The Best Arabic Local Foods In Jeddah That Will Make You Lick Your Fingers

Jeddah, which is a very important city not only in Saudi Arabia but in the whole of Arabia due to its many demands, harbours such a natural and innovative beauty that it compels travellers to prioritise spending the most beautiful moments of their lives in Jeddah.

Today in this exciting travel guide, we are going to tell you about the best options in Jeddah that will give you a taste of the local Arabic foods that will make you lick your fingers.

Today we will take a closer look at all these things and facts about how these hotels make their food delicious and strive to improve its quality. Should you visit Jeddah for any purpose, you can turn your trip into an unforgettable experience by visiting these options.

Now, the important thing here is that if we have to travel to Jeddah and our trip is in line with our budget and proves to be a comfortable trip, then we will choose you for one of the best airlines in Saudi Arabia, Air Arabia because it has instilled discipline and other skills in the world of travel.

So without further ado, we are going to tell you about the best options in Jeddah that are eager to give you a taste of local Arabic cuisine in Jeddah.

Explore Jeddah’s Gems When You Visit

Our meaningful guide will make it possible for you to discover Jeddah’s treasures with their heart touching souks, like Al-Balad, brimming with cultural richness. Furthermore, you can explore the world’s tallest, the iconic King Fahd Fountain.

Apart from that, to get a peaceful feeling of rest, you can unwind at the Corniche, which is a picturesque seaside promenade.

To learn about ancient Arabic culture and traditions, you can visit historic landmarks like the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and marvel at the modern King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture.

Above all, our objective is to tell you that you can savour local cuisine in Al-Mazmiyya and shop at the Red Sea Mall.

To make your adventure memorable, you can embrace the city’s fusion of tradition and modernity, which will make your visit to Jeddah unforgettable.

Also Read: Places To Visit in Saudi Arabia

5 Best Arabic Foods In Jeddah

1. Kabsa
2. Mandi
3. Shawarma
4. Falafel
5. Mutabbaq

1. Kabsa

Kabsa is one of the popular Arabic foods and Arabian rice dish known for its rich flavours and aromatic spices. It typically features long-grain rice, tender meat (often chicken, lamb, or goat), and a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black lime.

The dish is generously garnished with almonds, pine nuts, and raisins, adding both texture and sweetness. Kabsa is traditionally cooked in a single pot, allowing the ingredients to meld together, creating a savoury and fragrant experience.

It is a staple in Saudi Arabian cuisine, showcasing the region’s culinary diversity and love for hearty, spiced meals.

Kabsa Preparation Tips:

• Choose Quality Ingredients
• Rinse the rice thoroughly
• Marinate Meat for Flavour
• Use Authentic Kabsa Spice Blend
• Employ a Heavy-Duty Pot
• Layering Ingredients for Even Cooking
• Garnish Generously with Nuts and Raisins
• Monitor the cooking time carefully
• Allow Resting Time Before Serving
• Serve with Traditional Accompaniments

2. Mandi

Mandi is a traditional Arabic rice dish that is popular in Saudi Arabia. It features seasoned rice and meat, often lamb or chicken, slow-cooked in a tandoor (underground clay oven). The dish is infused with a blend of aromatic spices, and as a result, it provides a flavorful and tender meal.

Mandi is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, celebrated for its rich taste and cultural significance.

What You Need To Know Before Preparing Mandi:

• Quality Basmati Rice
• Choice of Meat (Lamb or Chicken)
• Mandi Spice Mix
• Tandoor or Oven Access
• Aromatic Herbs (Bay Leaves, Cinnamon)
• Ghee or Clarified Butter
• Nuts and Raisins for Garnish
• Marination Time for Meat
• Heavy-Duty Cooking Pot
• Patience for Slow Cooking

3. Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food. It consists of thinly sliced, seasoned meat, often chicken or beef, wrapped in flatbread.

The meat is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie, resulting in a flavorful and convenient grab-and-go snack or meal.

Tips For Preparing Yummy Arabic Shawarma:

• Quality Meat Selection
• Flavorful Shawarma Marinade
• Vertical Rotisserie Setup
• Perfect Slicing Technique
• Fresh Flatbread
• Tasty Garlic Sauce
• Optional Pickle and Tomato Garnish
• Skewer or Rack for Grilling
• Attention to Marination Time
• Balanced Spice Blend

4. Falafel

Falafel is one of the best and most traditional Arabic foods. It is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and then deep-fried to golden perfection.

These crispy, flavorful balls are often served on pita bread or as part of a mezze platter.

Essential Tips For The Preparation of Falafel:

• Quality Chickpeas or Fava Beans
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro)
• Aromatic Spices (Cumin, Coriander)
• Proper Soaking Time
• Food Processor for Mixing
• Ideal Oil Temperature for Frying
• Consistent Falafel Size
• Drain Excess Moisture
• Serve with Tahini Sauce
• Enjoy Freshly Cooked Falafel

5. Mutabbaq

Mutabbaq is a delicious Middle Eastern pastry filled with savoury or sweet ingredients. It consists of thin layers of dough folded over a flavorful filling, then baked or fried to a golden crisp.

Common fillings include spiced meats, cheese, or sweetened nuts.

How Can You Make The Best Mutabbaq?

• Flaky Dough Preparation
• Flavorful Filling Choices
• Proper Folding Technique
• Crispy Baking or Frying
• Balanced Spice Mix
• Uniform Thickness of Dough
• Seal Edges Securely
• Brushing with Ghee or Oil
• Adjusting Cooking Time
• Creative Variations in Fillings

Final Thought

Boost yourself on a culinary journey in Jeddah, where every bite is a flavor-packed delight.

You can taste many local Arabic cuisines, like the aromatic spices of Kabsa and the succulent layers of Shawarma, which are known to be mostly local Arabic foods in Jeddah. Each dish is a masterpiece that will leave you licking your fingers, savouring the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern tastes.

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