Saudi Arabia has one of the most diverse dining scenes in the Middle East. From Lebanese mezze to Japanese omakase, Riyadh and Jeddah rival any major city — and the Saudi food itself is world-class.
Saudi Arabia's food landscape covers every budget and cuisine type. Here's what you need to know before your first shop or restaurant visit.
All food sold in Saudi Arabia is halal by law. No need to look for halal certification — pork is completely absent. This includes supermarkets, restaurants, and street food.
Alcohol is officially illegal in Saudi Arabia. There are no bars, nightclubs, or off-licences. Non-alcoholic beer (Saudi, Bavaria 0%) and mocktails are widely available. Diplomatic compounds have different rules — expats on compounds have access to home brewing permissions in some cases.
Hypermarkets offer excellent international selections: Carrefour, Tamimi Markets, Panda, Danube, and Lulu Hypermarket. British expats find many familiar brands. Waitrose has an online presence via Noon. Al-Othaim and Bin Dawood are quality Saudi chains.
HungerStation (by Delivery Hero) dominates food delivery. Jahez is the main Saudi competitor. Both have wide restaurant coverage in all major cities. Orders via app — English language available. Average delivery SAR 8–15. Tips not expected but appreciated.
Saudi Arabia has a thriving specialty coffee scene. Riyadh and Jeddah have hundreds of independent cafes. Saudi coffee (Qahwa) is flavoured with cardamom and saffron — served in small cups at social events and offices. Starbucks, Costa, Tim Hortons all present.
Budget meals (shawarma, kabsa, fast food): SAR 15–40. Mid-range restaurant: SAR 60–120 per person. Fine dining: SAR 200–600+ per person. International chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut are extensively represented and very affordable.
Saudi cuisine is rich, aromatic, and deeply tied to hospitality traditions. These dishes are the foundation — try each one from a proper Saudi restaurant.
Saudi Arabia's most iconic dish: fragrant basmati rice cooked with chicken, lamb, or camel meat, mixed spices (baharat, cinnamon, cloves), dried limes, and tomatoes. Served on a communal platter with salad and dipping sauces. Every family has their own recipe.
Slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or whole chicken) over an underground tandoor oven with basmati rice. The meat falls off the bone, infused with smoke and spice. A staple at weddings and celebrations. Mandi restaurants in Al-Balad (Jeddah) are legendary.
Found on every corner, Saudi shawarma is exceptional. Chicken or meat slow-roasted on a vertical spit, wrapped in khubz (flatbread) with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. SAR 8–20. Late night staple after Isha prayer.
Ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans) with olive oil, lemon, cumin, and fresh herbs. Served with falafel and khubz for a classic Saudi breakfast. Many local bakeries open from 6am with fresh bread and ful.
Saudi-style samosas filled with spiced meat or cheese, deep fried until golden. A staple snack during Ramadan Iftar and at gatherings. Often served with a tangy yoghurt dip or date chutney.
The most Saudi hospitality experience: fresh or pressed dates (Medjool, Ajwa, Sukari varieties) served with Qahwa (Arabic cardamom coffee). Dates are a gift of honour — Saudi Arabia produces some of the world's finest.
In Saudi restaurants, it's common to eat with your right hand from shared communal plates (especially in traditional restaurants). If you're unsure, follow your host's lead. Finishing all the food on a communal plate is considered a compliment to the host. Leaving a little food signals you are satisfied.
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