The Most Popular Food in Saudi Arabia, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:38
In a land rich with culinary heritage, knowing which dishes top the list in popularity can guide food enthusiasts on a flavorful journey. Identifying these favorites is not just about savoring meals but also connecting with the culture and history embedded in every bite. A ranking of the most popular foods can serve as a culinary map for both locals and visitors.
This dynamic list is shaped by your votes, making it a reflection of what truly resonates with the people. By participating, you help highlight the dishes that define the essence of Saudi cuisine. Every vote brings more authenticity to the ranking, ensuring that it continuously represents the current tastes and preferences of its audience.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Saudi Arabia?
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145votesKabsa is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and spices. It is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia and is often served at weddings and other special occasions.Kabsa is a traditional Arabian rice dish that is widely consumed in Saudi Arabia. It is a fragrant and flavorful combination of rice, spices, and meat, often served with a variety of accompaniments. The dish is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, making it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.
- Main Ingredients: Rice, meat (usually chicken, lamb, or goat)
- Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black lime (loomi), bay leaves
- Method of Cooking: The rice is often first cooked with a mixture of spices and then layered with meat and additional spices. The dish is then cooked in a covered pot (dum-style) to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Variations: There are several variations of Kabsa across the Arabian Peninsula, with regional differences in the choice of spices and the addition of ingredients such as nuts, raisins, or vegetables.
- Accompaniments: Kabsa is typically served with a side of refreshing yogurt sauce (raita), Arabic salad, pickles, and sometimes a spicy tomato sauce called 'Shattah'.
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238votesShawarma is a Middle Eastern sandwich made with marinated meat (usually chicken or beef), vegetables, and sauce. It is a popular fast food in Saudi Arabia and can be found at many street vendors and restaurants.Shawarma is a popular Arab food that originated in the Middle East. It is a type of meat preparation, typically made with thinly sliced marinated lamb, beef, or chicken. The meat is often placed on a vertical rotating spit and slowly cooked, resulting in a tender and flavorful filling. The shawarma is commonly served in a pita bread or flatbread, along with various toppings and sauces.
- Meat: Lamb, beef, or chicken
- Marination: Thinly sliced meat marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and sometimes yogurt
- Cooking Method: Slowly roasted on a vertical spit, resulting in juicy and tender meat
- Serving Style: Typically served in a pita bread or flatbread
- Toppings: Common toppings include tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pickles, and sometimes fries
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324votesMandi is a traditional Yemeni dish that is popular in Saudi Arabia. It is made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and spices, and is cooked in a special oven called a tandoor.Mandi is a traditional dish popular in Kuwait, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. It is a slow-cooked rice and meat dish that originated in Yemen and was brought to Kuwait by Yemeni immigrants. Mandi is typically made with seasoned lamb or chicken, basmati rice, and a blend of spices.
- Cooking method: Slow-cooked
- Meat options: Lamb or chicken
- Rice variety: Basmati rice
- Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black lime, saffron
- Preparation style: Meat and rice are cooked together in a tandoor or underground oven
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417votesFalafel is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is a common street food in Saudi Arabia and is often served with tahini sauce and pita bread.Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with various herbs and spices. It is typically shaped into small balls, patties, or nuggets, and then deep-fried until crispy. Falafel is known for its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. It is commonly enjoyed as a vegetarian or vegan option, served in pita bread or as part of a mezze platter.
- Main Ingredients: Chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Texture: Crispy exterior, soft interior
- Shape: Balls, patties, or nuggets
- Flavor Profile: Savory, aromatic, and mildly spiced
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512votesHummus is a dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is a popular appetizer in Saudi Arabia and is often served with pita bread or vegetables.Hummus is a popular Arab food that is a thick spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a rich and earthy flavor. Hummus is commonly enjoyed as a dip or spread and is often served as an appetizer or a side dish with pita bread.
- Main ingredient: Chickpeas
- Additional ingredients: Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil
- Texture: Smooth and creamy
- Flavor: Rich and earthy
- Usage: Dip or spread
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613votesBiryani is a South Asian rice dish that is popular in Saudi Arabia. It is made with basmati rice, meat (usually chicken or beef), and spices, and is often served with raita and papad.Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is made by cooking basmati rice with a blend of spices, meat (such as chicken, mutton, or fish), and occasionally vegetables. Biryani is known for its rich taste, tender meat, and fragrant rice, making it one of the most popular and beloved dishes in India.
- Region: Various regions of India, with variations in spices and style.
- Meat: Chicken, mutton, fish, or seafood.
- Vegetarian Options: Vegetable biryani or paneer biryani (cottage cheese).
- Rice: Basmati rice, known for its long-grain and fragrant characteristics.
- Spices: A blend of various spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, and saffron.
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76votesHarees is a porridge made from wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb). It is a traditional dish in Saudi Arabia and is often served during Ramadan and other special occasions.Harees is a traditional Arab dish that is popular in Bahrain. It is a slow-cooked porridge made with wheat and meat, typically lamb or chicken. The dish has a creamy and smooth texture, with the wheat grains breaking down during the cooking process. Harees is often enjoyed during special occasions and religious festivals, such as Ramadan.
