There are many different types of foods and beverages in the Middle East with distinctive spices and flavors. Foods like cardamom, cloves, tomatoes, cinnamon, and other spices. To get a taste of some of the cuisine and foods generally sold in the shops and restaurants in Saudi Arabia, keep reading!
- Shawarma. Shawarma is a typical sandwich made with pita bread that is rolled-up containing slices of chicken/goat meat/ turkey mixed with yogurt, onion slices, French fries, pickles, etc..
- Kabsa rice. This is a Saudi traditional basmati rice dish mixed with chicken/goat meat with complete herbs and spices, and slices of tomato and carrot.
- Briyani rice. A Basmati rice dish mixed with mutton or chicken. Briyani rice comes from Hadramaut, Yemen, but has been popular in the Arab region.
- Bukhari rice. Basmati rice mixed with mutton or chicken and raisins, with ingredients such as cinnamon spices, onions and tomatoes.
- Mandi Rice. Basmati rice with spiced, chicken, and saffron coloring (orange). This dish originates from Yemen and is now widely available in several Middle Eastern
countries.
- Kufta Basya. A recipe of mutton or beef mince that is shaped into balls or ovals with a sauce made from tomato puree.
- Samosa / Samboosak. Triangular fried snacks containing minced mutton, chicken or cheese.
- Baklava. Crisp pastry that contains nuts doused with a mixture of water, sugar, and lemon slices. This food originated with the Ottomans but is now found in many supermarkets in Saudi Arabia.
- Kunafa. The typical Arabian dessert made of spun shredded wheat and topped with raisins, nuts, and cream.
- Laban. A kind of typical yogurt/ sour drink suitable as a companion for sweet foods like dates, baklava, and kunafa.
- Mantu. A kind of steamed dim sum containing mince and onion, suitable as an appetizer or snack.
- Saudi Champagne. Non-alcoholic beverage made from a mixture of sparkling water / soda water, apple juice, apple and orange slices.