A Culinary Tour of Jeddah’s Best Traditional Dishes to Try

If Jeddah had a heartbeat, it would taste like this—bold, rich, and unforgettable!

Take a food trip in Jeddah to experience the finest flavors of Saudi Arabian cuisine and savor the region's finest gastronomic treats. The city's rich cultural legacy is beautifully reflected in its vibrant food scene, which harmoniously combines tradition and variety. Referred to as the Gateway to Mecca, Jeddah has a thriving culinary scene that encompasses Middle Eastern and Arabian cuisines.

From indulging in the most delectable Shawarma, among the most beloved traditional dishes, to feasting on the best Kabsa, an aromatic rice meal that will delight your palate, Jeddah has something for every foodie. A seafood lover? Jeddah has a great selection, including exquisite shrimp and fresh fish, while hummus and falafel are a must-try if you're yearning for Middle Eastern cuisine!

So, if you’ve been on the hunt for some of the best traditional foods in Jeddah, then worry not! We have created a complete guide to the best dishes you can have here. So, let’s dive into every bite and relish the flavors!

Who could forget Kabsa when it comes to traditional Jeddah cuisine? Both locals and tourists love this delightful meal, most often prepared with a combo of spices, such as saffron, cardamom, and black lime, giving this fragrant rice dish a distinct flavor. Kabsa is usually prepared with lamb or chicken, cooked to perfection, and serves as the centerpiece of festivals and family get-togethers.

A variety of veggies, meat, and flavored rice are layered throughout the cooking process to create a visually appealing and colorful dish. Kabsa is sometimes topped with raisins and roasted almonds to improve its appearance and flavor.

Another hallmark of traditional Jeddah cuisine is Mandi, which is known for its flavorful rice and succulent meat. Mandi, which originated in Yemen, has become a popular dish in Saudi Arabia, consisting of marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, cooked till it slips from the bone, and basmati rice prepared with a blend of spices, such as cumin and cloves.

What makes this dish so special is its preparation technique, which involves the slow-cooking of the meat in a conventional wood-fired oven to infuse it with amazing flavors. Not only does Mandi appeal to the palate, but it also depicts the community's dining culture. Make sure to pair this meal with a spicy tomato sauce and yogurt on the side.

To fully appreciate Mandi, Al-Mandi House and Al-Shurfa Restaurant are among the best places to eat in Jeddah.

Located on the Red Sea Coast, Jeddah offers a fantastic array of fresh seafood, which is a staple of the city's traditional cuisine. The local catch, from shrimp to fish, is transformed into mouthwatering dishes that pay tribute to the region’s rich marine heritage. Bold flavors shine through in the seafood, whether it’s fried, grilled, or served in hearty stews.

Local seafood favorites consist of grilled hammour (grouper) and a range of shrimp dishes. These meals are tasty and nutritious, and they are usually served with rice and fresh vegetables.

To experience the abundance of Jeddah's ocean, don't miss out on the seafood plate at Fish Market Restaurant!

Undoubtedly, among the most well-known classic foods from Jeddah that both locals and tourists yearn for is Shawarma. This mouthwatering street food is made with marinated meat slices—typically lamb, beef, or chicken—cooked on a vertical rotisserie. While the meat's inside stays moist and soft, the outside layer becomes tantalizingly crunchy.

Shawarma is usually served with fresh veggies, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles, on top of a warm pita wrap or flatbread. It is richly covered in tahini or garlic sauce to enhance its taste. Shawarma sellers can be found all across Jeddah, offering you a quick and filling dinner that captures the essence of the local cuisine.

For some of the best shawarmas, make your visit to Al-Baik, a well-known place for its fried chicken. Shawarma Factory is another great place where you can select from a variety of meats and toppings.

Two classic Jeddah staples that highlight the tastes of Middle Eastern food are falafel and hummus. Falafel is made up of fava beans or crushed chickpeas that have been mixed with herbs and spices and then deep-fried into balls. These crunchy treats are frequently served with tahini sauce and fresh veggies on pita bread.

Hummus, on the contrary, is a creamy dip prepared with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and pureed chickpeas. It is a common complement on many tables in Jeddah and goes well with falafel. For mouthwatering hummus and falafel, visit Mamma Noura and Al-Atas Restaurant, which is well known for its authentic tastes and welcoming ambiance.

Fattah is a popular traditional Saudi delicacy that has a unique position in Jeddah's culinary scene. This savory dish, often enjoyed during celebrations, is a great blend of rice, toasted bread, and soft meat. It is frequently topped with tangy sauces. A wide variety of flavors and textures, including crunchy, chewy, and saucy, complement the meal, making it suitable for many palates.  

For the finest Fattah, visit Al-Masbah for their take on this classic meal.

Another classic dish that portrays the richness of Jeddah's cuisine is Harees. A popular dish during Ramadan and special events, this dish has a smooth, porridge-like texture and is made with crushed wheat and soft meat, usually lamb or chicken. The slow cooking technique creates this comforting meal by allowing the flavors to blend.

Visit Al-Sharqiyah or Harees Al-Riyadh for a delicious bowl of Harees, which is made with passion and tradition.