What comes to your mind when you think of “Saudi Arabia?” A barren desert land image pops up in front of your eyes, right? 38% of the country is covered with sand, and it houses giant date farms that produce over 1.61 million tons annually. Well, that’s not what the arid country has to offer.

In fact, there is more to view and experience in Saudi Arabia. The heritage dishes are one of the major attractions, luring people from around the world. Saudi cuisines have rich flavours, styles, and customs influenced by the cultural hints of its regions.

While these 11 dishes gives a cue of Saudi’s historical heritage, they aren’t conclusive. There are more to explore, however, we have just described 11 dishes. Let’s explore each of these dishes and savour what Saudi Arabia has to offer in terms of deliciousness.

Famous heritage dishes of Saudi Arabia 

Al-haneeth

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission


Al-haneeth is the regional dish of mountainous Aseer, a prominent province in the south of Al-Baha. This dish is said to be originated from Yemen. The dish is prepared by slow-roasting lamb mixed with turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. It is served with rice.

Hassawi Rice

Hassawi rice is prepared with red rice that gives it a prominent red hue. The use of varieties of spices turn it fragrant and delicious. The dish is famous in the Easter region of Saudi Arabia — Bahrain and Kuwait. Meat, rice, and spices make it even more delicious.

Al-sayadiah

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Our next heritage dish is Al-sayadiah, which is famous in Tabouk. The dish is said to be hailed from Lebanon. It is prepared using sautéed rice, tomato paste, brown onions, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and white flaky fish.

If you’re a fish lover, you must taste this dish for sure.

Al-mulayhiya 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Al-mulayhiya is the regional dish of Iraq and Jordan situated at northern border region. The dish comprises of lamb, meat broth, dried yogurt, parsley, and pine nuts. You can combine it with torn flatbread to enjoy the flavours.

Saleeg 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Jeddah, the coastal city in Makkah is home to famous restaurants. Its regional dish Saleeg makes a culinary delight. The dish comprises of a creamy porridge-like rice topped with boiled or roasted chicken. It is then marinated with spices for a flavourful taste. The dish is reserved for special occasions and moments.

Al-bukayla

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Al-bukayla is famous in A-Jouf region which has mild weather conditions, a desert, and lands for farming. This sweet dish is prepared using dates and flour. The two ingredient is combined together to make a paste and then mixing it with clarified butter or ghee.

Al-maghsh

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Al-maghsh is the region dish of Jazan, located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. The dish comprises of slow-cooked lamb, zucchini, tomatoes, okra, and potatoes. This dish tastes great with flatbread or rice. 

Muqana

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Muqana is a famous dish of the Al-Baha region. It is a flatbread dish made using whole wheat flour. The crispiness and dark brown texture come from cooking it over firewood.

Keubaibat Hail

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

Keubaibat Hail is the main dish of Hail province situated in the city centre. The dish is Greek-inspired and resembles dolma-like treat. The vine leaf is stuffed with cooked meat, rice, and seasoned with tomatoes, spices, and onions.

Al-Kleja

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

It is a dessert dish famous in Al-Qaseem. The sweet dish is prepared using wheat flour, which is stuffed with dates, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, local ghee, and black lime.

Madini rice

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saudi Culinary Arts Commission

The holy city of Medina is known for its traditional dish madini rice. The dish comprises of white rice cooked with marinated lamb, mastic, onions, cardamom, ghee, tomato, and saffron.

These are the traditional heritage dishes signifying the culture, tradition, and vivid taste of Saudi Arabia. You can contact the top rice exporters in Saudi Arabia to get the best rice to prepare them since most dishes are rice-based. Sometimes, the quality of rice can make or break the flavours of a dish. So, it’s advisable to explore various rice suppliers in Saudi Arabia, check their offerings, and buy only from the authentic exporters.