CULINARY
How Saudi’s gastronomic scene has evolved
From its origins in the home to fine dining, discover the elegant flavours and breadth of Saudi cuisine, from milky risottos to spiced seafood.
Words by Jen Curcio
Saudi cuisine has a long and rich history that is deeply rooted in a culture of sharing. For centuries, from its ancient trade routes to Islamic tourism, Saudis have always welcomed merchants and pilgrims coming in and out of the Kingdom. This encouraged cultural and culinary exchanges resulting in the introduction of what remain beloved ingredients in Saudi cuisine, like rice and cardamom for example.
Other influences on Saudi cuisine also came about from neighbouring countries with many dishes being shared across the region to this day. However, the essence of true Saudi cuisine reflects the country’s regions and resources.
“In the past, Saudi’s cuisine was primarily based on the available local ingredients, which were often influenced by the country’s arid climate and nomadic lifestyle. Traditional Saudi cuisine is characterised by simple, hearty, and flavourful dishes,” says Yasmin Hamza, the Saudi head chef behind the Middle East’s first zero-waste dining restaurant, Indulge Thyself.
“As for dining out in the past, there were limited options compared to modern times. In urban areas, small eateries and food vendors were prevalent, serving simple local dishes. However, dining out was not as common as it is in contemporary Saudi,” continues Hamza.
In the past and today, there are a number of traditions and ingredients that remain ever present in Saudi cuisine. Wheat is a key ingredient in local breads, porridge-style dishes like jareesh or mashghutha, as well as many savoury and sweet snacks.
Dates are inextricable from the Kingdom’s culinary roots. Not only is the fruit used in Saudi cooking, but its syrup, edible flesh and even its leaves are used to impart flavour when cooking meat. Even before it was grown in the Kingdom, rice was a mainstay in Saudi cuisine, either in dishes or as a side. This can be seen today from kabsa to saleeg. In terms of protein, in the west (Red Sea) and east of the Kingdom (Persian Gulf), seafood is prominent. Traditionally, lamb and camel meat was eaten in the country’s central areas, while beef was only found in the south.
Another tradition is Saudi coffee (formerly known as Arabic coffee), also known as qahwa (its Arabic name). Served to welcome guests, it is the symbol of Saudi hospitality. Saudi coffee has such a deep cultural and culinary significance in the Kingdom, that in 2015 it was placed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Welcoming the culinary cultures of others continues in Saudi even today. According to chef and consultant, Faisal Aldeleigan, the birth of what is now Saudi Aramco brought an American influence into the Kingdom. The introduction of American meat for example, brought a whole new dining culture into Saudi and in some instances turned plant-based recipes into meat-based ones.
“When I eat a burger, I eat it because of [Saudi] Aramco. [Saudi] Aramco played a big role in exchanging culture, because when the Americans came to work in Saudi, they brought their food,” shares Aldeleigan. “When we were trying to document the origins of the eastern province, we found that some of the dishes were only cooked using vegetables at the start. Nowadays they’re cooked with chicken and protein”.
In more recent times there has been a renaissance and modernising of local resources like dates for example. “Vinegar, molasses, date powder. You will see a lot of products nowadays coming from dates. Fillings added to dates, [date] creams they put in chocolate. Either [producers] are using the date and making different things from it like vinegar, or the date itself becomes a part of the dessert,” says Aldeleigan.
Dining culture in Saudi is undergoing dramatic changes that are making the Kingdom a genuine global player and culinary tourism destination. Apart from the presence of international dining options like global food chains and fine dining restaurants, new trends and modernisation of the culinary landscape are contributing to fast-paced changes.
Yasmin Hamza has observed this firsthand. From the uptake of food delivery culture to an emphasis on healthier options. She also notes cafe culture, the presence of food trucks, culinary festivals, as well as the role of social media in influencing the industry. Above all, she’s noticed changes occurring within her country’s local cuisine.
“Nowadays, a multitude of culinary experts and eateries are delving into the world of fusion cuisine, blending the rich tapestry of traditional Saudi flavours and ingredients with innovative international culinary methods and ideas”, shares Hamza. “It’s important to note that these changes in Saudi’s cuisine and dining options reflect a broader shift in the country’s culture and society. The government’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and promote tourism and entertainment has played a role in these developments by opening up the country to more international influences and opportunities”.
Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
