Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
1. Kabsa (Mansaf Restaurant)
A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and meat, often served at special occasions. Taste the authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine at Mansaf Restaurant.
- Authentic Flavor: Mansaf is renowned for preserving traditional Kabsa recipes.
- Larger Portions: The servings at Mansaf are generous, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Located Centrally: Mansaf Restaurant is conveniently located in the Olaya district, making it easily accessible to tourists.
2. Madrouba (Al Bujairy Cafe)
A rich and flavorful stew made with chicken or lamb, cooked in a tangy tomato sauce and served over rice. Experience the comforting taste of Madrouba at Al Bujairy Cafe.
- Home-Cooked Taste: Al Bujairy Cafe prepares their Madrouba in the traditional way, like it's been made at home.
- Vegetarian Option: Al Bujairy offers a vegetarian version of Madrouba, using chickpeas instead of meat.
- Cozy Atmosphere: The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Al Bujairy Cafe makes it an inviting place to try local dishes.
3. Samboosa (Al Aseel Bakery)
A popular pastry filled with spiced ground meat or vegetables. Try the crispy and flavorful Samboosas at Al Aseel Bakery.
- Fresh Ingredients: Al Aseel uses fresh ingredients daily to ensure the best quality Samboosas.
- Variety of Fillings: Al Aseel offers a range of fillings, including meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Affordable Prices: Al Aseel Bakery provides delicious Samboosas at reasonable prices for travelers on a budget.
4. Harees (Al Faisaliah Tower's Souq Al Faisaliah)
A traditional dish made from crushed wheat and meat, cooked slowly to create a creamy texture. Savor Harees at Al Faisaliah Tower's Souq Al Faisaliah.
- Slow-Cooked Taste: The slow cooking process enhances the flavor of Harees, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
- Diverse Toppings: Souq Al Faisaliah offers various toppings for Harees, such as yogurt and spices.
- Central Location: Souq Al Faisaliah is located inside the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower, offering tourists a unique dining experience.
5. Kunafa (Al Bujairy Cafe)
A sweet and flaky dessert made from layers of crispy pastry, soaked in sugar syrup and topped with cheese. Indulge in the delectable Kunafa at Al Bujairy Cafe.
- Traditional Recipe: Al Bujairy Cafe uses a traditional recipe to create their melt-in-your-mouth Kunafa.
- Vegan Option: Al Bujairy offers a vegan version of Kunafa, using a cashew cheese substitute.
- Cozy Atmosphere: The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Al Bujairy Cafe makes it an inviting place to try local desserts.
6. Ful Mudammas (Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi)
A traditional dish made from cooked and mashed fava beans served with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Taste the simple yet flavorful Ful Mudammas at Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi.
- Authentic Flavor: Souk Al Thondi maintains traditional methods for preparing Ful Mudammas.
- Affordable Price: Ful Mudammas is a budget-friendly dish, perfect for travelers looking to sample local cuisine without breaking the bank.
- Rich History: Souk Al Thondi offers a glimpse into the rich history of Riyadh's old city while enjoying delicious Ful Mudammas.
7. Mahshi (Al Aseel Bakery)
Stuffed vegetables, such as bell peppers or tomatoes, filled with a mix of rice, herbs, and spices. Try the mouthwatering Mahshi at Al Aseel Bakery.
- Fresh Vegetables: Al Aseel uses fresh, seasonal vegetables for their Mahshi.
- Variety of Stuffings: Al Aseel offers various stuffing options, such as meat or vegetarian fillings.
- Affordable Prices: Al Aseel Bakery provides delicious Mahshi at reasonable prices for travelers on a budget.
8. Luqaimat (Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi)
Sweet and soft dough balls served with date syrup or honey. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Luqaimat at Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi.
- Traditional Recipe: Souk Al Thondi uses a traditional recipe to create their delicious Luqaimat.
- Affordable Price: Luqaimat is a budget-friendly dessert, perfect for travelers looking to sample local sweets without breaking the bank.
- Rich History: Souk Al Thondi offers a glimpse into the rich history of Riyadh's old city while enjoying traditional treats like Luqaimat.
10. Mandi (Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi)
A flavorful dish made by cooking meat and rice together in a fragrant blend of spices. Experience the tantalizing taste of Mandi at Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi.
- Authentic Flavor: Souk Al Thondi maintains traditional methods for preparing Mandi.
- Larger Portions: The servings at Souk Al Thondi are generous, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Rich History: Souk Al Thondi offers a glimpse into the rich history of Riyadh's old city while enjoying delicious local dishes like Mandi.
11. Shawarma (Al Aseel Bakery)
A popular Middle Eastern wrap filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, and sauces. Satisfy your cravings with Shawarma at Al Aseel Bakery.
- Fresh Ingredients: Al Aseel uses fresh ingredients daily to ensure the best quality Shawarmas.
- Variety of Fillings: Al Aseel offers a range of fillings, including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options.
- Affordable Prices: Al Aseel Bakery provides delicious Shawarmas at reasonable prices for travelers on a budget.
12. Salta (Al Faisaliah Tower's Souq Al Faisaliah)
A flavorful dish made from lentils cooked with vegetables and spices. Enjoy the hearty taste of Salta at Al Faisaliah Tower's Souq Al Faisaliah.
- Healthy Option: Salta is a nutritious dish, perfect for travelers seeking healthy meal options.
- Diverse Toppings: Souq Al Faisaliah offers various toppings for Salta, such as yogurt and spices.
- Central Location: Souq Al Faisaliah is located inside the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower, offering tourists a unique dining experience.
13. Labneh (Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi)
A creamy yogurt cheese served with olive oil, za'atar, and fresh vegetables. Taste the refreshing Labneh at Al Balad's Souk Al Thondi.
- Fresh Ingredients: Al Balad uses fresh ingredients daily to ensure the best quality Labneh.
- Traditional Recipe: Souk Al Thondi prepares their Labneh using a traditional recipe.
- Rich History: Souk Al Thondi offers a glimpse into the rich history of Riyadh's old city while enjoying traditional treats like Labneh.
14. Kunafa (Al Aseel Bakery)
A sweet and flaky dessert made from layers of crispy pastry, soaked in sugar syrup and topped with cheese. Indulge in the delectable Kunafa at Al Aseel Bakery.
- Traditional Recipe: Al Aseel uses a traditional recipe to create their melt-in-your-mouth Kunafa.
- Vegan Option: Al Aseel offers a vegan version of Kunafa, using a cashew cheese substitute.
- Affordable Prices: Al Aseel Bakery provides delicious Kunafa at reasonable prices for travelers on a budget.
15. Majboos (Al Faisaliah Tower's Souq Al Faisaliah)
A flavorful rice dish cooked with spices and meat, often served at special occasions. Taste the authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine at Majboos at Al Faisaliah Tower's Souq Al Faisaliah.
- Authentic Flavor: Souq Al Faisaliah is renowned for preserving traditional Majboos recipes.
- Larger Portions: The servings at Souq Al Faisaliah are generous, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Central Location: Souq Al Faisaliah is located inside the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower, offering tourists a unique dining experience.