
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Aţ Ţā’if, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia
1. Kabsa
A fragrant rice dish cooked with chicken and vegetables, a local favorite in Saudi Arabia. Try it at Al-Bakoury Restaurant.
- Authentic Taste: Serves traditional Saudi Arabian Kabsa made from a family recipe.
- Generous Portions: Offers generous portions that cater to large groups or individual appetites.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a comfortable and inviting dining environment for guests.
2. Mahshi
Stuffed vegetables like grape leaves or peppers filled with rice, meat, and spices. You can find this dish at Al-Ghamdi Restaurant.
- Variety of Fillings: Offers a range of stuffed vegetable options including grape leaves and peppers.
- Homemade Touch: Uses homemade recipes to create delicious and authentic Mahshi dishes.
- Traditional Decor: Features traditional Saudi Arabian interior design, creating a unique dining experience.
3. Fahsa
A rich and flavorful dish made with mutton, vegetables, and spices. Try it at Al-Ghamdi Restaurant.
- Slow-Cooked: Prepared using the traditional slow-cooking method to enhance flavors.
- Hearty Meal: Serves a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for those with a big appetite.
- Warm Hospitality: Provides warm Saudi Arabian hospitality to make guests feel welcome.
4. Harees
A porridge-like dish made with crushed wheat and meat. You can find it at Al-Nassar Restaurant.
- Traditional Preparation: Made using traditional methods to preserve its authentic taste.
- Comfort Food: Serves as a comforting and warming meal, especially during the winter months.
- Affordable Price: Offers affordable pricing for guests on a budget.
5. Mansaf
A dish made with lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt sauce and served over rice. Try it at Al-Bakoury Restaurant.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish in the Hijaz region, where Aţ Ţā’if is located.
- Flavorful Sauce: Offers a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the tender lamb perfectly.
- Celebratory Dish: Traditionally served at weddings and other special occasions.
6. Masgouf
Grilled carp fish seasoned with spices and herbs. Try it at Al-Thurayya Fish Market.
- Fresh Seafood: Uses freshly caught fish to ensure a delicious and flavorful meal.
- Traditional Preparation: Grilled using traditional methods, enhancing the natural flavors of the fish.
- Flexible Serving Sizes: Offers various serving sizes to cater to individual or group needs.
7. Samboosa
A triangular pastry filled with spiced meat, potatoes, or beans. Try it at any local bakery.
- Versatile Filling: Offers a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Portable Snack: Ideal for grab-and-go meals or as a snack on the go.
- Affordable Price: Offers affordable pricing, making it an accessible and convenient option for travelers.
8. Salta
A dish made with fried cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. Try it at any local restaurant.
- Hearty Meal: Serves a hearty and filling meal perfect for those with a big appetite.
- Vegetarian Option: Offers a vegetarian option for guests who prefer not to eat meat.
- Spicy Flavor: Features a spicy kick that adds flavor and excitement to the dish.
9. Kunafa
A sweet dessert made with shredded kunafeh pastry and cheese. Try it at Al-Balad Sweets Shop.
- Traditional Dessert: A traditional Arabian dessert with a rich and creamy texture.
- Variety of Flavors: Offers various flavors like nuts, pistachios, or rosewater.
- Ideal for Sharing: Perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it a great social dessert.
10. Luqaimat
Deep-fried dough balls soaked in sweet sugar syrup. Try them at Al-Balad Sweets Shop.
- Traditional Snack: A traditional Arabian snack that is both tasty and satisfying.
- Crispy Texture: Offers a delightful crispy texture when freshly prepared.
- Portable Snack: Ideal for grab-and-go meals or as a snack on the go.
11. Jam Doughnut (Khayali)
A doughnut filled with sweet jam. Try it at any local bakery.
- Sweet Treat: Offers a tasty and indulgent treat perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
- Variety of Fillings: Offers various fillings like strawberry, apricot, or date jam.
- Portable Snack: Ideal for grab-and-go meals or as a snack on the go.
12. Tea with Cardamom
A traditional Arabian tea infused with cardamom. Enjoy it at any local café.
- Relaxing Beverage: Serves as a relaxing beverage to enjoy after a meal or during social gatherings.
- Flavorful Aroma: Features a fragrant aroma and flavor from the cardamom pods.
- Warm and Inviting: Provides a warm and inviting environment for guests to unwind and socialize.
13. Arabian Coffee (Qahwa Arabiya)
A strong, black coffee flavored with cardamom and spices. Try it at any local café.
- Stimulating Beverage: Serves as a stimulating beverage to help guests stay awake during social gatherings.
- Flavorful Aroma: Features a rich and flavorful aroma from the cardamom pods and spices.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional Arabian beverage enjoyed for centuries.
14. Date Milk (Asid Al-Tamr)
A refreshing drink made with dates and milk. Try it at any local café.
- Refreshing Drink: Serves as a refreshing drink, especially during hot summer days.
- Sweet and Creamy: Offers a sweet and creamy taste from the dates and milk combination.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional Arabian beverage enjoyed for centuries.
15. Laban (Yogurt Drink)
A traditional yogurt drink flavored with mint or salt. Try it at any local café.
- Refreshing Drink: Serves as a refreshing drink, especially during hot summer days.
- Light and Refreshing: Offers a light and refreshing taste perfect for those who prefer not to drink coffee or tea.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional Arabian beverage enjoyed for centuries.