each bite combines the crumbly richness of the semolina dough with the natural sweetness of the filling, creating a perfect balance between texture and flavour. Maamoul represents more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of Saudi heritage, often made in large batches at home and shared with love.

Best places to Eat:

Bateel, Riyadh, Jeddah
Saadeddin Pastry, nationwide
Ana Arabia Sweets, Riyadh

07

Haneeth

Haneeth is known as a traditional and famous dish of Saudi Arabia, especially popular in the mountainous Asir region. It is made by marinating lamb with a blend of spices like cumin, black pepper, and cardamom, then slow-cooking it in an underground pit or clay oven lined with hot stones. This ancient Bedouin cooking method ensures the meat remains juicy, tender, and infused with a naturally smoky aroma.

Served with spiced rice and sometimes garnished with nuts, Haneeth is often prepared for weddings, family feasts, and festive gatherings. Its simplicity, combined with deep, earthy flavours, makes it a true expression of Saudi Arabia's pastoral roots and culinary pride. For visitors, Haneeth offers a taste of authentic desert tradition on a plate.

Best places to Eat:

Haneeth House, Riyadh
Al Romansiah, multiple cities
Al Qaria Al Najdiyah, Riyadh

08

Jareesh

Jareesh is a hearty and comforting Saudi Arabia dish cherished especially during Ramadan and Eid. It’s made by slowly cooking coarsely ground wheat and meat usually chicken or lamb, until they form a thick, porridge-like texture.

Seasoned lightly with salt, butter, and sometimes cardamom, it’s served warm, offering nourishment and comfort after long fasting hours. The dish’s texture is smooth, wholesome, and filling, making it a perfect traditional Saudi Arabia dishes for both festive and family occasions. Beyond its simplicity, Jareesh carries cultural significance as a symbol of sharing and togetherness.

Best places to Eat:

Al Romansiah, multiple locations
Najd Village, Riyadh
Aseeb Restaurant, Riyadh
Al Khodariyah, Makkah
Heritage Village Restaurant, Jeddah

09

Gursan

Gursan is a traditional Najdi dish that embodies the homestyle essence of central Saudi Arabia. It’s made using thin sheets of whole-wheat bread soaked in a rich broth of meat, vegetables, and spices. The bread absorbs the flavours beautifully, creating a soft, stew-like texture that's both hearty and wholesome.

Typically prepared with lamb or chicken and vegetables like zucchini, pumpkin, and eggplant, Gursan is a complete Saudi Arabia dish in itself. It’s often served in family gatherings, especially during winter, as a symbol of togetherness and simple living. Though not as globally known as Kabsa or Mandi, Gursan holds a special place in Saudi households, representing true Najdi comfort food at its best.

Best places to Eat:

Najd Village, Riyadh
Al Qaria Al Najdiyah, Riyadh
Aseeb Restaurant, Riyadh

10

Samboosa

No Saudi Ramadan table is complete without Samboosa, the Kingdom’s take on the crispy, golden triangular pastries loved across the Middle East. Inspired by the Indian samosa, this snack is filled with a variety of savoury ingredients, such as spicy minced meat, chicken, lentils, or cheese, and then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavourful filling inside.

Samboosa is a famous dish of Saudi Arabia enjoyed with chutneys, yoghurt dips, or hot sauce. It is a staple food during Iftar meals, family gatherings, and street food stalls year-round. Light, flavourful, and perfectly portable, it’s a must-try for anyone exploring Saudi Arabia’s vibrant food scene.

Best places to Eat:

Mama Noura, Riyadh
Al Baik, multiple cities
Samboosa House, Jeddah
Street food markets during Ramadan
Ras Al-Khaima

11

Falafel

Falafel is one of the most loved vegetarian dishes in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. These deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans are seasoned with herbs like parsley, cumin, and coriander, creating a crispy exterior and a soft filling. In Saudi Arabia, falafel is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack option, served in pita bread with tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables.

It is also a popular street food, found in small cafes and food stalls throughout Riyadh and Jeddah. Perfect for vegetarians and food lovers alike, Falafel offers a light yet satisfying glimpse into Middle Eastern street flavours that have become a part of Saudi daily dining culture.

