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CULINARY

Traditional desserts to try in Saudi

Looking to indulge in some of Saudi’s favourite traditional desserts? From rich delicacies made using layers of pastry to date-filled delights that melt in the mouth, be sure to scout out these popular sweet treats on your next trip to the Kingdom.

Words by Naomi Chadderton

The Middle East is well known for the importance that locals place on hospitality and generosity and Saudi is no different.

That’s why, as generations have passed down recipes and cooking methods, desserts have become ingrained in the region’s cultural identity, particularly in Saudi where they are often offered to guests as a way to make them feel welcome. One glance at the number of sweet shops and bakeries scattered throughout the country and there’s no denying that locals love indulging their sweet tooth. So if you feel like joining them, here are the seven best Saudi desserts that you need to save room for…

Ma’amoul

Head to Saudi during Eid and you’ll most certainly come across your fair share of Ma’amoul – this traditional shortbread cookie is the most popular sweet treat for the Holy Month. A moreish cake stuffed with dates or walnuts, pistachios and other nuts, and sprinkled with crushed white sugar, the delightful combination gives a satisfying crunch and is best enjoyed with a fresh cup of Saudi coffee or tea. While many locals prepare theirs fresh at home, you can pick some up in any supermarket or at one of the many bakeries throughout the country.

Maqshush

Named Saudi’s national dessert in January 2023, these buckwheat pan bites are delicious. These sweet balls of dough are infused with a kick of cardamom and are baked, after four hours of resting. Topped with ghee, honey, date molasses or sugar they are popular during the winter months in the Najd when it is cold and rainy outside. They are also served for breakfast and during Ramadan.

Luqaimat

An Emirati delicacy and popular Saudi Bedouin dessert that dates way back to the 13th century, Luqaimat are little dumplings of deliciousness often thought of as Arabic doughnuts. While nothing fancy – from a presentation point of view they are simple, golden fried balls covered heavily in date syrup – what they lack in looks they make up for in taste, boasting a crisp outside later and soft, fluffy centre. While this is another traditional dessert that makes an appearance on pretty much every Ramadan dessert table, luckily you can enjoy them any time of year at almost any Middle Eastern restaurant in the Kingdom.

Hanini

An authentic Saudi dessert that everyone must try during a trip to Saudi, while recipes vary from place to place, a traditional hanini sees dates, brown flour and spices including cardamom and saffron all come together to create a magical substance that you simply must save room for. It tends to be served during the winter, when a warm filling food is needed.

If you find yourself in Riyadh, head straight to JLab in Hittin, which serves hanini on a skillet topped with walnuts while, for something a little different, Magnolia Bakery’s delicious hanini cheesecake topped with a tasty caramel sauce and chopped pistachios is a modern spin on this old school favourite.

Qatayef

A strong contender on both Ramadan iftar and suhoor tables (sensing a theme here?), Qatayef – which has origins in the Fatimid Dynasty – is a mini pancake-like dessert stuffed with different fillings like cheese, custard, clotted cream and crushed nuts, and garnished with pistachio. Abundant throughout the many bakeries and supermarkets throughout the country, these half-moon-shaped delights are indulgent and somewhat sticky, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Opt for one covered with honey or rose water and enjoy with a freshly brewed pot of Saudi coffee.

Umm Ali

A delicacy that is actually of Egyptian descent, Umm Ali is perhaps the most famous of all desserts in Saudi. Tasting somewhat like bread-and-butter pudding but with a pastry crust and rich aroma, it is destined to take your tastebuds on a cultural journey with its decadent combination of pastry, nuts, raisins, spices and cream. Best served warm, it’s a staple dessert for all special events in the Middle East, so it won’t be hard to find wherever you choose to eat.

Basbousa

A soft and fluffy cake much loved across the whole of the Middle East, Basbousa is most commonly made from semolina and sugar plus a whole host of varied ingredients designed to both shake up the taste and add some healthy nutrients, including coconut, almonds and pistachio. It then comes doused in rosewater, honey or syrup (an orange-blossom infused syrup is our firm favourite) for a super-sweet finish. The light, airy texture and fragrant flavour of Basbousa make it one of Saudi’s best-loved treats, and you’ll find it on any dessert menu.

Kunafa

A regional staple that, depending on who you ask, originates from Egypt, Turkey or Palestine, Kunafa is an eclectic combination of bubbling molten cheese layered with filo dough or vermicelli noodles served soaked in sweet syrup hot out of the oven.

A dessert that sounds like it shouldn’t work but really (really) does, you’ll find various varieties served throughout the city, some made simply with cream while others are given an indulgent makeover with fillings including Nutella, KitKats and Kiri spreadable cheese. Trust us, you can’t go wrong whichever flavour you order – simply top with lashings of rose syrup and you’re good to go. It is particularly popular during Ramadan where you can find it freshly made in any supermarket.

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

With plenty of direct flight links from the UK to Saudi, it’s really easy to get to the country. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

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.

FAQ

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.