Food History of AlBalad (Historic Old Town), Jeddah

The food history of AlBalad in Jeddah is as rich and diverse as its culture. Historically, AlBalad has been a melting pot of different cultures, thanks to its position as a major port on the Red Sea. This has resulted in a unique culinary scene that blends traditional Arabian flavors with African, Asian, and other Middle Eastern influences. The use of spices like saffron, cardamom, and cumin, along with ingredients like dates, lentils, and yogurt, has long characterized the local cuisine. The proximity to the sea also means that seafood is a significant part of the diet in the region.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in AlBalad

1. Seafood Sayadiyah (Non-veg): A local fish specialty cooked with rice and a mixture of aromatic spices, typically served with a tangy tahini sauce.
2. Al Harees (Non-veg): A warming wheat and chicken or lamb dish, seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked until creamy and tender.
3. Mutabbaq (Veg Option Available): A stuffed pancake originally from Yemen, often filled with minced meat or a mix of vegetables and then pan-fried.
4. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, often served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce.
5. Foul Medames (Veg): A hearty dish of fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, commonly eaten for breakfast.
6. Kabsa (Non-veg): A fragrant rice dish that includes meat or fish, typically flavored with a host of spices and served with vegetables.
7. Shawarma (Non-veg): Marinated chicken or lamb carved from a spit and wrapped in pita with veggies and sauce.
8. Hummus (Veg): A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas mixed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
9. Mahshi (Veg Option Available): Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, stuffed with rice and sometimes minced meat, and then cooked in tomato sauce.
10. Umm Ali (Veg): A sumptuous dessert made from pastry, milk, and nuts, somewhat similar to bread pudding.

Top Famous Restaurants in AlBalad and Their Specialty Dishes

• Al Baik
  Address: Multiple locations in AlBalad
  Famous Food: Grilled Chicken (Non-veg)
• Baba Khogi
  Address: Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: Mutton Kabsa (Non-veg)
• Al Tazaj
  Address: Al-Dahab St, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: BBQ Chicken (Non-veg)
• Jar Al Qamar
  Address: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz St, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: Seafood Platters (Non-veg)
• Matbakh Al Sharq
  Address: Al-Balad, Jeddah
  Famous Food: Shawarma (Non-veg)
• Al Nakheel
  Address: Al-Corniche St, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: Yemeni Mutton Mandi (Non-veg)
• Kababish
  Address: Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: Chicken Biryani (Non-veg)
• Khayal
  Address: Historic Jeddah, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Platter (Veg)
• Humus Refi
  Address: Al-Meena, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22413, Saudi Arabia
  Famous Food: Hummus and Falafel (Veg)
• Shawarma Shakir Aljazeera
  Address: Al-Balad, Jeddah
  Famous Food: Shawarma Combo (Non-veg)