Best places to Eat:

Al Habib Restaurant, Jeddah
Operation Falafel, Riyadh
Mama Noura, Riyadh
Alnaqaa Falafel & Hummus, Riyadh

12

Fattoush

Fattoush is a refreshing Levantine salad that has become a common starter in many Saudi homes and restaurants. It’s made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, mint, and crispy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread tossed in a sumac and pomegranate dressing. The dish brings a perfect balance between crunch and delight, making it ideal as a light appetiser or side to heavy rice dishes like Kabsa and Mandi.

In the warm climate of Saudi Arabia, people love Fattoush for its cooling, vibrant flavours and nutritional appeal. It’s a dish that not only complements local cuisine but also reflects the Mediterranean influence on Saudi dining traditions.

Best places to Eat:

Lusin, Riyadh
Al Khodariyah, Makkah
Leila Min Lebnen, Jeddah, Riyadh
Zaatar w Zeit, multiple locations
Lebanese Flower

13

Kunafa

Kunafa (or Knafeh) is one of the most beloved Middle Eastern desserts, adored across Saudi Arabia for its decadent taste and texture. It features semolina dough layered with creamy cheese or sweet clotted cream, baked until golden, and soaked in rose or orange blossom syrup. Served warm, its texture is sticky, crispy, and aromatic all at once.

In Saudi Arabia, kunafa is a festive favourite, enjoyed during Ramadan, Eid, and family celebrations. Whether classic or topped with pistachios, it perfectly captures the Kingdom’s love for rich, indulgent desserts. No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without savouring a slice of Kunafa fresh from the oven.

Best places to Eat:

Papillon Cafe, Riyadh
Kunafa Street, Jeddah
Simit Sarayi, Dammam

14

Baklava

Baklava is a centuries-old dessert that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry, crushed nuts, and butter, then soaked in fragrant honey or sugar syrup, it’s an indulgent treat that’s widely enjoyed in Saudi Arabia.

While it originated in the Ottoman Empire, baklava has found a cherished place in Saudi households and dessert shops, often served during Eid and weddings. It’s usually cut into diamond-shaped pieces and garnished with pistachios, offering a delightful crunch and sweetness in every bite. Served with Arabic coffee, baklava embodies luxury and tradition in equal measure.

Best places to Eat:

Al Nassma Sweets, Riyadh
Anjar Sweets, Jeddah
Bateel, nationwide

15

Basbousa

Basbousa is a soft, syrupy semolina cake that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. Infused with rose water or coconut, it’s baked to golden perfection and soaked in light sugar syrup, making it moist and fragrant. Topped with almonds or shredded coconut, this dessert is a staple in Saudi homes during Ramadan and festive occasions.

It’s lighter than Kunafa yet equally indulgent, loved for its melt-in-mouth feel and subtle floral notes. Whether enjoyed with tea in the afternoon or after dinner, Basbousa is one of the most comforting Saudi desserts that showcases the Kingdom’s simplicity and soulful sweets.

Best places to Eat:

Saadeddin Pastry, nationwide
Bateel, Riyadh, Jeddah
Anjar Sweets, Jeddah

Saudi Arabia Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia

Explore Saudi Arabia

King Fahd's Fountain

The King Fahd Fountain is located in the King Fahd's Garden, Riyadh. The garden has been designed as a place for contemplation, memory, and beauty, circling around a beautiful Lake that you can pay a visit to. You will see that in the center of the lake stands a large roundabout with several bird cages on the top and bottom of each side. King Fahd's Fountain is a symbol of abundance and success.This Tourist place of Saudi Arabia invites Saudis and visitors alike to quench their thirst for knowledge or just have some fun at the various games that are set up all over the grounds. The Kingdom's first two interlinked fountains, designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of King Fahd’s rule. The fountain features water spouting jets which are illuminated at night by laser beams that you will get a chance to witness.There is a large inscription on one side that reads “In gratitude to Allah who gave us His bounties with which we do not know how to repay Him” which sends a message that life is only possible through the blessings from Allah.