A Beginner’s Guide to Saudi Cuisine: Exploring Palm Dates and Cardamom

The Arabian Peninsula has profoundly influenced global cuisine, with fruits like lemons, oranges, and pomegranates cultivated here since at least the 13^th century. Today, Saudi Arabia, covering two-thirds of the peninsula, has historically been at the heart of vital trade routes that facilitated the exchange of agricultural products. Despite this, many of the country's culinary treasures remain largely unknown to those who haven't explored its borders.

Defining Saudi gastronomy is challenging due to the nation's remarkable biodiversity, featuring 246 endemic plant species across nearly 70 unique sub-climates in its 13 provinces, or mintaqah. Travelers across Saudi Arabia's expansive 830,000 square miles can enjoy a wide range of experiences, from hiking in the central highlands of Nejd to snorkeling off the west coast of Jazan, or traversing the vast deserts of the southeast.

Every region offers a distinct culinary experience, with local specialties sharing little in common aside from the dietary laws—primarily the prohibition of pork and alcohol—that govern the nation. However, visitors to Saudi Arabia who embrace the adventure with an open palate will discover a vibrant world of flavors waiting to be explored. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes.

The country’s signature dish

Saudi cuisine bursts with flavor, and jareesh, usually infused with spices like cinnamon and cardamom pods, exemplifies this richness.

In a collaborative effort between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Culinary Arts Commission to highlight and celebrate the kingdom's most iconic dishes, jareesh and maqshush have recently been named the two national dishes of Saudi Arabia. The latter, which consists of sweetened bites of pan-fried buckwheat dough similar to mini, fluffy pancakes enjoyed at breakfast, is also a delightful dessert option, while jareesh stands out as a hearty meal loved across the nation.

Jareesh serves as an edible canvas, with its base of cracked wheat porridge offering endless possibilities for flavor. In the northwest, it's often cooked with tomato sauce, while in the central Najd region, buttermilk is the go-to addition. This rich, creamy dish typically includes meat such as shredded chicken or mutton and is seasoned with spices like cinnamon and cardamom, all garnished with a unique blend of caramelized onions, lemon, and ghee, creating a delicious harmony of savory, sweet, and sour flavors.

Where to experience it: Duha Al Otaishan, the host of a well-loved cooking show, is celebrated as Saudi Arabia’s first female head chef. She crafts her unique take on jareesh using red wheat, and her version has delighted many guests. You can savor this dish at Duha, her flagship restaurant in Riyadh.

A vibrant coastline and a spectacular culinary experience

In Jazan Province along the Red Sea coast, you can find samak mkashan, featuring locally caught parrotfish seasoned with spices and grilled over an open flame. Meanwhile, in the mountainous region of Abha, the local take on the Yemeni dish haneeth involves layering dry-rubbed lamb cuts with markh plant branches, then slow-roasting the mixture in a special sand pit. Markh, scientifically known as Leptadenia pyrotechnica, is prized for its slow-burning properties and was historically used as incense, making it ideal for cooking the haneeth at low temperatures. This dish is typically served over a bed of rice throughout the region.

Where to enjoy it: Just a short stroll from the jacaranda trees and open-air art installations on Abha’s Art Street, you’ll find Haneeth Ali Ramzi Restaurant, a vibrant and casual spot spread across two floors that specializes in this slow-cooked dish.

A delightful experience

As the first fruit cultivated by humans, the date palm plays an essential role in Saudi cuisine and culture, symbolizing hospitality and generosity. (This tree is also featured prominently on the country's official emblem.)

In Saudi Arabia, dates hold immense significance and are closely linked to Ramadan. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Ramadan is a revered month-long observance during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marked by families coming together at sunset to break their daily fast with an evening meal known as iftar. Dates are usually the first food consumed during this meal, often paired with yogurt or milk. Varieties such as the sweet, golden sukkary date from Al Qassim and the soft, prunish ajwa date from Al Madinah can be enjoyed on their own, alongside Saudi coffee, or incorporated into dishes like hininy, a specialty from Najd that includes minced brown bread, saffron, cardamom, and ghee or butter.

Where to enjoy it: Najd Village in Riyadh offers a twist on traditional Saudi cuisine, resembling a desert palace with a menu as expansive as its ambiance. Although hininy is typically served in winter, you can find it on the menu year-round at Najd Village. Similar to Kabsa Hashi, diners can expect to sit on the floor and share festive platters. Don’t forget to conclude your meal with a cup of rich, cardamom-spiced Saudi coffee to aid digestion.

Your culinary adventure

This list is just the beginning of the vast culinary landscape waiting to be explored in Saudi Arabia, and fortunately, there are plenty of guides to assist you on your gastronomic journey. For those eager to sample a bit of everything, Zahid Travel offers a thorough nine-day group tour covering some of the country's most renowned attractions. If you prefer a more personal experience with local cuisine, consider 88 Destinations for a dinner with a local family in Riyadh, or Pangea Adventures Club for a tailored, private tour focused on the country’s rich food culture.