Famous Food in Saudi Arabia: 20 Must-Try Dishes and Where to Eat

Looking for the famous food of Saudi Arabia? The country’s cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors blending traditional Bedouin recipes with influences from across the Middle East. From fragrant rice dishes with tender meats to aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, Saudi Arabian food promises a culinary journey full of bold tastes and unique textures.

In this guide, you’ll discover the must-try dishes in Saudi Arabia, iconic flavors, and local specialties that every food lover should experience on their trip.

Saudi Arabia’s Non Vegetarian Foods: A Symphony of Spices and Flavors

1.Kabsa: The Royal Rice Rhapsody

Kabsa is the national dish and one of the most famous foods in Saudi Arabia, featuring fragrant rice cooked with tender lamb or chicken, nuts, and aromatic spices. The rice absorbs the meat’s rich flavors, creating a perfect harmony of taste.

• Best places to try: Al-Orjouan Restaurant (Riyadh), Mama Noura 
• Price: SAR 35-50 (INR 780-1,100) 

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2. Mandi: The Aromatic Oasis Medley

Mandi is another iconic dish, slow-cooked in an underground oven. This method gives the meat and rice a distinctive smoky flavor, making it one of the best foods to eat in Saudi Arabia for authentic culinary experiences.

• Best places to try: Yemeni Mandi House (Jeddah), Hadramout Restaurant 
• Price: SAR 45-60 (INR 1,000-1,350) 

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3. Mutabbaq: The Savory Pastry Duet

Mutabbaq is a popular street food in Saudi Arabia, consisting of stuffed flatbread filled with minced meat, eggs, and vegetables a must-try for travelers seeking savory delights.

• Best places to try: Al Baik (Multiple locations), Street vendors in Al-Balad 
• Price: SAR 12-15 (INR 270-335) 

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4. Shawarma: The Spiced Wrap Serenade

Shawarma is widely regarded among the popular food in Saudi Arabia, featuring marinated slices of beef, chicken, or lamb roasted on a vertical spit, served in warm bread with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce. Its tender texture and aromatic spices make it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

• Best places to try: Mama Noura (Riyadh), Kudu 
• Price: SAR 8-12 (INR 180-270) 

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5. Jareesh: The Wheat and Meat Harmony

Jareesh is a traditional dish made from crushed wheat and slow-cooked meat, often topped with ghee. Celebrated for its comforting flavors, it remains one of the famous foods of Saudi Arabia with deep cultural roots.

• Best places to try: Al-Romansiah (Multiple locations), Najd Village 
• Price: SAR 30-40 (INR 670-890) 

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Oasis of Flavors: Saudi Arabia’s Vegetarian Treasures

For vegetarian options, dishes like Falafel with tahini, Fattoush salad, and Muttabal showcase fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and aromatic spices. These vegetarian staples are considered some of the best food to eat in Saudi Arabia for a lighter but flavorful meal.

6. Falafel: The Crunchy Chickpea Chorus

Falafel with tahini is a popular meat-free option in Saudi Arabia, featuring crispy chickpea patties seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. 

• Best places to try: Al Habib Restaurant (Jeddah), Falafel Village 
• Price: SAR 5-8 (INR 110-180) 

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7. Fattoush: The Garden Fresh Medley

Fattoush salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish popular in Saudi Arabia, made with toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with a variety of fresh vegetables. The salad is typically dressed with a tangy sumac dressing, which adds a distinctive flavor.

• Best places to try: Zaatar w Zeit (Multiple locations), Lebanese Flower 
• Price: SAR 20-25 (INR 450-560) 

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8. Muttabal: The Smoky Eggplant Elegy

Muttabal is a smoky eggplant dip that is a staple in Saudi Arabian cuisine, made by roasting eggplants until they are tender and charred. Blended with tahini, garlic, and olive oil, this creamy dip is known for its rich flavor and is often served as part of a mezze platter.

