Saudi Arabia
What to eat and drink in Saudi Arabia: dishes, etiquette and dietary tips
Try the national dish Kabsa or Mandi for a first meal, then sample regional plates like Jareesh, Saleeg and Haneeth; skip pork and alcohol and adjust if you need vegetarian options.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Typical lunch pricecheck
- SAR 30–60 (≈ $8–$16)
- Street food safety
- Generally safe if cooked hot and sold from busy stalls
- Halal only
- All meat served is halal; no pork or alcohol
Quick answer
Eat Kabsa or Mandi first; explore regional dishes like Jareesh (Najd), Saleeg (Hejaz), Haneeth (Asir) and Samak mashwi (coastal). Vegetarian travellers can rely on foul, mutabbal and salads. Avoid pork and alcohol, which are not served.
Cost and typical meals
A mid‑range restaurant meal costs SAR 30–60 per person (≈ $8–$16). Street‑food plates such as shawarma or falafel are around SAR 10–15 (≈ $3–$4). Prices rise in major cities and tourist zones.
| Meal type | Typical price (SAR) | When |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant lunch | 30–60 | Midday |
| Street food | 10–15 | Any time |
| Coffee & dates | 5–8 | Morning/afternoon |
Regional dishes to try
Najd: Jareesh (cracked wheat porridge) and Qursan (bread‑stew combo).
Hejaz: Saleeg (creamy rice with chicken) and Mutabbaq (stuffed pastry, savoury or sweet).
Asir: Haneeth (slow‑roasted lamb) and Areeka (ghee‑bread with honey).
Eastern Province: Machboos (spiced fish rice) and Samak mashwi (grilled whole fish).
- Kabsa – spiced rice with lamb or chicken, national dish.
- Mandi – Yemeni‑style pit‑cooked meat over smoked rice.
- Shawarma – chicken or beef shaved from a spit, available everywhere.
- Luqaimat – fried dough balls with date syrup, a sweet treat.
Etiquette and dietary tips
Eat with the right hand; the left hand is considered unclean.
Accept at least one cup of coffee (qahwa) with dates when offered; a gentle shake signals you are done.
Plates are shared; take food from the portion in front of you.
Vegetarians can order foul, mutabbal, hummus, salads and Indian veggie dishes; specify “bidoon lahm” (without meat). Vegan options are limited but available in Indian restaurants.
FAQ
- What are the must‑try dishes in Saudi Arabia? – Kabsa, Mandi, Jareesh, Saleeg, Haneeth and Samak mashwi cover the main regions.
- How much does a meal cost in Saudi Arabia? – Expect SAR 30–60 for a restaurant lunch, SAR 10–15 for street food; coffee with dates is about SAR 5–8.
- Is street food safe in Saudi Arabia? – Yes, if the stall is busy and the food is cooked fresh and served hot.
Questions people ask
What are the must‑try dishes in Saudi Arabia?
Start with Kabsa or Mandi, then try regional plates like Jareesh (Najd), Saleeg (Hejaz), Haneeth (Asir) and Samak mashwi (coastal).
How much does a meal cost in Saudi Arabia?
Mid‑range restaurant meals cost SAR 30–60 per person (≈ $8–$16); street‑food plates are about SAR 10–15 (≈ $3–$4).
Is street food safe in Saudi Arabia?
Generally yes when the stall is busy and the food is cooked hot; avoid any stall that serves food sitting out for long periods.
Can I find vegetarian food in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Foul, falafel, hummus, mutabbal and salads are widely available. Indian restaurants in cities also offer vegetarian dishes. Specify 'bidoon lahm' (without meat).
Is alcohol available in Saudi Arabia?
No. Alcohol is prohibited throughout the country. Non‑alcoholic beverages are widely available.
Check live
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Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Saudi Arabia guide
Ask about Saudi Arabia
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