Saudi Arabian cuisine offers a rich array of dishes, many of which are deeply rooted in tradition and regional influences. Here are some of the best and most iconic foods in Saudi Arabia, from main courses to street snacks and desserts:   1. Kabsa Description: Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia. It’s a spiced rice dish, often made with lamb, chicken, or fish, and served with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black lime, bay leaves, and nutmeg. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection and served over fragrant rice. Why It’s Popular: Kabsa is not just a meal but an experience. It’s often shared at large gatherings, making it a symbol of hospitality and family. Photo Idea: A large plate of kabsa served with tender lamb, rice, and a side of salad.   2. Mandi Description: Mandi is another rice and meat dish, similar to Kabsa but cooked differently. The meat is traditionally slow-cooked in an underground clay oven, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. It’s often served with a spicy tomato sauce on the side. Why It’s Popular: The smoky flavor and tender meat make it a favorite, especially in the southern regions of Saudi Arabia. Photo Idea: A dish of mandi with a side of red sauce and fresh herbs.   3. Jareesh Description: Jareesh is a savory porridge made from crushed wheat, cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and spiced with cumin, coriander, and sometimes yogurt. It’s a comforting dish, thick and creamy in texture. Why It’s Popular: Known for its simplicity and heartiness, it’s a staple in many Saudi households, especially in central regions like Najd. Photo Idea: A warm bowl of jareesh topped with caramelized onions or roasted chicken.   4. Mutabbaq Description: Mutabbaq is a popular street food, a savory stuffed pastry filled with spiced minced meat, eggs, onions, and sometimes vegetables. The dough is fried until crispy, and it’s often cut into squares for easy eating. Why It’s Popular: It's a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for eating on the go. Photo Idea: A street vendor preparing or frying mutabbaq, with a close-up of the crispy, golden pastry.   5. Harees Description: Harees is a wheat and meat dish that’s similar to a porridge or stew. The wheat is slow-cooked with chunks of meat (lamb or chicken) until it breaks down and becomes creamy. It’s seasoned lightly with cardamom and cinnamon. Why It’s Popular: Harees is especially popular during Ramadan as a hearty, nutritious meal to break the fast. Photo Idea: A bowl of creamy harees served with a sprinkle of cinnamon.   6. Shawarma Description: Shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in Saudi Arabia. It consists of thin slices of marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) cooked on a rotating spit and served in pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. Why It’s Popular: Quick, delicious, and widely available, shawarma is loved by locals and visitors alike. Photo Idea: A hand-held shawarma wrap with a side of fries, cut open to reveal the meat and fresh vegetables inside.   7. Sambusa Description: Similar to Indian samosas, sambusa are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced meat, lentils, or vegetables. They are particularly popular during Ramadan as a snack before or after Iftar (breaking the fast). Why It’s Popular: Crispy, savory, and versatile in fillings, sambusa is a staple of Saudi Arabian snacks and appetizers. Photo Idea: A basket of golden sambusa served with a dipping sauce.   8. Luqaimat Description: Luqaimat are small, round dough balls, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with syrup or honey. They are light, sweet, and often served during Ramadan and festivals. Why It’s Popular: The bite-sized treats are addictive and a crowd favorite during special occasions. Photo Idea: A plate of luqaimat drizzled with date syrup or honey.   9. Qursan Description: Qursan is a flatbread dish cooked with broth, vegetables, and meat. The bread soaks up the flavors of the broth, making it a soft and flavorful meal. Why It’s Popular: It’s a comforting dish from the central regions, particularly in Najd, where it’s enjoyed during cooler months. Photo Idea: A dish of qursan served with lamb and vegetables in a rich, savory broth.   10. Balaleet Description: Balaleet is a traditional sweet and savory breakfast dish made with sweetened vermicelli noodles and spiced with saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. It’s often served with a fried egg on top. Why It’s Popular: The contrast of sweet and savory makes this a unique dish, especially popular in the eastern regions. Photo Idea: A plate of balaleet with saffron-colored noodles and a fried egg on top.  