• Best places to try: Reem Al Bawadi (Multiple locations), Beirut Restaurant 
• Price: SAR 15-20 (INR 335-450) 

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9. Ful Medames: The Bean Bliss Ballad

Ful Medames, slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and cumin, is a nutritious breakfast favorite and one of the most famous food in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia also features popular Chinese dishes in Saudi Arabia, including stir-fries, fried rice, and dim sum, catering to diverse palates alongside traditional offerings.

• Best places to try: Al Taboon Restaurant (Riyadh), Egyptian Corner 
• Price: SAR 10-15 (INR 225-335) 

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10. Hummus: The Creamy Dip Anthem

Hummus with vegetables is a creamy chickpea dip that is a staple in Saudi Arabian cuisine, made by blending cooked chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Often served with an array of fresh vegetables for dipping, this nutritious dish is a popular choice for gatherings.

• Best places to try: Albaik (Multiple locations), Shawarmer 
• Price: SAR 12-18 (INR 270-400) 

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Streets of Flavor: Saudi Arabia’s Irresistible Culinary Adventure

As you stroll through the bustling streets of Saudi Arabia, tantalizing aromas and bold flavors beckon you to explore. The street food scene is a vibrant showcase of the Kingdom’s culinary heritage, where every bite tells a unique story. 

11. Manakish: The Flatbread Fantasy

Manakish is a popular Middle Eastern flatbread, especially enjoyed in Saudi Arabia, topped with flavorful ingredients such as za’atar or cheese. This versatile dish can be served warm for breakfast or as a snack, and is often enjoyed with fresh vegetables.

• Best places to try: Street vendors in Al-Balad (Jeddah), Za’atar w Zeit 
• Price: SAR 5-10 (INR 110-225) 

12. Samboosa: The Stuffed Pastry Sonata

Samboosa, a popular Saudi Arabian delicacy, consists of crispy pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. Often enjoyed as a savory snack or appetizer, especially during Ramadan, these delightful pastries are typically deep-fried until golden brown.

• Best places to try: Street food markets during Ramadan, Al-Khaima
• Price: SAR 2-3 per piece (INR 45-67) 

13. Luqaimat: The Sweet Doughnut Dream

Luqaimat are delightful sweet dumplings originating from Saudi Arabia, characterized by their golden, crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Typically drizzled with rich date syrup, these treats are especially popular during Ramadan and festive occasions.

• Best places to try: Al-Qassim street vendors, Traditional markets 
• Price: SAR 10-15 (INR 225-335) 

14. Shawarma Saj: The Grilled Wrap Saga

Shawarma Saj is a delicious variation of the traditional shawarma, featuring marinated meat wrapped in thin saj bread instead of the usual pita. This unique flatbread, known for its soft and pliable texture, enhances the overall experience, allowing the savory flavors of the meat and accompanying ingredients to shine through.

• Best places to try: Shawarma Express (Multiple locations), Street vendors 
• Price: SAR 10-15 (INR 225-335) 

15. Falafel Sandwich: The Chickpea Delight Wrap

The Falafel Sandwich is a popular Saudi dish featuring fresh, crispy falafel wrapped in Arabic bread, accompanied by a medley of vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce. This flavorful combination not only highlights the rich spices of the falafel but also offers a satisfying and nutritious meal.

• Best places to try: Al Jawal Restaurant (Riyadh), Street carts 
• Price: SAR 7-10 (INR 156-225) 

Indulge in Saudi Arabia’s Delectable Desserts

As you explore Saudi Arabia’s famous foods, do not miss the enchanting world of its desserts, you’ll immerse yourself in a sweet symphony of flavors and textures. This culinary landscape is rich with treats that reflect the Kingdom’s heritage, where dates, honey, and aromatic spices take center stage. 