- Main Ingredients: Wheat, meat (lamb or chicken)
- Cooking Method: Slow-cooked porridge
- Texture: Creamy and smooth
- Traditional Occasions: Ramadan, special events
- Preparation Time: Several hours
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82votesThareed is a bread and meat stew that is popular in Saudi Arabia. It is made with thin bread called regag, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and vegetables, and is often served during Ramadan.Thareed is a traditional Kuwaiti dish that is popularly enjoyed by the locals. It can be best described as a hearty stew made with layers of flatbread, vegetables, meat (such as chicken or lamb), and aromatic spices. The dish is topped with a flavorful tomato-based broth and is usually eaten with hands by tearing pieces of bread and soaking them in the stew. Thareed is considered a comfort food and is often served during special occasions and gatherings.
- Main ingredients: Flatbread, vegetables, and meat
- Primary flavors: Aromatic spices and tomato-based broth
- Serving style: Torn bread pieces soaked in stew
- Popular meat choices: Chicken or lamb
- Seasonings: Traditional Kuwaiti spice blends
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97votesMabkhara is a type of grilled meat that is popular in Saudi Arabia. It is made with marinated beef or chicken and is often served with rice and vegetables.Mabkhara, also known as a traditional incense burner, is a popular item in Saudi Arabia that is used to burn incense and release pleasant fragrances. It is an essential tool in many Saudi households during special occasions, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings.
- Material: Made from various materials such as brass, silver, or ceramic.
- Design: Intricate and ornate designs are often engraved or embossed on the mabkhara.
- Shape: Commonly cylindrical or bowl-shaped with a central chamber to hold burning coals.
- Size: Available in various sizes, from small handheld mabkharas to larger decorative pieces.
- Function: Used to burn frankincense, oud, or other traditional incense materials.
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107votesShakshuka is a dish made with eggs, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is a popular breakfast dish in Saudi Arabia and is often served with bread or flatbread.Shakshuka is a popular dish in Sudan and many other Middle Eastern and North African countries. It is a hearty and flavorful dish made by simmering eggs in a sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. The dish is typically cooked in a skillet or pan, and the eggs are gently cracked into the simmering sauce, allowing them to poach until they reach the desired doneness. Shakshuka is often served with bread or pita for dipping and is enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
- Ingredients: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggs, spices (commonly cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper)
- Preparation Method: Simmering and poaching
- Serving Style: Hot
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern and North African
- Meal Type: Breakfast, brunch, or dinner
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Cultural importanceThe significance of the dish in Saudi Arabian culture. Traditional and historical dishes that have been part of the cuisine for generations should be considered.
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Frequency of consumptionHow often the dish is prepared and consumed by locals. Popular food items that are eaten regularly by Saudi Arabians should be given priority.
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Taste preferencesThe flavors and taste profiles that are commonly preferred by Saudi Arabians, such as spices used and the level of spiciness of the dish.
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Ingredients and preparationConsideration should be given to dishes that use ingredients native to Saudi Arabia or are commonly used in the local cuisine. The complexity of cooking methods and techniques should also be considered.
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Affordability and accessibilityThe ease of obtaining the ingredients required to prepare the dish and whether the dish is affordable for the general population, which contributes to its popularity.
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Dietary restrictions and preferencesThe suitability of the dish for various dietary restrictions and preferences in Saudi Arabia, such as Halal requirements.
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Social occasions and gatheringsFood that is commonly served in social gatherings, family events, and celebrations should also be considered, as these dishes are likely to be popular among the local population.
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Regional variationsSaudi Arabia is a large country with diverse culinary influences originating from different regions. Popular food items from various regions should be taken into consideration.
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Local and international influenceConsider the balance between local Saudi Arabian cuisine and the influence of international cuisines, such as Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western global flavors.
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Online and media mentionsAnalyze online sources, food blogs, social media, and other publications to gather insights on the popularity of certain dishes in Saudi Arabia.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Saudi Arabia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1730 views
- 170 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in saudi arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country rich in culture, history, and cuisine. The country's cuisine has been influenced by the Bedouin way of life, as well as by the various cultures that have passed through the region over the centuries. The most popular food in Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly rice, which is served with almost every meal. Rice is typically cooked with a variety of spices and herbs, such as saffron, cardamom, and cumin, which give it a distinct flavor. Other popular dishes include lamb and chicken, which are often grilled or roasted and served with a variety of sauces and dips. Traditional Saudi Arabian dishes also include kabsa, a dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables, and shawarma, a type of wrap made with grilled meat and vegetables. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is known for its sweets, such as baklava and halwa, which are made with honey, nuts, and dried fruits. With such a diverse range of flavors and dishes, it's no wonder that Saudi Arabian cuisine is a favorite among food lovers around the world.
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