Street food holds a special place in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s culture, where centuries-old culinary traditions meet the vibrant energy of modern city life. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Jeddah, Riyadh, or Mecca, you’re sure to encounter the enticing aromas of freshly prepared snacks and meals, each offering a unique taste of the Kingdom's rich gastronomic heritage. Let’s take a flavorful journey through some of the most famous and delicious street foods that define Saudi Arabia..   1. Shawarma – The Street Food King Arguably the most beloved street food in Saudi Arabia, Shawarma reigns supreme. Thin slices of marinated meat, usually lamb or chicken, are stacked on a rotating spit and slow-cooked to perfection. The crispy, juicy meat is then shaved off and wrapped in soft pita bread or flatbread, accompanied by a variety of fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces, like garlic tahini or hot chili. In cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, shawarma stands are found on nearly every corner, each offering its own twist on this Middle Eastern classic. Whether you like your shawarma packed with flavor or just simple and hearty, it’s a street food staple you can’t miss.   2. Mutabbaq – A Savory, Crispy Treat Mutabbaq is a delicious, crispy pancake-like dish that’s filled with minced meat, eggs, and a blend of aromatic spices, then folded and fried until golden. Originally believed to have been introduced to Saudi Arabia from Yemen, Mutabbaq has become a street food favorite throughout the Kingdom. Vendors prepare it fresh on flat griddles, serving it hot and crisp, perfect for a quick snack or a filling meal. Some variations are stuffed with sweet fillings like bananas or honey, offering a dessert-like twist to this savory dish.   3. Samosa – A Ramadan Favorite, Year-Round Delight While Samosas are traditionally associated with Ramadan, they’ve become a beloved year-round street food in Saudi Arabia. These triangular, deep-fried pastries are typically filled with spiced meat, vegetables, or lentils, giving them a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a flavorful, savory filling. Street vendors sell them by the dozen, especially in busy markets or during the evening rush. With their irresistible golden crust and spicy filling, samosas are the perfect quick bite to grab on the go.   4. Falafel – Crispy and Flavorful Falafel, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, is another iconic street food that’s loved throughout the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. The spiced chickpea mixture is rolled into balls and deep-fried until crunchy on the outside but soft and fragrant inside. Falafel is often served in pita bread with a variety of toppings like tahini, pickled vegetables, and tomatoes, making it a vegetarian-friendly, protein-packed meal or snack that’s both delicious and affordable   5. Jareesh – A Comforting, Hearty Bowl Though often considered a traditional dish rather than street food, Jareesh is making its way into the street food scene in Saudi Arabia. Made from crushed wheat and slow-cooked with chicken or lamb, this porridge-like dish is flavored with cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Street vendors now serve Jareesh in portable bowls, perfect for those looking for a comforting, hot meal while on the move. It’s rich, filling, and ideal for cooler evenings when you need something more substantial   6. Kebdah – The Street-Side Liver Dish For adventurous foodies, Kebdah (liver) is a must-try. This dish is particularly popular in Jeddah, where street-side stalls serve up freshly cooked liver, often fried with onions, garlic, and fragrant spices like cumin and coriander. While liver may not be for everyone, its tender texture and bold flavors have made Kebdah a street food favorite in many parts of Saudi Arabia, particularly among locals looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal   7. Areekah – A Taste of Tradition Hailing from the southern regions of Saudi Arabia, Areekah is a traditional dish that has found its way into the street food culture. This hearty dish is made from a dough of whole-wheat flour mixed with honey, butter, and sometimes dates, creating a soft, sweet base. Street vendors typically serve Areekah topped with a generous helping of clotted cream and more honey, making it a filling and energy-packed snack. It’s especially popular in the cooler months, offering warmth and comfort with each bite   8. Luqaimat – Sweet and Addictive No street food tour of Saudi Arabia would be complete without a taste of Luqaimat. These golden, bite-sized dough balls are deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup or honey, resulting in a crunchy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying treat. During Ramadan, luqaimat is a popular street food, but you’ll find it sold year-round at street stalls and food markets. It’s the perfect snack for those with a sweet tooth, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist   Conclusion: A Flavorful Experience Saudi Arabia’s street food scene is as diverse as its rich cultural heritage, offering a mix of traditional dishes and modern takes on classic flavors. From the sizzling shawarma stands to the comforting bowls of jareesh, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Saudi street food is an adventure for the senses, offering an authentic taste of the Kingdom’s vibrant culinary traditions. Next time you’re wandering the streets of Riyadh, Jeddah, or any other Saudi city, be sure to stop by a street vendor and indulge in these iconic flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!