16. Kunafa: The Sweet Cheese Serenade

Kunafa is a beloved Saudi Arabian dessert characterized by its sweet cheese filling enveloped in a delicate pastry, soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. This indulgent treat is often garnished with nuts, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

• Best places to try: Habiba Sweets (Multiple locations), Al Samadi Sweets 
• Price: SAR 25-35 (INR 560-780) 

17. Umm Ali: The Bread Pudding Elegy

Umm Ali is a rich and indulgent dessert originating from Egypt, now cherished in Saudi Arabia, known for its delightful combination of layers of bread or puff pastry, nuts, and cream. Often enjoyed during festive occasions like Ramadan, this sweet bread pudding is generously soaked in milk and sugar syrup.

• Best places to try: Nada Café (Riyadh), Paul Café 
• Price: SAR 20-30 (INR 450-670) 

18. Baklava: The Nutty Pastry Crescendo

Baklava is a rich, flaky pastry that has become a staple among famous foods in Saudi Arabia. Made with delicate layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and drizzled with honey or syrup, it delivers the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness.

Often served during holidays and gatherings, Baklava embodies the indulgent side of Middle Eastern desserts. Its irresistible flavor and elegant presentation make it one of the most popular sweets in Saudi Arabia enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

• Best places to try: Saadeddin Sweets (Multiple locations), Al Baghdadi Sweets 
• Price: SAR 80-120 per kilo (INR 1,780-2,670)

19. Ma’amoul: The Date-Filled Harmony

Ma’amoul is a traditional Saudi Arabian dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. These shortbread cookies are filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts and shaped using intricate wooden molds.

Enjoyed during Eid, Ramadan, and special celebrations, Ma’amoul represents the warmth and generosity of Saudi culture. Paired with Arabic coffee, it’s a famous food in Saudi Arabia that brings families together through timeless tradition and taste.

• Best places to try: Bateel (Multiple locations), Traditional bakeries 
• Price: SAR 50-70 per kilo (INR 1,100-1,560) 

20. Basbousa: The Semolina Sweet Song

Basbousa with cream is one of the most beloved Saudi Arabia famous foods, made from semolina and soaked in sweet syrup for a rich, moist texture. This golden dessert is layered with cream and often topped with almonds or pistachios, adding a nutty crunch.

Served during family gatherings and festive occasions, Basbousa with cream perfectly captures the essence of Arabian hospitality sweet, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s a must try dessert in Saudi Arabia for anyone with a sweet tooth.

• Best places to try: Al Reef Bakery (Multiple locations), Sweet shops 
• Price: SAR 15-20 (INR 335-450) 

FAQs

1 – What is Saudi Arabia’s national food?

Kabsa is considered Saudi Arabia’s national dish. It consists of aromatic rice cooked with meat (typically lamb or chicken), spices, and nuts, reflecting the country’s Bedouin heritage.

2 – What is the average cost of Saudi food for a day?

The average cost of food in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 80-200 (INR 1,800-4,500) per day, varying based on dining choices. Street food meals cost around SAR 15-25 (INR 335-560), while restaurants range from SAR 40-100 (INR 890-2,230) per person.

3 – What type of food is generally eaten in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi cuisine features rice-based dishes with meat (particularly lamb and chicken), flatbreads, grilled meats, legumes, dates, and dairy products. Typical dishes include shawarma, mandi, jareesh, and various mezze like hummus and fattoush.

4 – Is Saudi food spicy, oily or sweet?

Saudi food is moderately spiced but not typically spicy hot. It tends to be aromatic rather than oily, using spices like cardamom, saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon. While some dishes contain ghee, they’re not usually overly greasy. Desserts are notably sweet, often featuring dates and honey.

5 – What is a typical Saudi breakfast?

Saudi Arabia’s famous food for breakfast includes:

• Foul medames (fava beans)
• Shakshuka (eggs in tomato sauce)
• Tamees (flatbread)
• Labneh (strained yogurt)
• Dates
• Saudi qahwa (coffee)